<p>I have worked in the same lab at the local University for the past 1 year or so, completed a project that got me to ISEF and that I will probably take to Siemens Westinghouse this year. The thing is, I got the position through a local program that gives us a $500 scholarship at the end and prints the board for us that we use for the regional level of ISEF (this is about $100 worth of stuff). </p>
<p>This year, I don't know if I should do the program again, which is valued at about $600, none of it cash, or take the paid job offer that the lab has given me. It pays $7/hour and I could probably make around $1500 throughout the year, and even hold it for the summer if I wanted. I would be doing the same work in either case, but do colleges like paid or unpaid research better? Unpaid shows more that you are doing it out of passion, but I hope that I have already shown that, and if I do it paid, not only will it show that I am not just sitting around and that they are actually willing to PAY me to continue, it will also make it more possible since I will not need to worry about getting another job or anything.</p>
<p>hey Vinny, lol... sorry, I just find it kinda funny that we're both randomly looking at CC so late at night. Anyway, I think that that paid research opportunity sounds really good, especially if the research is the same regardless. The fact that your work was strong enough to merit a paid position will itself show passion - not everyone is offered a paid research job. The money seems like icing on the cake (very tasty icing, though, lol).</p>
<p>the money. seriously. ;) good luck and <em>hugs</em>, vinny. </p>
<p>no really, a couple years ago, i was in the same position, and i took the pay. but i mean, it kinda makes you work harder if you're getting money for it (damn, $7 an hour is sweeeet)... like, i was in the lab from 8 to 6 every day instead of like some other kids there who were not hired employees and would just skip all mornings, or something like that.</p>
<p>(oh btw, i usually don't hang around CC, actually i never come on here, but i had to post something *****in' about that goddamn hurricane somewhere ;) )</p>
<p>Thanks guys haha. My parents are a little opposed to it though since they don't want me chasing hours and stuff just for money. But colleges will like the money more?</p>
<p>Sorry to bring this thread back up guys, but after agreeing, my parents soon changed their mind and decided that they wouldn't let me do it. I could still try to get them to let me do it, though. They say they don't want me "chasing hours" and not doing the work for the love of the work. They say that I'll start to just stay at the lab working late just so that I can get paid, and start thinking about money too much. They say that especially since this is my Senior year, that would be bad. What do you guys think? Should I still go for it?</p>
<p>Perhaps if you & your parents & the lab can establish reasonable guidelines, like maximum # of hours worked during the week & on weekends, this could work out well. I don't see why this has to develop into a major battle--there are better things to argue about. It's best to work things out with the parties involved--compromises can be best.</p>
<p>ah thank you HImom! I didn't even think of establishing some maximum # hours worked.</p>
<p>Okay one more thing, since the program that would require me to do it unpaid is worth about $600, I would have to work about 90 hours to equal it. Do you think this is possible? Seems not too hard, over almost a whole year, but just making sure...</p>
<p>When I was in college, they did not allow us to work more than 20 hours/week for work/study because they really want us to focus on our schoolwork. I would think that as a high school student, no more than 7-10 hours/week would be sane, especially since it's senior year. Perhaps fewer hours until you get all your college aps in & more during breaks if you really want to (but it's fun to also ENJOY your senior year).
If you can do lab work on weekends, as well, it would be easier to fit things into your schedule. Anyway, talk it over with your parents & lab & see how things evolve.</p>
<p>Ok so it's final, I can't do BOTH of them. The money is likely to be better with the actual paid work, so it boils down to the big question: will colleges see it as me earning the paid job or as it being such a menial job that I must get paid to do it. I don't want my passion for the work to get shadowed by my getting paid. What'll they see it as?</p>
<p>They will see it for what it is, and there is likely little difference to the college if you are doing the exact same thing, as you state. Really, you should choose based upon what you would be doing and the value in it. To me, you have already done one year of this program. Is it adding to your knowledge/skills to do another year and enter a competition. Or are they offering you to do the exact same thing job and you are getting the advantage of having shown that you are competent to be paid for the work. (That's a nice thing for a regular resume and future summer jobs.) </p>
<p>Don't over focus and split hairs over which is better to a college. Your continuing to work in this area is what counts--paid or no is of less significance.</p>
<p>Hey all, just an update as to what I'm doing: It looks like I'm getting paid for work that I've done in August, September, and part of October, and then doing the program to get the scholarship also. The thing I didn't realize about the program is that it also helps with making connections locally, which can prove to be invaluable. The lady that runs the program is well known and being an alum of the program may prove to be beneficial later. </p>
<p>I guess I see it like this now: if you were given the chance to either go to RSI, or get paid $15,000 instead to conduct the same research (at RSI, your 6 weeks cost some sponsor about $10,000), what would you choose? Of course, RSI, for many reasons. Also, the other guy that works in the lab here with me was really mad when he wasn't allowed to join the program again since he's already been paid, so maybe it really is better... heh O:-)</p>