<p>Hello, I've done some independent research about a huge prehistoric crater on Mars (independent means entire project was completed by myself include the abstract writting, no teacher or professor helped me)...my research abstract was accepted by an international conference and published in a supplement of an international journal(the "formal" journal has an above 3 impact factor) last year. The conference was included by the ISI proceedings and the NASA Astrophysics Data System at Harvard.</p>
<p>I attended the meeting at Swiss Federal institute of Technology (ETH Zuirch) and I got an enthusiastic recommendation letter from an ETH professor. I travelled in Switzerland all alone and arrived Jungfrau at Alps only wore sandals!!:D</p>
<p>I didn't get into ISEF because of unfair treatment in my regional fair. I have no mentor.</p>
<p>I have another research which Finite Element Analysis was used. I self- studied all background knowledge. I'm international and English is not my native language. Any of you sent your research to Harvard for evaluation? How will them evaluate meeting abstracts? And how to prepare my research project for admission? Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>You might want to send just the abstract with your application, with an offer to send the whole paper if Harvard wants to have someone on the faculty evaluate it. (The admissions staff would be unqualified to determine the scientific value of the paper themselves.) </p>
<p>You simply must look into the other great astronomy and astrophysics departments at other top schools! Mathematically there is less than 10% chance for anyone to be admitted, and all the schools will be looking for maturity and positive personal qualities (so much of Amercan science research is collaborative, which means working well in groups). Try to redirect your intense focus on Harvard to an intense passion for your science, and you will become a more attractive candidate to top colleges. If you believe in yourself and in the importance of your research, that enthusiasm will attract admissions officers. Please consider that an obsession with just one college will make admissions officers more cautious. The American system is "wholistic", they look at the whole person, not just one area of accomplishment. Use this time to gather your whole life goals, and try to create a positive approach. You obviously have great research skills and individual motivation, you also have to begin accepting the random nature of institutioins and outcomes. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Thanks a lot! fauve, did you mean that the word "independent" would adversely effect on my application? I believe I could do well at team work, the ETH professor mentioned that I could discuss scientific and other topics on an advanced level at the meeting in the recommendation letter. The fact that I have to done my research project all alone is due to the lack of a mentor and supports.</p>
<p>My purpose is to show that I have a board-range of curiosity on science, the other research of mine is about fluid dynamics. I plan to continue to take science courses and do research in college. </p>
<p>Because I didn't get into ISEF(it's the reason why I submitted it to the conference). I'm afraid without an ISEF will be insufficient. I want Harvard to treat my research ability equally, and more directly, to enhance my chance. </p>
<p>Since the published abstract was very short, only half a page.</p>
<p>I wish Harvard would not only focus on the scientific value of my research, but the motivation and the passion are more important to an undergraduate candidate.</p>
<p>What's the requirement of successfully presenting a research for admission?</p>
<p>I can't apply for these schools although I know a professor at UCSD well. My total family income is less than 3000$ per year. I'm living in China and holding a Chinese passport. Therefore, I can't study in US without full financial aid. I should only apply for schools which offer full financial for international students, and they are generally very top schools. Best of luck to you guys.</p>
<p>I think its fine to focus on the fact that you did your research independently, it shows great motivation and perseverence. My suggestion to develop a wholistic approach to your application was a hint about your comment in Post #4...please be careful about public pleas such as this--people from university offices may read posts here. And you want to present a profile that shows personality strength and balance. Good luck!</p>
<p>Maybe there exists a cultural difference. We often say one's life to show that guy's determination. Your suggestion is truly valuable. So, what all I need to do is to care for my essay?</p>
<p>I'm so glad your comment was a phrase of determination! There is a real concern in the U.S. about students' threats of suicide or violence, after all the incidents in American high schools, and the massacre at Virginia Tech. Any indication of personality imbalance can sink a student's admissions chances.</p>
<p>As for your essay--Just express your passion for your science and share your experiences of how you accomplished your research, despite few financial resources, and lack of a mentor support.</p>
<p>That's a serious problem in US. We are under a greater pressure and competition in China but we can control ourselves. And everyone's life must be respected.</p>
<p>I think the breakdown of the family is a cause of much out of control behavior in the US. Few families live close to grandparents, aunts and uncles, so children do not have extended relations and support nearby. American media culture empasizes a glorification of violence, youth, and materialism, and disregards education. Sad.</p>
<p>It would be interesting to compare the overall level of violence (fighting) in a typical city of China with that of a typical city in the United States. The last time I traveled in China I was AMAZED at how many fights I saw among adults in public places--I have seen very few anywhere in the United States, over a much longer span of time including travel to every state in the United States.</p>
<p>The families are the same in China, many parents are fostering only one child and composing a typical "tri-people family". Since the culture and media will deeply impact the youth. Traditional Chinese culture emphasizes at lifeness, loveness and moderatism.</p>
<p>to tokenadult : the rudeness of these adults are related to their educational background. however, school bleeding in youth that happens rarely. China has 1.3 billion people but lacks of education.</p>