Basically I enjoy science but haven’t participated in any kind of research program. (I will, next summer!)
So I think it might be a good idea to start my individual research project on a specific topic.
Since my main focus would be in Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering / Chemistry, I potentially want to do some research on polymers.
I’ve taken AP Chem last year but I don’t think that’s enough foundation tho. Should I study organic chemistry before starting a research idea on polymers or should i just move on to other topics that I might be interested in?
How would you conduct legitimate research without a lab? Theoretical knowledge from AP classes is definitely not enough and what you’d be doing probably wouldn’t be impressive. A smart approach would be to email local professors to ask for opportunities to work in their labs.
Chemistry is one of those subjects that is very difficult to actively purse before college. Basically, your options include:
(1) A in AP course
(2) 750 - 800 on SAT II
(3) 4 - 5 on AP exam
(4) Discussing your interest in essay (i.e. why do you want to study chemistry-related topics in college)
(5) Olympiad
(6) Shadow professor or intern in lab
To answer your main question: Doing your own research is not, in any way, a deal-breaker when it comes to college admissions. If you really want to do your own research, you should look into the Intel ISEF competition.
@Skarlo But should I have a clear idea of what I’m about to do in their lab? Like, should I make a specific proposal before I even ask for the opportunity? If so, I suppose I should get myself familiar with the topic and come up with a plan. Right?
@1golfer1 Thx.
I’ve got a numerical score of 99 (i.e. A) in AP chem, 800 on SAT chem plus a 5 on AP Chem exam.
I’ll definitely discuss my interest in my essay, but would conducting a research be a more detailed way of doing so? Idk.
Since I’m not a US citizen, I wouldn’t be eligible to participate in USChO.
Competitions like ISEF are what I’m thinking about rn. But I’m only like a beginner in these science-fair stuff. I suppose gaining some experience in conducting a research might be helpful for me.
Successful HS students I know who have done lab research spent tons of time reading academic journal articles by local research scientists. When they came across areas that matched their likes, they introduced themselves to the researcher, hoping to pair up with their ongoing work.
No, you don’t need to do this. Like @T26E4 says, you need to join a lab that already has ongoing research that matches your research interests. You can look on professors’ webpages to see what kind of research they do; you should also read abstracts of scientific journal articles, as those will indicate the researcher’s most recent work. (Many university webpages are outdated and haven’t been updated in months or years.)
However, do be aware that many labs won’t take on high school students at all. Because of their inexperience and lack of formal education in chemistry, sometimes they’re more work than they are worth. Only professors (or postdocs or grad students) who are really invested in training the next generation of scientists from a very young age will be inclined to hire you in. However, don’t let that discourage you from trying - I’m just warning that you may need to contact a few labs before you find a slot.
