The Uniqueness of Independent Research at your Local University

I’m currently doing some independent cancer research at a local University (under a mentor of course), and I’m curious, does doing independent research boost your application nowadays as it used too? Or is it a common thing for the average competitive high school STEM student? I’m not going to stop doing research or anything based on the responses I receive, I’m just wondering what things are looking like presently.

You previously used Yale as an example. They will have lots of stem kids who did independent or team cancer research (or other medical research.) Most high school kids aren’t charged with the critical level of independent responsibility a grad student, professor, or professional would be. Adcoms know that, but value the way kids get involved. It’s more of a mark of commitment and skills, than any tip. By all means, keep at it.

@TheMadScientistX Hi! I was wondering if you’d be willing to chat about how you got into independent research? I have no mentors as I have doggedly contacted every professor within an hour and a half area. W

@Ana2000 Emperor Science Award Program.