How do Sci-Fair Finalists conceive of winning topics?

opqpop
Fri, 14 Mar 2008 23:42:35 +0000

If you’re interested in winning Siemens/Intels, all I can say is that getting Siemens semi-finalist / regional finalist or Intel semi-finalist is all about the paper…and let me tell you that I know kids from my school who spent 8 weeks w/ a college professor (mentor) and win by barely even doing anything. They spent most of their times playing on the computers and doing menial tasks for the professor, and then just wrote a 20 page paper that was literally puffed up and made professional by the professor at the end.

That is not to say however that all the winners are like this. I’m sure the Siemens national finalists & Intel finalists actually spent tons of time and effort in their project and are truly outstanding students. I’m just pointing out that winning the lower categories (which are still considered excellent to put on your resume) is possible as long as you have an excellent mentor willing to help edit and polish your paper.

So yeah, I’d start by either applying for RSI or finding a mentor. Just go contact some professors in the subjects you’re interested in (bio, chem, phys, math, environmental, psychology, etc.) and ask if they can be your mentor/tell them about your plans.