<p>I know that some high schools actually have teachers and advisors who work with students to prepare them for these national competitions. Do you guys know if students can prepare for these outside of school?</p>
<p>no way…the format alone is a science</p>
<p>For sure. I went to ISEF this year, and although I completed the project through my school, I had no help from my teachers or any school-related advisors. The bulk of my help came from outside people, ie parents and friends, that had some knowledge in my field. This upcoming year, I AM going to work with a professor at the local university, but it won’t be through my school at all. What I recommend is, if you have the resources, try to find an advisor of sorts, but it definitely doesn’t have to be through school. As long as you can find district fairs and what not, you’ll be fine. Most people at ISEF prepared outside of school, but some outside help is probably important.</p>