<p>This has been killing me for a long time and I want an answer once and for all. I need a passion in my life, both for college stuff and my life. I tried learning lots and lots of languages. Not working. I tried studying for the biology Olympiad. Did not work. I failed epically. I wanted to create a students union ( don’t think colleges would like that much). I’m just lost. I want something that will distinguish me. So here is an idea I had. Why not research something in detail, like beta particle decay. The problem is how I can prove that I know it really well. Is there a type of paper that I can write about it? This is my main question. Also if you have any suggestions for me give it up!</p>
<p>… A sport perhaps… Art… Video making… The school play… Just be good academically in school… I don’t know. From what I’ve seen you don’t need a passion to get into a great school; just the ability and want to learn…</p>
<p>Look harder. A passion doesn’t even have to be school-related. It could be learning a new language (as opposed to, “lots and lots”), cooking, quantum mechanics, chess, classical music, abstract art, you name it.</p>
<p>The thing about doing research in high school is, it’s should be innovative in some way. Writing a paper on, say, Goldbach’s conjecture and what is already known won’t do much other than hone your writing skills. If you somehow manage to prove the conjecture, or prove a lemma relating to the conjecture, I’d be impressed. For science-related topics, why not do a science fair project?</p>
<p>I think the thing here is not going to try to distinguish yourself. I think if you want to do something, have passion in it. If your heart isn’t in the work, then it’s not going to go well. Plain and simple.</p>
Not only would rspence be impressed, but I’d guess that all of academia would be as well. Expect a fields medal and admission to hypsm too…</p>
<p>IMO, you’re trying to hard. Explore different interests and don’t force a passion (or they’ll all end up like your languages). See if it’s not too late to join clubs; if you can, join any that seem remotely interesting. You never know, these clubs may end up serving as the foundation of a new passion.</p>
<p>^If he or she manage to prove the Goldbach Conjecture, the entirety of the math faculty at Carnegie Mellon would pay for your schooling to come there, and then give you what you want.</p>
<p>You are trying too hard to be unique. You will end up looking foolish in the long run. Find a club, hobby, activity, something that slightly sparks your interest. Invest some time in it and see how you feel. If you force yourself to do something your application won’t seem genuine and your essay will be transparent.</p>