<p>I am currently working on a research project with plasma physics at UCLA, but the analysis of the data will not be done in time to write a good report on the results, to send in to Caltech. I was thinking of writing a report on the experiment, without including final results, I was thinking of just writing it on what is being done and give an overview of plasma physics in general, and write a hypothesis of what I think the result should be, and explain why, etc. And send that in, do you think that would work, will it look good, especially if my report is put together well?
Thanks to all those who reply,
Shir
PS
the experiment has to do with the dispersion relation of waves in a plasma. I would explain that too and show my calculations involving finding a certain point where the waves disappear.</p>
<p>What the committee cares about as far as research goes is some assurance that it’s <em>serious</em>, as opposed to some trivial job you got because you heard research was “the thing to do.” So they basically need to be convinced that it’s evidence of intiative and abilty as opposed competence at washing test tubes.</p>
<p>That said, your idea about submitting a preliminary report sounds good. It may well be seen by a physics professor, and as long as it’s clear that there’s serious intellectual work and some hope of getting an interesting result, they will give you the credit for it. An evaluation from a mentor would also be helpful, but only if it can say something that shows they actually observed you work and think you did a good job (i.e. not a typical meaningless rec).</p>
<p>Anyway, since the committee wants evidence that you did something serious, sending something is better than sending nothing, no matter what stage the research is at, provided that you can send something meaningful and somewhat significant.</p>
<p>:)
Ben</p>
<p>I totally second everything that Ben said. :0</p>
<p>Galen</p>