<p>I am planning on submitting my research as a part of my supplement. However, it hasn't been formatted like a published research paper, but rather like a science report for a science fair. The language and all is formal and scientific, but the paper design is, in a sense, a little less rigid and a little more colourful.</p>
<p>Do you think this is a bad idea? Should I reformat it, or just keep the design?</p>
<p>I think if you actually submit a supplement and wants it reviewed by academic faculty, it should be something at the professional level. If this research was done under the guidance of a university professor or your science teacher, that mentor would be the best person to ask to see if the paper is worth submitting. (How would he as a scientist view this paper if it was just passed along to him for review?)</p>
<p>Also, if you’ve already received recognition for this work through Siemens/ISEF/etc, those alone already speak to the quality of the work even if you don’t submit the actual paper. </p>
<p>What motivated you to do the research, what you learned from it, and what the research is all about in layperson’s terms is probably more interesting to the admission officer to read about than the actual paper itself, which may or may not even get forwarded to an academic department.</p>
<p>The research was done at a university lab, under the guidance of a senior researcher. I competed at ISEF, and I placed third in my category. I think you’re right. I’ll work with my mentor to make it look more professional.</p>
<p>I want to submit my research because I talk about it in my main Common App essay, which basically revolves around how I got my science fair idea.</p>
<p>Anyway, thanks!</p>
<p>I’m glad to be of help :)! Congrats with ISEF and good luck with everything!</p>