<p>I am interested in conducting an experiment and writing a research paper about it. However, the topic has been generalized. I mean, there is a general conclusion of the research topic, but not specific descriptions or experiments that lead to the conclusion. So, would it be unoriginal to conduct an experiment about it?</p>
<p>Plenty of scientists run their own versions of other studies, to observe the process, verify conclusions, or just plain see what they get. Earthshattering? No. Valid? Maybe. Many change a variable or two, to see the results. What is your intent? To show a college? An unsupervised study doesn’t offer adcoms the perspective of professionals.</p>
<p>Well, I live in Egypt where no internship or research opportunities are available for high school students as in U.S. But, I love biology and will be applying to college as biology major. So, I thought at least I should try to do something so I would not get behind, to compare with the students in U.S.and Korea, where I come from. By the way, I asked the professor at American University here in Egypt for guidance; however, I doubt he will help me because as I mentioned before, student research opportunity is very rare in Egypt. Anyway, thanks for your kind, quick reply!</p>
<p>For adcoms, ime, adult interaction is important- not just that you do “something” but that you are meeting the expectations of the adults with relevant experience. Doing this with guidance from the professor (or, at least, feedback) would beat doing it on your own (saying you did it on your own.) </p>
<p>Adcoms generally know what sorts of opportunities other countries have (or are available based on regions of another country.) Or don’t.</p>
<p>Also be careful of how you come across in your reason for doing the research. If it looks like you did the research to pad your applications, it won’t help. If you do the research because it’s a topic that genuinely interests you, and that comes across in the way you write about it, it may help. Colleges look at your application in the context of what is available to you. While it may look to you like research is readily available to American students, that’s not really true. SOME American students have access to research opportunities, but most do not. I would focus on what unique opportunities are available to you in Egypt, and make good use of the resources you have.</p>
<p>There are quite a few students using their parent’s connections to get them into a university or research organization, just to publish something trendy and get into Intel Talent search. At the end, that can help the kid quite and bit.</p>
<p>Actually, few kids can truly publish at a level that would impress adcoms. They know the kid’s role is meager, in comparison to what seasoned pros and grad students can do. (But it sounds good on the chance-me threads, sure.) </p>
<p>I think CT has a god idea- if you can’t plug into some lab opportunity, maybe there is a sideways opportunity- volunteering at a science-based program, maybe. Environmental or policy or a cause. It all goes toward showing the applicant is motivated and can take on some role.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your replies, CTScoutmom, kxc1961, and lookingforward!
And yes, I agree that I should not do the research just cuz it would look good on my college app…it would be merely wasting time. I would find more things that I can only do while I am staying in Egypt! Again, thank you all!</p>