For a minute Assistant Teaching, or TA-ing, was the coveted activity to list in the Common Application. And then it was getting certified in Python. A couple of years ago, a student told me the latest trend was belly-dancing. She was certain her dedication to this artform would wow the colleges she was applying to. Now, engaging in research seems to be in vogue. Should your student drop everything and dive deep into a topic or field? My answer is: It depends.
The Subject Matter
I had a student tell me that she was offered an internship assisting a professor who was researching the impact of screen-time on brain development in preschoolers. She’s not a prospective neuroscience or childhood development major, so I said, “Does this interest you?” and she said, “Not really.” Don’t waste your time on research that doesn’t support your academic pursuits just to fill a CA Activity slot.
The Sponsor
My first question when evaluating research opportunities for students is: Who’s conducting the study? Is it funded by a reputable institution? Is it with a professor from an accredited university who needs help? One student was about to pay an organization for a summer program that promised “original research” credit. When we vetted the outlet, we couldn’t find any Testimonials or Published Research Sample Documents. Do your “research” before investing your time and dollars in gaining research experience.
The Reward
I had a student who assisted a Columbia University American History professor and when he offered to credit her in the finished project, she said she’d never felt so valued. This experience led to her majoring in US History and pursuing a higher degree to hopefully become a college professor.
As with any extracurricular pursuit, research can both enhance and enrich a student’s high school experience as well as change their prospective career choices. The key is to ensure the time is well-spent on a legitimate project with a knowledgeable mentor.
MAY