Do I Need a Passion Project for Highly Selective  Colleges?
1903, 2026

Do I Need a Passion Project for Highly Selective  Colleges?

By Lydia C. In short: No. A passion project is not a requirement for admissions to any college/university, not even to the most selective. Indeed, many successful applicants are admitted without having undertaken a formal independent project. Additionally, not every student has the privilege of time or resources to do an independent project, and colleges understand that you might have significant family responsibilities, a part-time job, or financial or personal

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Making the Most of Professors in Pre-College Programs
2406, 2025

Making the Most of Professors in Pre-College Programs

by Abby G. Professors who engage in pre-college programs are more than just experts in their fields; they’re your first glimpse of what it’s like to learn in a college environment, and they’re one of the most valuable resources you’ll find. Here’s what I’d advise any student looking to get the most out of their time:

Turn Your Summer College Program into a Powerful Application Asset
1706, 2025

Turn Your Summer College Program into a Powerful Application Asset

by David H. N., PhD Summer programs on college campuses are not just for filling a slot in the activities section of your college application, they can be a life-changing experience that alters the trajectory of your life. Benefit 1: Gain Great Experiences to Write About in College Essays Great college essays tell great stories, and great stories are based on life-changing experiences. Summer programs at colleges are a prequel

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How to Launch a Cool Micro-Project (That Colleges Will Love)
1106, 2025

How to Launch a Cool Micro-Project (That Colleges Will Love)

by Jennifer L. If you’re a high school student wondering how to stand out on college applications, here’s a secret: you don’t need a national award or a research lab internship. You can create a mini passion project—right from your bedroom—that showcases initiative, creativity, and genuine curiosity. These “micro-projects” are small, self-directed experiences you build around a topic you care about. The key? Make it real, personal, and purposeful. Step

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How to Find Research Opportunities
2201, 2025

How to Find Research Opportunities

by Sophia S. Research offers high school students a valuable opportunity to explore topics in STEM and medicine by asking questions, engaging in scientific inquiry, and diving deeper into specific subjects. It’s also a great way to strengthen your resume and college application through hands-on research experience, presentations, and publications. Additionally, research provides exposure to careers in scientific fields and the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors. How can a

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What to Expect in Summer Program Research?
1501, 2025

What to Expect in Summer Program Research?

by Diane N. Are you a high school student considering a summer research program? Diving into the world of scientific research can be both exciting and intimidating. Here’s what you can expect from your first research experience: The Research Process Literature Review: You’ll start by reading scientific papers related to your project. This helps you understand the current state of research in your field. Hypothesis Formation: Based on your reading,

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What Counts as Advanced Training in STEM Research?
2106, 2024

What Counts as Advanced Training in STEM Research?

by David H. N., PhD Advanced training in STEM research is one of the most important extracurricular activities in college applications. This type of training is often unique compared to what a student learns in AP courses or community college courses. Due to the nature of these training programs, they might also allow the student to create novel contributions to STEM or intriguing proof of concept discoveries. However, these trainings

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Starting Your First Internship or Research Project: 3 Essential Tips
0706, 2024

Starting Your First Internship or Research Project: 3 Essential Tips

by Diane N. Starting your first internship or research project can be both thrilling and daunting. Here are three essential tips to help you make the most of this opportunity and set yourself up for success. Understand the Dress Code and Safety Procedures First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the dress code and safety procedures of your lab environment. In a wet lab, where we analyze and test biological

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Steps to Securing STEM Research Opportunities for High School Students
2203, 2024

Steps to Securing STEM Research Opportunities for High School Students

by Ziba R. By engaging in STEM research internship programs, students can explore diverse fields and develop a deeper understanding of their interests. These experiences not only bolster college applications but also cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills essential for their future careers. Ultimately, research program internships empower students to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community while paving the way for their academic and professional growth. Below is

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How to Write a Personal Essay on a Research Project
0103, 2024

How to Write a Personal Essay on a Research Project

by Michelle P. From our past blog posts, many students would be aware of the importance of summer research or other research project experiences during the school year. Not only is research a good way to demonstrate a specific academic interest for colleges, it also helps students deepen their enthusiasm and exploration for later career directions. But whether your research project centers around analyzing data on native bumblebee populations or

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So Many Colleges, So Many Choices!
2306, 2023

So Many Colleges, So Many Choices!

by Jennifer L. While last week’s post discussed the basics you should consider for your college list, how do you actually go about researching and building it in detail? With over 5,000 degree-granting universities in the United States, how do you decide which one is the right fit for you? Step 1:  Reflection The college search process starts with you understanding yourself and your college goals.  Once you have an

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