Before Senior Year

Get organized for your research experience in early summer.

Before your research has begun, create a loose research plan.

This usually includes an initial research question, a hypothesis, a list of necessary materials and where to get them, a few links to important background research, and some sort of schedule.

Communicate with your mentor often.

Ask them if you need to do anything prior to the experience. Ask logistical questions like what you should wear and what time they want you to be there, etc. If they send you background literature to review, ask clarifying questions about that.

Discuss forms.

Fill out everything that you're able to fill out independently. Then, have your mentor look over them and sign.

Document your research.

Take notes of what you are doing each day.

When you need to write your research paper, later on, it will be easier to remember and write specific details.

Take photos, if you're allowed to.

You will be able to add these to your paper and your presentation. Also, when writing your paper, these pictures will help to jog your memory.

Stay on your feet.

Don't be afraid to take initiative and adapt your research plan. If you have an idea, discuss it with your mentor.

They will likely appreciate your leadership and creative thinking.

There will be days when you feel defeated or come to a crossroads in your research; consistently recognize your accomplishments, no matter how small.

Participating in research at all is extremely impressive, especially at this age.

Summer is short.

You may not be able to finish an entire research project in the time frame.

Do what you can and, afterward, frame your project question and paper around what you have done.

Start drafting your research paper in the summer, even if it's just a list of bullet points.

In the fall, you are going to need a lot of time to write many college supplements; write your Regeneron essays over the summer.

Some of them can be completed before you begin your research because the prompts revolve around your personality and hobbies.