Who's behind this, and more importantly, what is this?
My name is Hemish Kumar. I'm a 16 year old student in Aberdeen who loves Economics and Politics. You probably don't know me, but I'm sure we share at least one common experience - struggling desperately to find anything, from volunteering, to work experience, essay competitions, research projects, Olympiads currently running, and more importantly, open to our age range, that would benefit your interests in politics and economics, and strengthen your applications for university.
However, I think I have a solution. I am running a 100% volunteer-led, volunteer-run research group made up of only 15 to 18 year-olds who get to choose their own ideas and interests to write on, collaborate with others in creating research pieces, and have their work published and credited. If that sounds interesting to you, consider applying, by continuing to the Apply page or simply emailing me at hshecon@gmail.com
I want more details!
If you apply and can volunteer with YER, you will be invited to our Discord server where all discussion takes place. You can look for teams where the research prompt interests you. If none of the teams interest you, you can always submit your own idea and form a team, or wait for others with similar interests to join you, in which case you would be the lead author. Once your team has finished their research project, it will be sent to two random students who will assess your work on multiple metrics. You can also assess other people's work. Your work will then be published on the site, and be entered into a quarterly vote for best research project which will be decided by the entire volunteer body.
On a side note, if you don't want to write but simply talk with like-minded people, just say that in your application form and you will just be invited to the Discord.
How would this help me?
In short... because you will have actually done something, and not just written about doing something. Here, unlike in essay competitions, where if you don't win you have nothing to take away, you will have a record of academic work you produced, which universities can see at any time on the site, or upon request. You will get feedback on your work, collaborate in teams, meet deadlines and most importantly, learn more about what interests YOU. This isn't a golden ticket into your dream university, but at least there is evidence of real independent thought and initiative. I'll always be happy to give admissions officers more details if you choose to mention YER in your application.
YER counts towards your Saltire Awards and DofE, so consider signing up if you are interested!
You may be considering alternatives like the Meridian Society. We differ from them - we don't judge applicants. You come to YER to work independantly, and that's what's great about it.
YER can only work when like-minded people work together, so if I have sold you on the idea, consider applying and tell your friends!
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email me at hshecon@gmail.com