The Regeneron ISEF (formerly known as the Intel ISEF) is one of the nation’s premier science fairs for high school students. Winning it can provide you with a significant edge when applying to colleges.
To win top ISEF prizes, your project must be creative and of value to the scientific community. That is, your research must contribute towards solving a pressing problem that affects people’s lives.
What is ISEF?
ISEF is the world’s largest science fair for high school students, held annually in May with over $5 million worth of prizes awarded each year.
Top ISEF prize winners typically enjoy widespread recognition and an enhanced college application, but it’s essential to recognize that winning the fair requires a great deal of hard work. In addition to research, you must prepare your project and give a presentation.
Additionally, the project you submit should demonstrate significant value to the scientific community. That means it must be creative and beneficial to those working in this area; otherwise, it won’t qualify for ISEF consideration.
That is one of the primary reasons why only the top projects are chosen for Intel ISEF. Winning ISEF requires a great deal of dedication, passion and hard work – but the rewards are immense.
How do I get started?
If you plan to submit your science fair project to Intel ISEF, it is essential that you begin as soon as possible. ISEF is a demanding competition that necessitates extensive effort and time.
Before you begin your research, select a topic that interests you. This will make it easier to stay motivated throughout the project and present your findings in an engaging manner.
Additionally, ensure your project is both valuable and innovative – two qualities highly sought-after by ISEF judges.
Working with a mentor is one way to achieve this. If you can’t meet in person, working virtually with a teacher who has expertise in your research field might be possible.
What are the rules?
If you intend to compete at an ISEF science fair, it is essential that you are aware of and follow the rules and regulations established by ISEF. These policies have been established to safeguard students as well as any subjects (humans or animals) they may work with.
Before students can begin experimentation, they must fill out all required forms and obtain all required approvals. These include a Research Plan, Approval Form, and Adult Sponsor Checklist.
Additionally, any project involving vertebrate animals or potentially hazardous biological agents must receive pre-approval from the Scientific Review Committee. Projects that fail to meet these requirements or are otherwise deemed unsafe by the fair’s scientific review board will not qualify for competition.
Projects must include a typed abstract of no more than 250 words and the project notebook for judges’ review.
How do I prepare?
Millions of students around the world compete each year in local and school-sponsored science fairs. Only a select few will make it to Intel ISEF, an annual gathering of top young scientists from different nations.
Reaching ISEF is no small feat – it takes a considerable amount of time, energy and resources. Qualifying projects for ISEF typically take months or even a year to complete.
Having an experienced mentor can be invaluable in developing your project. They’ll be able to answer any queries that arise during the process and offer valuable tips for optimizing research efficiency.
One of the most crucial steps you can take for ISEF success is ensuring your project is both valuable and innovative – two qualities judges look for when reviewing projects. In other words, if research doesn’t add much value to science or isn’t particularly innovative, it will be difficult for it to stand out from competitors.
