Every student’s journey to college is unique. For Emily, her passion for climate science shaped her academic path and ultimately helped her stand out in the competitive Stanford admissions process. Today, we sat down with Emily to discuss her research on climate change, how it impacted her college application, and the valuable lessons she learned along the way.
Hi Emily! What sparked your interest in climate science and inspired you to pursue research in this field?
I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world. Growing up, I would read articles and watch documentaries about environmental issues, but I wanted to understand the science behind what was happening. It wasn’t just about being concerned; it was about wanting to make a real difference. So, in my junior year of high school, I decided to take on a research project focused on the local effects of climate change in my hometown.
What did your research project involve, and how did you go about starting it?
I started with a dataset on temperature and precipitation patterns in my area over the past decade. My focus was on how these changes were affecting local ecosystems, particularly plant and animal populations. I worked closely with a mentor who helped me refine my research question and guided me through data analysis and reading scientific papers.
It was challenging, especially because I had to learn a lot of new skills like statistical analysis and interpreting scientific data. But, that’s what made it so rewarding. I felt like I was contributing to understanding a small part of a much larger problem.
How did your research shape your college application and admissions process, particularly for Stanford?
When I started my college applications, I realized that my research project had given me a unique story to tell. In my essays, I wrote about my passion for the environment, the obstacles I faced during my research, and how it solidified my commitment to studying environmental science.
During my Stanford admissions interview, my research became a major talking point. I explained the specific details of my project, like how I analyzed the data and the trends I identified. The interviewers seemed genuinely interested in how I took the initiative to explore climate change in-depth. I think this experience showed them not just my academic ability, but also my drive to tackle real-world problems.
What was one of the most challenging aspects of your research, and how did you overcome it?
The hardest part was definitely the data analysis. I had never done such complex analysis before - I had barely done a regression analysis before this – and it took a lot of trial and error to get it right. Thankfully, my mentor guided me through the process, teaching me how to use different statistical tools including R and Python and interpret the results. It was a steep learning curve, but it helped me develop critical thinking skills that I know will be useful in college and beyond.
How do you think your research helped you stand out in the college admissions process?
I think it showed my commitment to environmental science and my ability to engage deeply with a complex topic. It wasn’t just a superficial project; I spent months exploring every angle, and drawing conclusions. Admissions officers are looking for students who are passionate and willing to go beyond the standard curriculum to pursue their interests.
Plus, the process taught me a lot about perseverance. Research isn’t just about finding answers; it’s about asking the right questions and being okay with not having immediate solutions. I think that mindset really came across in my essays and interviews.
Now that you’re at Stanford, how has your high school research prepared you for your college studies?
It’s been incredibly helpful! The research skills I developed in high school have definitely given me a head start in my college coursework. In fact, in my first semester, I’ve already started working on a project similar to what I did in high school. This time, I’m analyzing how microclimate changes affect plant species at the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve near campus.
The dataset we’re working with includes ten years’ worth of information on temperature, precipitation, soil moisture levels, and the growth rates of various plants. During our first lab session, the professor asked us to identify correlations between these climate variables and plant growth patterns. While many of my classmates were initially overwhelmed by the complexity of the dataset, I felt right at home because of my high school research project. I jumped in, using regression analysis and time-series modeling to explore how temperature changes and soil moisture levels influenced the growth of specific plants, like Salvia mellifera.
At one point, the professor noticed my progress and asked if I could help my classmates understand the analysis process, particularly how to use Python libraries like Pandas and Matplotlib for visualizing trends. That moment really drove home how much my high school research had prepared me, not just with technical skills but also with the confidence to tackle complex scientific questions from the very beginning of my college experience.
What advice would you give to other high school students who are considering starting a research project?
Choose a topic that genuinely excites you. Your passion will drive your research and help you push through the challenging parts. For me, climate change was something I deeply cared about, and that made all the difference.
Also, don’t be afraid to seek help. Having a mentor was crucial for my success. They can guide you, provide feedback, and help you learn new skills. Remember, research is about exploring, learning, and sometimes failing. It’s all part of the journey.
Looking back, what has been the most valuable part of your research journey?
I’d say the most valuable part was realizing how much I could accomplish when I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone. It wasn’t just about building a strong college application; it was about discovering my passion and realizing that I want to continue this work in the future.
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