Want to do well at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)? This post pulls together strategies from two ISEF champions, Rishab Jain and Shriya Bhat. Whether you’re a science fair veteran or just starting out, these tips can help your project stand out.
If you prefer video over text, watch below.
Getting started
Mentorship: a strong mentor is crucial for guidance throughout your project. I haven’t competed at ISEF myself, but a good mentor made a real difference to my own research. Rishab has an insightful video on how to find one.
Passion: choose a project you’re genuinely interested in. Your enthusiasm shows in the presentation, and you’ll be spending a lot of time on this, so it has to be work you actually enjoy.
Originality and impact: aim for an original project that addresses a real-world problem. Work with a clear, significant application tends to do better at ISEF and other fairs.
Research depth: show that you understand your field and how your project fits into it. Read literature reviews and textbooks in your subject.
Time commitment: be ready to put in significant time, especially over the summer. ISEF is extremely competitive, and even a strong project isn’t guaranteed to win, so make sure you get something out of the work either way.
Sharing your work
Presentation skills: develop strong communication so you can convey your project’s significance to the judges.
If you can’t explain something in simple terms, you don’t understand it.
Richard Feynman
Results and analysis: don’t be discouraged if your results aren’t perfect. Focus on how you got them and what they reveal. Different projects need different analysis, for example, a machine learning project means analyzing data with code.
Visuals: make clear, concise visuals like posters and slides. Rishab has a guide on making a compelling poster for science fairs, and a video on it too.
A wow factor: show something unique or unexpected that sets your project apart. It’s hard to describe, but you know it when you see it, so look at past winners for inspiration.
Conclusion
Competing at ISEF isn’t a decision to take lightly. A real shot at winning takes a lot of time, effort, and focus, and even then there are no guarantees, so you need clear intrinsic motivation before you start. Rishab made an informative video about his science fair experience, and specific feedback on your project is available through his paid coaching.
If you want to get into research but aren’t sure it’s the right fit, explore other options in Rishab’s free STEM student guide. Another competition worth considering is the International Research Olympiad, and I’ve written a guide to help you decide whether to enter.
More resources & opportunities
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About Eashan Iyer:
I am a founding member of The Qurios Institute and an incoming student at Brown University. In 2023, I co-authored a research paper in the field of theoretical physics. I am also an Eagle Scout and a senior at The Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering in Rockaway, NJ. Learn more about me on LinkedIn.
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