Welcome & Orientation
By Rishab K. Jain
👋 Hey there, and welcome.
You just made one of the best decisions of your life.
But stop, and slow down for a second.
TikTok and Instagram have fried our attention spans and made us addicted to instant gratification. But you need to 🛑 STOP 🛑 and read this entire guide carefully, word for word.
My goal is to make you look back on this moment and realize it was one of the most consequential in your journey as a student.
Woah, woah — these are LARGE claims. You’re probably wondering who the one writing them is.
Nice to meet you! My name is Rishab Jain, and you may have seen my face before:
I’ve made some YouTube videos before, teaching students about science research and how they can participate in science fairs.
In fact, I've been fortunate enough to compete in (and win!) several major science fairs myself, including the Regeneron Young Scientist Award ($50,000) at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, 1st Place at the National Junior Science & Humanities Symposium, and more.
But beyond just the awards, what I'm most proud of is helping other students discover their passion for science and research. I've mentored dozens of students who have gone on to do incredible things, from publishing papers to starting their own research projects. That's why I created this guide - to share everything I've learned and help you achieve your own success in science fair.
In this guide, I'll break down the entire science fair process into simple, actionable steps. You'll learn everything from choosing a winning project idea to presenting your research like a pro.
Have you ever dreamed of bringing your idea to fruition? To making a genuine impact in society? Being a renowned inventor who leaves a legacy of impact?
Well, I have, and I still am!
I was once in your shoes, and now not only have I shared my research at science fair (and done well), but I’m getting to make a genuine impact. Some of my research that I’ve published has been cited by other researchers — and used by researchers and companies to advance their work.
If you have any of these goals:
⭐ Winning a science fair;
🏆 Getting into a top college;
🧬 Making a genuine discovery that satiates your intellectual curiosity;
🤓 Preparing for a life-long career in STEM;
💯 Make a genuine impact in your community or society at large;
You’re in the right place.
Important things to do with this guide
Grab a notebook and take notes: note-taking is shown to improve recall by 30-50% according to research on Scientific American. Writing things down helps create stronger neural pathways in your brain and makes the information "stick" better than just reading alone.
Read this guide from start to finish: don't skip around or jump to conclusions. Each section builds on the previous one.
Take action immediately: the best way to learn is by doing. As you read through this guide, start thinking about potential project ideas and taking concrete steps towards getting started.
Bring friends: share this guide with your friends who are interested in science fair or research! Not only will you have someone to bounce ideas off of and keep you accountable, but you'll also make the journey more fun and memorable. Plus, having a friend to compete alongside can make the whole experience less daunting.
Now, let’s get started here 🙂