I'm actually an Asian high schooler, applying to US, Canada, UK and Hong Kong colleges/unis this Fall. Obviously applying for chemistry
majors/courses.
I'm in a dilemma here: should I mention my chemistry things I did at home? I mean, did nothing serious tbh. My most "complicated" synthesis was
probably ethyl propionate (getting sulfuric acid is freakin hard in my country).
And for the context, high schoolers doing chemistry is not considered bad at all in my country. People around even praise us; we're perceived kinda
like nerds doing science experiments
Well, should I mention that I have my own "mini chemistry lab" and the other stuffs in my application essays/statements?
Thanks!Fyndium - 25-9-2020 at 09:35
I've noticed that whatever you can put in official format will work. Make hobby a profession of any kind, get any sort of certificate, course or
whatever license and use it.vyper47 - 25-9-2020 at 10:12
I've noticed that whatever you can put in official format will work. Make hobby a profession of any kind, get any sort of certificate, course or
whatever license and use it.
I did some chemistry research with a national organization. Synthesized sodium metal and tried to use Nurdrage's method to make other metals (failed
).
However, the "home chemistry" thing was not part of any official project, just independent hobby. How should I write that (if I do)?Cou - 25-9-2020 at 13:02
I always mention hobby chemistry in any resume, for academia or jobs. I even feature it in my Linkedin profile. I figure it distinguishes me from all
the cattle of "working my ass off for a piece of paper that gets me a job" because it shows I actually want to be here.
It helps to turn it into a portfolio, e.g. starting a Youtube channel, or turning it into a small business (like me selling my fragrance compounds)
[Edited on 9-26-2020 by Cou]clearly_not_atara - 25-9-2020 at 16:12
Sometimes applications for colleges etc will allow you to attach additional files. If you can take a picture of a setup you used in a
clean, well-organized condition, it might give you a bit of panache.
One thing I did on my college applications was, with some things I wasn't sure of, to mention them on only some of the applications. However, I'm not
sure if it worked, since I got in to all of the less-prestigious schools and none of the top tier :p
[Edited on 26-9-2020 by clearly_not_atara]Syn the Sizer - 25-9-2020 at 22:42
I mention my chemistry hobby in my class, I have talked with my O-Chem instructor about what I have done.
I think as long as you show competence in class when it comes to safety and practice, most instructors understand.wg48temp9 - 26-9-2020 at 00:43
If you do mention your home chemistry be prepared to explain your experiments in detail and the mechanism in detail ie the how and why and include
safety and disposal of waste.
It will give you a chance to show your interest and how smart you are.
