Does a research paper submitted to a research competition “count”?

If your research is strong and submitted to a reputable competition (e.g. an ISEF-affiliated science fair), and it receives recognition from qualified judges, then yes—it absolutely counts as meaningful academic achievement.

Do research papers give an advantage to all universities and majors?
Research does help strengthen applications for top universities when it reflects:

• Depth of thinking
• Original work or analysis
• External validation (awards, publications, recognition)

In that sense, it “counts” as something that improves competitiveness across admissions.

Research is valuable for all fields, not just STEM.

Examples:

• Finance/business → analyze market trends or global financial data
• Philosophy → study modern applications of classical ideas using data
• History → investigate causality between historical events
• Law → examine enforcement or impact of specific laws

Strong research = transferable skill + academic credibility across disciplines.

Everyone is writing research papers now. How do you actually stand out?

1. Go Interdisciplinary

Don't just stay in one lane. Use your paper to define your specific profile. If you love Political Science but are also interested in STEM, don't just pick one.

The Strategy: Write a research paper on the effectiveness of different STEM curriculums across different global governments. By merging two interests, you create a niche that is uniquely yours.

2. Data Analysis & Literature Reviews

A lot of students stick to literature reviews (summarizing what others have said). While that’s a great start, incorporating original data analysis represents much higher-level work. It shows you aren't just reading research, but conducting it.

3. Mentorship Matters

Your first paper is the hardest because you’re learning the process from scratch. A strong mentor is the best way to maximize your performance. Cold emailing professors for free mentorship is much easier once you have at least one publication or solid research experience.

If you’re looking to get that first high-quality paper started and published, Indigo Research can help you get there!

We host these FAQ sessions every week, answered by Indigo Research’s Senior Strategy Advisors!

If you have more questions or are curious about what’s next, make sure to stay updated and leave your questions here:)

We’re excited to share that limited scholarships are now available for Indigo’s in-person research programs 🎉

This is a great opportunity for high school students who are looking for an immersive, hands-on research experience with mentorship from leading academics.

We’re currently offering scholarships for two programs:

📍 Indigo at Oxbridge – Live and study at the University of Cambridge

📍 Indigo Innovator Global Lab – Hands-on wet lab research experience (New York, Singapore)

⚠️ Please note: spots are extremely limited.

📅 Final deadline to apply: May 15th

What’s covered by the scholarship:

• Program and lab fees
• Virtual sessions with mentors
• Residential stay during program dates
• Breakfast & lunches during program dates
• Excursions
• Local travel / commute

If you’re interested in research, STEM, or just want a serious academic challenge in an international environment, this could be a great fit.

Apply here

Happy to answer any questions in the comments 🙂

Senior strategist from Indigo Research here, who has guided students through hundreds of successful applications to top U.S. universities, including the Ivy League, MIT, Northwestern, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and USC. My answer to this is that it really depends on the context.

If you're co-authoring a paper with grad students or professors, that can be very valuable. Getting your name on a high-level publication is a major plus for your academic profile.

But, if you're talking about a high school research paper that you co-author with other high school students (think programs like ASDRP or UCSB SRA), I'd say it’s less valuable than being the first and only author on a published paper. Being the sole author means you get all the credit for the publication, and that's ideal (which is why all of Indigo’s programs focus on students writing their own individual papers).

That said, programs like UCSB SRA are super competitive, so even if you co-author with other high school students, it can still be beneficial for your resume and future opportunities. But in general, unless you're collaborating with graduate-level researchers, I’d suggest aiming to write and publish your own paper.

I do agree, though, that if you decide to pursue a group paper, what matters most is the specific contributions you made. It's better to author your own paper, but a group project can still work if you can clearly explain your contributions—and those contributions should be significant.

It feels like every other student has a research paper on their resume. If everyone is doing it, how do you make sure yours doesn't just end up in the "generic" pile?

After seeing a lot of these as the senior strategist at Indigo Research, here are three ways to actually make your work unique:

1. Go Interdisciplinary

Don't just stay in one lane. Use your paper to define your specific profile. If you love Political Science but are also interested in STEM, don't just pick one.

The Strategy: Write a research paper on the effectiveness of different STEM curriculums across different global governments. By merging two interests, you create a niche that is uniquely yours.

2. Data Analysis & Literature Reviews

A lot of students stick to literature reviews (summarizing what others have said). While that’s a great start, incorporating original data analysis represents much higher-level work. It shows you aren't just reading research, but conducting it.

3. Find a Mentor

Your first paper is the hardest because you’re learning the process from scratch. A strong mentor is the best way to maximize your performance.

Pro Tip: Cold emailing professors for free mentorship is much easier once you have at least one publication or solid research experience under your belt.

If you’re looking to get that first high-quality paper started and published, and need a hand navigating the process, Indigo Research can help you get there!

Speaking from the perspective of a senior strategist at Indigo Research who has worked with many students throughout their research journeys, I want to share the reality of doing research as a high schooler.

I see a lot of students here asking how to break into research when they have zero experience. Most of the advice usually comes down to “just cold email professors,” but in reality, it doesn’t always work.

The Problem

Professors are busy. They aren't looking for a student they have to teach from scratch (methodological design, topic ideation, etc.) for free. If you send an email saying, "I’m interested in your work and want you to guide me through a publication," you’re essentially asking for dozens of hours of free labor. They won't respond.

Why a First Mentor (Even Paid) Matters

The logic is that research is a "learn by doing" skill. Getting a mentor for your first project—yes, even if it’s a paid program—gives you the foundation you can't get from a textbook.

Here is the strategy:

• Colleges generally don't care if you paid for mentorship; they care if the final paper is high quality and peer-reviewed.
• Once you have that first published paper, your cold emails change entirely.

The "Before vs. After" Email

The "Never Gonna Happen" Email:

"Hi Professor, I love your work. I have no experience but I want to do research. Can you help me?" (Result: Ghosted.)

The "Asset" Email:

"Hi Professor, I’ve already published a paper in [Specific Area], which aligns with your current project. I’m familiar with the methodology and think I could be an asset to your team. Link attached." (Result: You actually get an interview.)

The Takeaway

Think of paid mentorship as a "bridge." You pay for the skills and the first publication so that you never have to pay for research opportunities again. You're transforming yourself from a "student who needs help" into a "researcher who provides value."