How to Get a Project Idea
We frequently hear from AMS students who are eager to submit a proposal and take advantage of the Alumni Memorial Scholarship funding, but they just aren't sure what to propose!
If you are struggling to find inspiration for a proposal, try the following:
- Review some past project experiences of other AMS students.
- Think about your favorite academic subjects and classes then consider — is there anything you've learned about in the classroom that you would like to learn more about first-hand?
- When doing the readings for your classes, do they leave you with any unanswered questions? Could you design a project to help answer these questions?
- Don't dismiss any ideas as unrealistic or impossible. Write them all down.
- Brainstorm your project ideas with your peers. Even chatting with your roommates, parents, or friends can help inspire new ideas, or help to refine some that initially seemed unobtainable.
- Schedule a meeting with faculty members who work in the fields you're most interested in exploring. They may have ideas, existing projects, or contacts you'll find useful.