Are you interested in discovering the cure for cancer or coming up with the next big breakthrough in the world of food science? Then, becoming a chemistry major may be in the stars for you. The number of industries that need people to consistently improve the chemicals and processes that they use is astounding, so having a degree in chemistry opens a lot of doors for potential careers in almost every industry you can think of.
If you want to get that degree, though, you’re going to need to make sure you get into the best college for your goals and preferences—and we help students do just that. The first big thing that you should consider is your niche.
What’s an Extracurricular Niche in Chemistry?
What’s a niche? Great question. When we refer to your “niche,” we’re talking about a super specific topic within your interest area. It’s not enough to just mark down “chemistry” when you apply to colleges. It’s important to have a more specific focus because it sets you apart from all of the other students who haven’t done anything other than take a few chemistry classes.
Let’s do a thought experiment. Imagine you are an admissions counselor at College University. You have two prospective chemistry students in front of you who are exactly the same in terms of grades, scores, and rigor. And, because it’s funnier, let’s imagine they’re exact doppelgangers. Student A took AP Chem and did a lot of cool extracurriculars, but none were focused on chemistry. Student B also took AP Chem, was in some STEM-y clubs at school, and also discovered they were really into genetically modified foods early on. They conducted research with a professor to help develop drought and pest-resistant seeds to send to developing countries, and presented their findings at a conference of food scientists. Which student would you choose? Student B, obviously. Having a niche sets you apart from the crowd, and it catches the attention of people who make important decisions about where you end up going to college.
We help students find and develop their niches all the time. We’ll usually start with the major that they want to study - like chemistry - and go from there. After some exploration, the student found out that McDonald’s hired a sensory scientist to help them engineer their french fries and Sprite in such a way that they taste soooooo much better together (it’s true, try it for yourself) and got obsessed with the concept. So, they’re interested not only in the fact that certain chemical combinations can make food taste really, really good, but also in the fact that there are probably a lot of companies out there who would benefit from that kind of chemical knowledge. So, they decided to study fast food chemical science. That’s the niche - having a super specific thing that you want to do and becoming an expert in it.
I Have My Niche, What Now?
To truly shine, you've got to master your niche in chemistry. While a general interest is fine, it won't impress like a finely honed specialty. So, roll up your sleeves and delve into your niche—whether it's organic synthesis, computational chemistry, or biochemistry. This is where you'll rack up those impressive accomplishments that set you apart on your college applications. Once you've showcased your expertise, colleges will be clamoring to invest in your potential.
Once you've zeroed in on your niche, it's time to take your skills to the next level. Dive into chemistry clubs at school, where you can immerse yourself in hands-on experiments and discussions with fellow enthusiasts. Consider tackling a project for the state science fair, showcasing your expertise in areas like green chemistry or materials science. Outside the classroom, seek out internships at pharmaceutical companies, where you can apply your knowledge of medicinal chemistry or drug development. And don't forget about online courses—explore topics like quantum chemistry or spectroscopy to deepen your understanding and broaden your skill set in your chosen niche.
What Else Should I Do?
We're all about unlocking your full potential—not just settling for what's conventional. That's why it's not just about racking up accomplishments; it's about earning ones that showcase your unique abilities. Sure, plenty of students can whip up a project for the state science fair or land summer internships. But to truly stand out, you need to demonstrate your prowess in ways that colleges haven't seen before. That's how you'll capture the attention of admissions counselors and secure their investment in your education.
And that's where our expertise comes into play. We specialize in helping students uncover innovative ways to showcase their niches. For aspiring chemists, we might recommend a future food scientist conducting an experiment on the use of MSG in food or a budding biochemist collaborating with a local professor on medical trials. One past chemistry student even developed a biomedical device designed to detect date rape drugs in drinks using light-based technology! The possibilities are endless, which is both great and can be overwhelming. So why not reach out and let us provide a fresh perspective on your options?
Having a niche is key because it allows you to showcase your interests in a way that resonates with colleges. By investing time and effort into honing your niche, you essentially become an expert in your field—an irresistible prospect for colleges looking for standout applicants. So, take the time to pinpoint your niche, dedicate yourself to acquiring relevant skills and knowledge, and find your own unique way to express it! And if you're feeling stuck along the way, don't worry—that's where we come in. We assist students with the niche-building process every step of the way, so don't hesitate to reach out for guidance!
Having trouble deciding on a niche? Let us know. We work with students every year to help them realize their passions. Send us an email today.