THINK: Frequently Asked Questions (2009)


Getting Started

Logistics & Participation Rules

When is the application deadline?
Application Deadline: November 15, 2008
How should I submit my application?
Both electronic submission and mailing required. Mailing postmark deadline is 11/15/2008. Electronically submit your application online by midnight of November 15, 2008. For details of what and how to submit electronically and through mail, please refer to the Application Booklet available on the Document Page.
Can students from outside of the U.S. apply?

For this year, THINK is only taking applications from U.S. residents during the school year of 2008-2009. You are qualified to apply as long as you are a high school student enrolled in a public or private school or homeschooled in the United States.

Unfortunately, we are unable to take applications from international competitors for this year. If you have specific questions about your case, please let us know and we will do our best to work it out. Please check back with us next year as we work to internationalize this competition!

Are team projects allowed?

Unfortunately, only individual projects are allowed for this year's competition. This is due to the logistics involved for this year's award. However, we are working toward increasing our flexibility. Please check back next year.

Are adult sponsor/certification forms required for idea proposals?
Yes, adult sponsor/certification forms are required for all submissions, including idea proposals.
Must I mail in 3 separate copies of my submission?
Yes, every submission should include 3 separate hard copies when you mail them in an envelope.

Project

What kind of project is THINK looking for?
The spirit of the THINK competition is the innovative applications of science and technology to solve social problems and benefit humanity. Please refer to < http://www.mittechfair.org/think/briefing.php> for THINK 2009 prompt, which is Accurate, Affordable, and Accessible Technologies. Specific information including judging criteria is available in the Application Information Booklet.
How do I start?

Tips for students are available in the Application Information Booklet.

Initiate a talk with your teachers or friends, or seek mentors beyond your school. Alternatively, you are welcome to e-mail the THINK organizers to discuss your starting point.

Can I submit a PowerPoint presentation?
Yes. Submission type is open-ended so long as the project explores the prompt of THINK 2009. However, the project format must meet the research safety rules specified on the Research Forms in the Application Booklet. For any uncommon project format, it would be best to confirm with the THINK organizers beforehand.
Can students submit project work from a previous year?
Yes, you may submit past year's project for this year's THINK competition.
Do I still need to submit the Adult Approval Form even though my project was conducted in past years?
Yes. Adult Sponsor Approval Form is required for all submissions to keep the consistency. You should have your adult sponsor fill out the form and sign actual starting date for your project at the bottom of the form. This would be a date in the past. We will be able to understand your form so long as you also indicate that this is a previous year's project beside the signature.

Essay

What is the essay all about?
The purpose of the essay is for you to share your learning process with us. There are some specific questions you should answer in the essay. Please check out the essay prompt stated on the application for these questions.

Forms

What forms do I submit online? What forms do I mail in?
  • Adult Sponsor Approval Form
    – Sealed in an envelope with sponsor’s signature to mail in (1 copy).

  • Adult Sponsor Certification Form
    – Sealed in an envelope with sponsor’s signature to mail in (1 copy).

  • Information Release Form
    - Mail in (1 copy)

  • Research Form
    – Mail in (3 copies required for each research form necessary).

  • Application Submission Checklist
    – Submit online & Mail in (3 copies). (To fill out the form electronically, a WORD version is available for download here. )