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How (And Why) to Do a Self-Directed Project
As summer approaches, many students begin making plans for camps, internships, and enrichment programs. But one of the most impactful and flexible options is often overlooked: the self-directed project. For motivated students, especially those considering highly selective colleges or competitive majors like business, engineering, or computer science, a self-directed project is not just a creative outlet—it’s a strategic move.
Self-directed projects work best when your student pursues something that excites them. Whether it's a personal hobby, a topic they’re particularly interested in, or a community service initiative, the project will only be successful if the student truly lights up when talking about it.
As they decide on an idea, students should consider these key questions:
- Is this a project I will want to remain engaged with for several weeks/months?
- How much initiative does this project require and is it realistic for me?
- Do I have the time and resources available to complete this project?
- Could I do this project with a friend who shares a similar interest?
- What is the positive impact of this project, both for myself and for others?
- Will I enjoy the time I spend doing this project?
They should feel comfortable with and encouraged by the answers to these questions if they choose to move forward with the project.
3 Steps to Crafting a Self-Directed Project
1. Start with a specific, step-by-step plan. Students should lay out exactly what they hope to do and how much time they will spend on their project. They can do this on paper, on a spreadsheet, or even use project-planning software (a quick Google will find many options).
2. Find a mentor or advisor if possible. While not a must-have for a self-directed project, It's helpful to have an experienced guide throughout the process. If there are no teachers at their school who are willing or able to assist, a student can reach out to a professional in the field, a college professor, or even a graduate student. Parents can also fill this role by serving as a sounding board and helping to connect their teens to resources, information, and people who could help them.
3. Identify tangible outcomes. Students should determine what the output or accomplishment of the project should be. Setting a goal will ensure that the project is feasible and impactful and will, of course, keep the student on task.
Examples of tangible outcomes:
Creative projects can be submitted for contests or publication- A blog, an app, or an online video could have a goal number for downloads, views, followers, or revenue
- A service project could have a goal for the number of people impacted
- A neighborhood summer camp could have a goal for the number of campers
- A fundraising project could have a target goal
Students we’ve worked with have completed projects ranging from works of art to research papers to software development and many more. The possibilities are virtually endless and the upsides of completing a self-directed project are countless. Students not only gain skills and confidence but also deepen their initiative and demonstrated impact, which really stands out to colleges.