Frequently Asked Questions

YES requires the analysis of data. What is the difference between primary and secondary data?

Primary data is data that you collect yourself--for example, a survey that you administer that asks about the health behaviors of people in your community. Secondary data is data that has already been collected by someone else, and you analyze it in a new way to answer the question that you are interested in. For example, data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on disease rates in different states could be used as secondary data. The YES website provides links to many secondary data sources at http://www.collegeboard.com/yes/ae/links.html.

How do I decide which type of data, primary or secondary, I should use for my YES research?

To decide the type of data you should use, you must determine which type of data would be best for answering your question of interest. For example, if you have a question about why disease rates are different around the United States, this is probably not data you would be able to collect yourself. If you are interested in a certain health problem in your own school or community, this is likely data that is not already available. As a general rule, you should investigate whether there is data that has already been collected that could answer your question and use this if it is available. If it is not, determine how realistic it would be to collect your own data.

Can I collect my own data by conducting studies on animals?

No. There are important ethical issues involved in animal experimentation. Only formally trained scientists, who have their studies reviewed by other scientists for benefit to scientific knowledge and humane treatment of animals, can engage in these studies. In addition, the YES Competition requires your research project to focus on health and disease in people, not in animals.

Since I may use secondary data on animals, would a research paper exploring the diseases prevalent in animals or insects qualify?

No. Again, the focus of this competition is on disease in humans. However, it would be appropriate to examine the prevalence of diseases in animals or insects if your research aim is to examine the relationship between disease rates in animals or insects with human disease rates, or shed light on how disease rates in animals or insects affect disease rates in humans.

Can I submit a project in which I have conducted genetic research?

In most cases, no. One exception is if frequencies of genes or levels of gene expression are examined with respect to health outcomes in human populations. This is known as genetic epidemiology and is considered appropriate for the competition. A second exception is if behaviors or exposures of established importance for human health are examined with respect to gene expression as a method of understanding biological pathways to specific disease outcomes. In this case, the established importance of both the exposure and genes of interest to a disease outcome must be made clear in order for the project to be eligible.

Can I create a mathematical model as my YES research project?

Yes. Mathematical models are appropriate for this competition as long as they are focused on understanding the distribution and/or causes of disease or the optimal application of interventions in human populations.

Can I conduct an environmental study for my YES project?

Yes. You may conduct an environmental study if the environmental exposure is tied to human health and a health outcome is included in your analysis. For example, a study of whether exposure to a certain toxin is associated with rates of disease in humans would be eligible.

I have decided to ask a mentor to help me with my project, but am not sure what assistance he or she can provide.

Though not required for the YES Competition, a mentor or advisor could be helpful in the development of your project. He or she may help you formulate an idea and act as a consultant and offer advice, but you must determine the study design and analyze the data. A mentor or advisor could help you evaluate your study design before you begin your research, give relevant feedback as you progress, and help you understand the application of epidemiological methods that you use in your research.

I entered the YES Competition as a junior, am I allowed to enter again as a senior?

If you were previously selected as a YES National Finalist and awarded a scholarship of $15,000 or more, you are not eligible to compete a second year. Otherwise, if you meet all eligibility requirements, you may reapply by submitting a report of new and original research. You may not submit the same topic as the previous year unless you have significantly advanced your research (e.g. adding substantive new data or other material).

I am a sophomore but am taking advanced classes, am I eligible for the competition?

The YES Competition is open to high school juniors and seniors only. You must be enrolled and attending high school during the year in which you compete. If you are in a lower grade and are taking advanced classes, or if you have already graduated from high school, you are not eligible.

Can I submit a registration and then submit my project later, or do I have to submit both at the same time?

Either way is acceptable. Once online registration opens for the competition year, you may submit your registration but wait to upload your project at a later date. Or, you may wait until your project is complete, then register and upload the project at the same time. You must submit a registration and upload your project by the deadline of February 4, 2008, 5:00 p.m. ET.

Where do I find the confirmation number in order to enter it on the title page of my project?

You will receive a confirmation number after you finalize and submit your online registration form. Once you click "final submit" and your registration data is received, you will see a confirmation number at the top of the next page. See the sample page below. You will continue to see your confirmation number each time you log in. After you upload your research project, your registration information, including your confirmation number, will be displayed. You should print this page for your records.

I want to reference certain individuals or institutions in my paper. How can I do this without mentioning a name?

Since research papers are "blind read" by a panel of expert judges who do not know anything about the applicant, you may not to use any identifying information such as names of students, high schools, advisors or mentors. You may use a general expression to distinguish your references. For example, if you are citing the work you performed in a research institution; your report could read "research facility." If you wish to cite an individual such as your advisor in the paper, you may substitute the word "advisor." Specific names must only be listed on the Acknowledgements page.

Are graphs and charts included in the 30 page limit?

Projects are limited to a maximum of 30 pages, including figures, tables, title page, acknowledgement page, abstract page and references. Other requirements, including font size and margins, may be found at http://www.collegeboard.com/yes/fs/format.html.

How many projects are received each year?

We received over 700 projects in 2006-07. Of these, 120 students were awarded college scholarships ranging from $1,000 - $50,000.

If I am selected as a regional finalist, on what date do I have to travel to Washington, D.C.?

Up to 60 Regional Finalists will be selected to travel to Washington D.C. to participate in the Regional/National Competition. If you are selected as a Regional Finalist, you must be available to attend the competition on April 4-7, 2008.

May I submit my YES project to another competition or for publication?

Yes. Research projects and findings remain your property to utilize as you wish.

Do I have to major in Epidemiology to receive my scholarship?

You are not required to choose a specific area of study or major in order to receive your YES scholarship. Scholarships awards are applicable for tuition, required fees and on-campus room and board at an accredited college or university located in the United States.

How do I receive my scholarship award?

Each year in June, the YES Program will send you an instruction letter, disbursement guidelines and a disbursement request form identifying your current award balance. You are responsible for telling us how much of your award you want to use and for sending the form to the Financial Aid Office at your college. Once your institution verifies that you are eligible for the amount you requested, the YES Program will send a check directly to the college. We send those checks beginning in August.