3 answers
Arihant
Student
Japan
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Passion Project For Finance?
I'm an international student(Freshman) studying at a private school in Tokyo. What would you say is a good passion project for someone wanting to major in finance? Something noticeable enough to hook an Ivy League school?
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Arihant!
You got some solid advice from Adepoju, and yeah, if you're leaning toward the research-based route, getting published is a great goal. That said, it’s not the only way to make an impact. Publications help, but top schools care more about what you learned and how you applied it rather than just where your name appears. If you can turn your research into something that sparks discussions, influences real decisions, or even just makes finance more accessible, that’s a win.
If publication is your goal, look into:
📚 Finance or economics journals – Some accept high school student research, like the Journal of Emerging Investigators or The Concord Review.
Op-eds or blogs – If your research has real-world implications, try getting an article published in a finance blog, local newspaper, or even an international outlet.
Competitions & conferences – Presenting your research at an academic conference or finance-related competition can give it more credibility.
But let’s think outside the box too—there are other ways to turn your research into something eye-catching:
Interactive Data Project – If you’re analyzing Japanese vs. global markets, why not create a website with interactive graphs and insights? It’s unique, engaging, and shows off both research and tech skills.
📊 Finance YouTube or Podcast – If you’re exploring a deep topic like monetary policy, breaking it down in a fun, digestible way for a wider audience could be huge.
Start a School/Online Finance Club – Lead workshops or create an investment challenge based on your research, helping others while proving your leadership skills.
Ivy Leagues love originality, initiative, and impact. So whatever route you take, aim for something that does something—whether it educates, influences, or solves a problem. If you’re truly excited about it, that energy will come through, and that’s what makes you stand out. All the best buddy hope this helps!
You got some solid advice from Adepoju, and yeah, if you're leaning toward the research-based route, getting published is a great goal. That said, it’s not the only way to make an impact. Publications help, but top schools care more about what you learned and how you applied it rather than just where your name appears. If you can turn your research into something that sparks discussions, influences real decisions, or even just makes finance more accessible, that’s a win.
If publication is your goal, look into:
📚 Finance or economics journals – Some accept high school student research, like the Journal of Emerging Investigators or The Concord Review.
Op-eds or blogs – If your research has real-world implications, try getting an article published in a finance blog, local newspaper, or even an international outlet.
Competitions & conferences – Presenting your research at an academic conference or finance-related competition can give it more credibility.
But let’s think outside the box too—there are other ways to turn your research into something eye-catching:
Interactive Data Project – If you’re analyzing Japanese vs. global markets, why not create a website with interactive graphs and insights? It’s unique, engaging, and shows off both research and tech skills.
📊 Finance YouTube or Podcast – If you’re exploring a deep topic like monetary policy, breaking it down in a fun, digestible way for a wider audience could be huge.
Start a School/Online Finance Club – Lead workshops or create an investment challenge based on your research, helping others while proving your leadership skills.
Ivy Leagues love originality, initiative, and impact. So whatever route you take, aim for something that does something—whether it educates, influences, or solves a problem. If you’re truly excited about it, that energy will come through, and that’s what makes you stand out. All the best buddy hope this helps!
Adepoju Oluwatosin
freelancer
4
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Adepoju’s Answer
As an international student in Tokyo, you have a unique perspective and access to a vibrant financial hub. A well-designed passion project can indeed help you stand out to top universities like Ivy League schools. Here are some ideas for a finance-related passion project:
Research-Based Projects
1. Comparative Analysis of Japanese and Global Financial Markets: Research and compare the trends, challenges, and opportunities in Japanese financial markets with those in other major economies.
2. Impact of Monetary Policy on the Japanese Economy: Investigate the effects of the Bank of Japan's monetary policy decisions on the country's economy, including inflation, employment, and GDP growth.
3. Financial Inclusion in Japan: Examine the current state of financial inclusion in Japan, including access to banking services, credit, and financial literacy among different demographics.
Practical Applications
1. Personal Finance Blog or YouTube Channel: Create a blog or YouTube channel focused on personal finance, investing, and money management, targeting an international audience.
2. Stock Market Simulation or Investment Portfolio: Develop a virtual stock portfolio or participate in a stock market simulation competition to demonstrate your investment skills and knowledge.
3. Financial Literacy Workshop or Seminar: Organize a financial literacy workshop or seminar for your peers or local community, covering topics like budgeting, saving, and investing.
Data-Driven Projects
1. Financial Data Visualization: Collect and visualize financial data on Japanese markets, companies, or industries, using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or D3.js.
2. Machine Learning in Finance: Explore the application of machine learning algorithms in finance, such as predicting stock prices or identifying credit risk.
3. Cryptocurrency Market Analysis: Analyze the Japanese cryptocurrency market, including trends, risks, and opportunities.
Social Impact Projects
1. Financial Inclusion for Underprivileged Communities: Develop a project to improve financial inclusion and literacy among underprivileged communities in Japan.
2. Sustainable Investing in Japan: Research and promote sustainable investing practices in Japan, highlighting the environmental and social impact of investments.
3. Financial Education for Small Business Owners: Create a financial education program or resources for small business owners in Japan, focusing on topics like financial planning, cash flow management, and access to capital.
To make your project stand out to Ivy League schools:
1. Demonstrate originality and creativity: Choose a unique topic or approach that showcases your thinking and skills.
2. Conduct thorough research and analysis: Ensure your project is well-researched, data-driven, and analytically sound.
3. Present your findings effectively: Use clear, concise language and visually appealing presentations to communicate your results.
4. Showcase your skills and knowledge: Highlight your understanding of financial concepts, theories, and practices.
5. Highlight the impact and relevance: Emphasize the practical implications and real-world applications of your project.
Remember, the key to a successful passion project is to choose an area that genuinely interests you and allows you to demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and creativity. Good luck!
Research-Based Projects
1. Comparative Analysis of Japanese and Global Financial Markets: Research and compare the trends, challenges, and opportunities in Japanese financial markets with those in other major economies.
2. Impact of Monetary Policy on the Japanese Economy: Investigate the effects of the Bank of Japan's monetary policy decisions on the country's economy, including inflation, employment, and GDP growth.
3. Financial Inclusion in Japan: Examine the current state of financial inclusion in Japan, including access to banking services, credit, and financial literacy among different demographics.
Practical Applications
1. Personal Finance Blog or YouTube Channel: Create a blog or YouTube channel focused on personal finance, investing, and money management, targeting an international audience.
2. Stock Market Simulation or Investment Portfolio: Develop a virtual stock portfolio or participate in a stock market simulation competition to demonstrate your investment skills and knowledge.
3. Financial Literacy Workshop or Seminar: Organize a financial literacy workshop or seminar for your peers or local community, covering topics like budgeting, saving, and investing.
Data-Driven Projects
1. Financial Data Visualization: Collect and visualize financial data on Japanese markets, companies, or industries, using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or D3.js.
2. Machine Learning in Finance: Explore the application of machine learning algorithms in finance, such as predicting stock prices or identifying credit risk.
3. Cryptocurrency Market Analysis: Analyze the Japanese cryptocurrency market, including trends, risks, and opportunities.
Social Impact Projects
1. Financial Inclusion for Underprivileged Communities: Develop a project to improve financial inclusion and literacy among underprivileged communities in Japan.
2. Sustainable Investing in Japan: Research and promote sustainable investing practices in Japan, highlighting the environmental and social impact of investments.
3. Financial Education for Small Business Owners: Create a financial education program or resources for small business owners in Japan, focusing on topics like financial planning, cash flow management, and access to capital.
To make your project stand out to Ivy League schools:
1. Demonstrate originality and creativity: Choose a unique topic or approach that showcases your thinking and skills.
2. Conduct thorough research and analysis: Ensure your project is well-researched, data-driven, and analytically sound.
3. Present your findings effectively: Use clear, concise language and visually appealing presentations to communicate your results.
4. Showcase your skills and knowledge: Highlight your understanding of financial concepts, theories, and practices.
5. Highlight the impact and relevance: Emphasize the practical implications and real-world applications of your project.
Remember, the key to a successful passion project is to choose an area that genuinely interests you and allows you to demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and creativity. Good luck!
If I was to choose the research-based projects would you say the objective would be to get published in a financial paper?
Arihant
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
A passion project in finance should showcase critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills while demonstrating a deep interest in the field. High-impact ideas include starting a Personal Finance Blog or YouTube Channel, teaching high school students basic investing, budgeting, and financial literacy, building a Stock Market Simulation or Investment Club, developing a Financial Literacy App or Website, writing a Research Paper or Publish an eBook, creating a Social Impact Finance Initiative, competing in finance or business competitions, and creating a startup idea solving a real financial problem.
To showcase your unique perspective on global finance, consider starting a Personal Finance Blog or YouTube Channel, building a Stock Market Simulation or Investment Club, developing a Financial Literacy App or Website, writing a Research Paper or Publish an eBook, creating a Social Impact Finance Initiative, competing in finance or business competitions, and partnering with local NGOs to educate about savings and loans. Ivy Leagues love projects that blend personal experience with impact, and can help narrow down or brainstorm specific plans.
To showcase your unique perspective on global finance, consider starting a Personal Finance Blog or YouTube Channel, building a Stock Market Simulation or Investment Club, developing a Financial Literacy App or Website, writing a Research Paper or Publish an eBook, creating a Social Impact Finance Initiative, competing in finance or business competitions, and partnering with local NGOs to educate about savings and loans. Ivy Leagues love projects that blend personal experience with impact, and can help narrow down or brainstorm specific plans.