Is it possible to do CS independent research out of school ?

[joshux]

I am a undergraduate student in Computer Science and wants to pursue a PhD. Since I don't have a good GPA, I've heard that I need to get some research experience to enhance the chance of getting admission.

However, Due to personal reasons, I'm taking an year off school to go to Substitute Military Service. Because of the nature of the Job, I might have plenty of free time for self study. So I'm thinking of doing research by myself. Do you think it is possible? If so, how should I do it?

I've thought of some topics I'm interested in. One is Image inpainting , another is Physics based animation. Though I'm still not sure how to start, since I don't have any research experience before.

Thanks for advice.

[oldprogrammer]

It's rare but definitely not unheard of to do this outside of your own school, so long as you can bring something to the table. What you want to do is offer to help a professor with his research. And once he's impressed with your help, he'll be willing to write you a nice letter of reference.

Of course, it might take a while to find a professor doing research you're interested in who would also be willing to work with you. But there's a guy, tkkoh, who got into one of the best MIS PhD programs in the country because he did exactly this.

You will have to convince the professor you're serious. And you might have to start off with same serious drudgery to prove yourself before being entrusted with anything larger.

[Ancalagon The Black]

Well, I have also done research outside a school. Not core CS research per se but definitely some applied work in a unique situation. I managed to get 2 international conference publications out of them as well. Therefore, it is quite possible. Now, how successful I will be in convincing adcoms is another story but yes, you can do it !!