As far as summer research goes, there are a lot of 'summer undergraduate research fellowship' or SURF programs that people can apply to. These are probably the best way to get exposure to research that you might not get to do at your school (I too am at a smaller liberal arts institution), as well as going to a different school to get some variety in your experience. They pay anywhere from $2,000 - $4,000 a summer and tend to be cool because they're organized, you get to meet other people, etc.
In my opinion there are two major things to keep in mind, however. For one, they tend to be pretty competitive (at better schools), often requiring previous experience. Also, you may not get to chose precisely who you will work with (although most ask you about general area of interest). This translates into the following:
* as a freshman, with limited experience and classes, you will have a very hard time getting one of these. From personal experience I know it's certainly not impossible, but there may be easier ways to go
* try to take advanced courses, as much as you can and are allowed, but clearly, don't get yourself in trouble by taking something you're not prepared for
* start asking professors about their research, and find one whose lab you can 'check out'
* I think that your best bet is waiting until your summer after sophomore year (and then definitely junior year) to formally apply to a SURF program
* this first summer, I would suggest one of the following:
- find a professor at your school who is doing what you are interested in and start working with him/her. See if they will have you (and pay you - although you may be in a position where this isn't such a big deal - it was for me) for the summer.
- develop the best CV you can, secure a couple of good LORs and come up with a good, honest and ambitious statement about your current position, research interests and future plans. THEN HIT THE WEB. Do research on the areas you are interested in, looking at different schools' websites, finding people who do things you would like to do, where you would like to do them. Come up with a list (half a dozen to a dozen, perhaps - this depends on how good your credentials are and, more than anything: LUCK
), and send them an email (don't do a generic one, though). Include the CV and the statement, also tell them you'd be happy to provide references and transcripts, etc. Be very direct and honest. Tell them who you are, what your situation is, what your interests are and what you are hoping to do. Tell them you read about their research and you are interested in learning and working with them. It is crucial that this is true, at least to a point
. Ask them if they would consider having you as a summer research student in their lab.
Most will probably say no. That's fine. Some will say maybe.... In the end, all you need is one person to say yes.
You'd be surprised what people are willing to give you and do for you if you ask. Ambition and drive are very appealing. Add a little ego-massaging, and they go a long way
.
Good luck. S.
