P/NP and research advice needed

[shakenbaik]

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Hey all,

I am a senior and a physiology major at UCLA and I was just wondering if you guys knew if there was a general limit of how many P/NP classes you could take until it looks bad on Dental school apps. I have done only one P/N class so far and that was for a computer science java class (wanted to take it for fun). For the upcoming fall quarter, I have to take a random upper div elective course that involves a critical analysis of korean cinema. I am interested in what the class is about, but I want to take it without concern with grades (so I can concentrate on other classes as well as the fact that this class seems to heavily depend on writing, one of my weakest subjects 😛). Do you all think it would be best to continue as a pass no pass or try for the letter grade?

Also, I have a problem with my research. I have been in my research for about 2 and half quarters now and everyday has been stressful. My research PI does not give off a friendly vibe... In the past 2 and half quarters, many people came and went because the working environment was unpleasant. Even my closest friend in lab could not handle the working environment and ultimately left as well. I was planning on doing research for just one more quarter and stop so I can leave on a good note and possibly get a letter of rec. However, would the stress in the lab be worth it? Should I just suck it up and hang on for one more quarter?

Sorry for the long post. These problems have just been bugging me lately (particularly the research issue..) Any help would be appreciated! thank you 🙂

 

[Piepiesuperpie]

Just out of curiosity, what was the java course you took? I thought UCLA only taught C/C++ intro courses.

 

[Luna724]

Hey all,

I am a senior and a physiology major at UCLA and I was just wondering if you guys knew if there was a general limit of how many P/NP classes you could take until it looks bad on Dental school apps. I have done only one P/N class so far and that was for a computer science java class (wanted to take it for fun). For the upcoming fall quarter, I have to take a random upper div elective course that involves a critical analysis of korean cinema. I am interested in what the class is about, but I want to take it without concern with grades (so I can concentrate on other classes as well as the fact that this class seems to heavily depend on writing, one of my weakest subjects 😛). Do you all think it would be best to continue as a pass no pass or try for the letter grade?

Also, I have a problem with my research. I have been in my research for about 2 and half quarters now and everyday has been stressful. My research PI does not give off a friendly vibe... In the past 2 and half quarters, many people came and went because the working environment was unpleasant. Even my closest friend in lab could not handle the working environment and ultimately left as well. I was planning on doing research for just one more quarter and stop so I can leave on a good note and possibly get a letter of rec. However, would the stress in the lab be worth it? Should I just suck it up and hang on for one more quarter?

Sorry for the long post. These problems have just been bugging me lately (particularly the research issue..) Any help would be appreciated! thank you 🙂

Aside from hopefully getting a "decent" letter of recommendation, do you see yourself talking about your research experience in your PS or during your interview? If the research experience offered you nothing but stress (I hope not), well then I can honestly say it ain't worth your time and effort 🙁

 

[shakenbaik]

Just out of curiosity, what was the java course you took? I thought UCLA only taught C/C++ intro courses.

I took PIC20A. The PIC series at ucla is basically computer science for non engineers.

 

[shakenbaik]

Aside from hopefully getting a "decent" letter of recommendation, do you see yourself talking about your research experience in your PS or during your interview? If the research experience offered you nothing but stress (I hope not), well then I can honestly say it ain't worth your time and effort 🙁

I think I have decided to quit research. I do not think it is worth my time to handle one more quarter of research due to all the stress. I have gained a bit of experience by doing research. However, I do not see myself advancing any further (with this particular lab, at least). I learned that research is just not something I would like to pursue in the future, it was simply an experience. I think it would be best to just leave it at that and let others who actually want to do research to take my position.

 

[Rubberpulp]

I did 2.5 years of research in an organic chemistry lab and it has been brough up at 4 of my interviews so far. 2 of my interviews have been at universities that conduct research. That being said, I think it made my app stronger but I feel you on the added stress. I would stop research now and ask for the LOR and up load it to interfolio so you are all set. Also I have taken 10 units p/f and it has not been brought up at all. I have a total of 5 interviews.

 

[shakenbaik]

I did 2.5 years of research in an organic chemistry lab and it has been brough up at 4 of my interviews so far. 2 of my interviews have been at universities that conduct research. That being said, I think it made my app stronger but I feel you on the added stress. I would stop research now and ask for the LOR and up load it to interfolio so you are all set. Also I have taken 10 units p/f and it has not been brought up at all. I have a total of 5 interviews.

Do you believe I should still ask for the LOR? I have only been in lab for 2.5 quarters (hasn't even been a whole year) and one person from our lab quit recently. I don't think my PI would be happy with me leaving, so I am not sure if asking for a LOR is a good idea 🙁

 

[sjv]

Do you believe I should still ask for the LOR? I have only been in lab for 2.5 quarters (hasn't even been a whole year) and one person from our lab quit recently. I don't think my PI would be happy with me leaving, so I am not sure if asking for a LOR is a good idea 🙁

Are you guys on good terms? Is he satisfied with your work thus far? Have you met his expectations?

 

[shakenbaik]

Are you guys on good terms? Is he satisfied with your work thus far? Have you met his expectations?

He is .. hard to read. I have done all my work that he has given me. However, he is not the type to say "good job." For him, it just seems to be expected. Therefore, I'm not quite sure how he thinks of me right now haha.

 

[Papasmurf1234]

He is .. hard to read. I have done all my work that he has given me. However, he is not the type to say "good job." For him, it just seems to be expected. Therefore, I'm not quite sure how he thinks of me right now haha.

I find that those professors usually write the best letters. They may have a hard coating but inside they're all nice and squishy

 

[thewobblytooth]

It's best to be straightforward. Ask if he's willing to write a "strong recommendation letter". If it's no, then leave. It's a waste of his time and yours for you to continue in a lab where the environment isn't working for you. 👍