Summer research program

[Djax99]

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Hey so I’m an incoming freshman and am interested in pursuing research over next summer (after freshman year) and was wondering how I could make my application attractive to summer undergraduate research fellowships at schools.

I was wondering how competitive these programs are and if anyone knew any notable ones to apply to? I’m planning on applying to ones in my home state (MA) but was wondering if there are any programs through organizations such as the NIH or other bodies that are good.

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

Does your school offer any summer research programs? Lot of schools have them.

 

[Djax99]

Does your school offer any summer research programs? Lot of schools have them.

Yea my school offers one but it’s kind of an average school and thought that if I got into a more competitive program/research program it would be more impressive and that I would be able to conduct better research with a higher likelihood of a poster/publication.

 

[Djax99]

Does your school offer any summer research programs? Lot of schools have them.

Do you have any ideas on stuff that I should do so I could be a more competitive applicant for these programs and do you have any programs you could recommend I pursue?

 

[deleted987519]

Yea my school offers one but it’s kind of an average school and thought that if I got into a more competitive program/research program it would be more impressive and that I would be able to conduct better research with a higher likelihood of a poster/publication.

Small pond theory

 

[Djax99]

Small pond theory

Do you mean like big fish small pond? So do you think it would be better for me to stay in my schools research program and in turn be a bigger fish rather than applying to more competitive programs? If so, how does that matter in research? Would it be that I would have a greater chance of publishing and getting more responsibilities by being a big fish

 

[deleted987519]

Do you mean like big fish small pond? So do you think it would be better for me to stay in my schools research program and in turn be a bigger fish rather than applying to more competitive programs? If so, how does that matter in research? Would it be that I would have a greater chance of publishing and getting more responsibilities by being a big fish

I think you should definitely consider the one at your school and not dismiss it just because it doesn't carry a prestigious name. Yes, its possible that in a smaller lab you could have more direct contact with the PI (and actually gain something valuable from your time there) as well as have a better chance at leading a project as an undergrad, potentially presenting a poster or publishing a paper.

Could also be true for research programs at "more competitive" schools - you'd have to find out the specifics for what you're applying to. Could also be the case you spend your time at a prestigious school and rarely interact with the expert in the lab because things are so bureaucratic.

Overall, people will care what you gained from your experience, not where you did it.