University of Chicago research

[Benji Courtney]

I've heard that the University of Chicago has a summer(?) research program and I am very interested because I heard that a person can work with nobel prize laurettes(sp?) and this would probably look wonderful on a medical school application. However, I can't find anything out about how competitive this program is(average ACT scores, # of applicants, etc.). Can anyone out their enlighten me?????????????

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[RainaNoelle]

I believe you are talking about the Research Experiences for Undergrads (REU) program funded by the NSF. I participated in this program at the University of Chicago back in 1997, but it was for physics. My gpa at the time was 4.0 but that's the only real stat they recieved in the application (no high school stuff). You send letters of recommendation, and write a short essay, and I think those weigh pretty heavily. It all depends on what school you apply to as well though...they are allowed a wide range of freedom in choosing whom they want to participate in their program.

Here is the NSF webpage discussing REUs:

<a href="http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/reu/start.htm" target="_blank">http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/reu/start.htm</a>

My experience working in the High Energy Physics department at UofC was amazing!! And like you said, there were Nobel laureates thick as thieves!!! I had to present a talk on my research at the end of the summer, with Nobel laureates in the audience!! I'd highly recommend anyone to participate in this type of program if possible.

Also, apply to more than just one program...I applied to about five of them, with UofC my first choice, and I got rejected from all of them BUT UofC!! I was still a freshman at the time though, and usually they want enterring seniors. Apply quickly too...deadlines for schools start as early as the end of January.

Best of luck to you!!!

Raina

 

[GregiG]

Hey,

I think you might be talking about the Howard Hughes Program, sponsored by NIH (although they also sponsor the NSF, some through the field museum).

I did this program this past summer and it's great. The coordinator (dr. Strieleman) makes sure you are productive. There's about 60-70 applicants for 25 spots, so it's fairly though but not that bad. They really want people from schools other than U of C to apply so as long as you know someone here who you'd like to work with and can sponsor you, you have a greater chance to get in. Averages? Hard to tell: I'd say probably around 3.5 GPA from a ivy or 3.6-3.7 from a lesser known place will get you in.

<a href="http://bscd.bsd.uchicago.edu/researchIndex3.html?content=startResearch.html" target="_blank">http://bscd.bsd.uchicago.edu/researchIndex3.html?content=startResearch.html</a>

also check out

<a href="http://phoenix.uchicago.edu" target="_blank">http://phoenix.uchicago.edu</a>

for other summer research opportunities.

GOOOD LUCK

 

[shorrin]

It's great that you want to do research and the UofC is a truly great place to do it and it does look really good on your application for medschool. About the nobel laureates though, you won't be working with one unless you go into physics or economics since the bio-related ones are either dead or not prof's anymore. Of course that doesn't mean to say that you won't be working with some really brilliant people. GregiG has the best links to look at and that will give you a good idea about where to go. Also, if you really want to do research at the UofC and you don't get a howard hughes (NIH grant), and you can support yourself for a summer then find an area of research that you'd be interested in and send a prof in that area a letter then call them! Most prof's love undergrad researchers here. Whatever your stats though I would apply for the HH(NIH grant). Contact Dr. Strieleman he's a really nice (though tough) guy. Any more questions, I'd be happy to help!!

 

[P60001]

I have participated in both: the Howard Hughes Medical Intership (HHMI) and the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU).
I applied to the HHMI through the representative on my campus that is in charge of the local program. I am fairly certain that it is not funded by NIH, rather through a grant from the Howard Hughes Foundation. The college applies to them for a grant to support a certain number of undergraduate research students.
I received the NSF-REU grant twice. The grant was applied for by my PI for me to do research in his lab.
Neither pay very well, so do not expect to save much.
I may be mistaken, but you original post about doing research to "pad" you med school application may be frivolous. I believe they look at consistency and motivation. However, if I am incorrect, excuse me. I do believe if research is a consideration of yours for a career, it would be very important to experience it now. Research can be much more of an experience, good or bad, than many people believe.
Good luck.
Rob