When to do research

[arvininfinity]

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Wondered when is the latest I can do research...am a in my freshman year taking all 200 level classes and haven't got much time for research yet...


To be honest am v much interested in doing research but care a lot more about my GPA at the moment


So basically my question is : if I can do research in senior/junior year when I already have a solid GPA

 

[JAWSSS]

"200 level" means different things at different schools

At UCLA, 200 level means graduate classes... At my graduate university, 200 level is pretty much the lowest class they have.

I started research at UCLA during the first part of my 1st year; however, that is only because I got into a wonderful lab. All I would say is... try hard to research if you are at a "research university." Because of the amount of research that UCLA does (and opens up to its students) it would look really odd if I didn't participate in research in some way. My research experience was brought up by a majority of my interviewers, they seemed to have been interested/impressed.

Also, I would warn that a perfect GPA with no strengths outside of the classroom probably will not get you too far in the application process. I have an average GPA for most schools, but filled my time with meaningful activities (aka research) and I have had the opportunity to interview at some very amazing dental schools.

Just weigh out the pros and cons I guess. Good luck!

 

[arvininfinity]

Haha..my bad..am an international student so dunno all those terms..by 200 level classess I meant 200 level undergrad..but like orgo 1 -genetics and ...

Also I am in so many other Clubs..in a crew team and blabablal...so not too worried about my ECs..

Just dont wanna miss out the opportunity if it has to be in the sophomore/freshman year

 

[LaFleur]

You can certainly start doing it as a junior/senior if you want, at least at American universities.

 

[yappers2009]

...

 

[monkeyteeth]

ha, I'm an international student too. You got to take a look around the campus, know your professors first. Some professors are a little bit tough when it comes to researches. One of my class mate had to do 200 quizzes with a B average before he could start doing the research ( mind you the professor went to Harvard for his PhD so he was a bit picky ). Ask early because you will not be the only one who want to do research, there will be also students who want to go to grad school, med, dent, pharm or opto also. I knew i gonna need LOR so I started research during my junior year. The professor who wrote my LOR is my research mentor. Also, I did not get my research the first round because there wasn't an open spot, so I had to wait for about 2 quarters.

 

[Predent36]

I've been doing research since freshman year, and went through a couple of different labs until I found one I enjoyed. I've been in my current lab since summer before junior year. Some schools will allow you to do research for credit, so you might want to look into that if it is offered.

 

[bellos]

Wondered when is the latest I can do research...am a in my freshman year taking all 200 level classes and haven't got much time for research yet...


To be honest am v much interested in doing research but care a lot more about my GPA at the moment


So basically my question is : if I can do research in senior/junior year when I already have a solid GPA

As early as possible. If you have a job, a hired research position is the best thing that can happen for your grades. I was able to receive credit for doing research and became a designated research scholar. On top of that having a desk at the lab gave me a place where I could study and never be bothered, keep my materials, and be close to classes. The key is to find a lab job that fits your schedule and interests. Have you talked to other students doing research to get an idea of how it has worked out for them?

 

[Zbtb7]

Wondered when is the latest I can do research...am a in my freshman year taking all 200 level classes and haven't got much time for research yet...


To be honest am v much interested in doing research but care a lot more about my GPA at the moment


So basically my question is : if I can do research in senior/junior year when I already have a solid GPA

Most students in my school started doing research in a lab the summer after their Sophomore year. Starting early Junior year is possible; Senior year is rare. Most labs want at least a two year commitment so they can get their return on investment in training you.

 

[shootingstar7]

NEVER. Research sux.

 

[UCSFx2017]

I started at the end of my sophomore year. I wish I had done it earlier. The earlier you start, the better your chances of finishing a project on time and writing a paper for publication before the application season at the end of your Junior year.

If you already feel a perceived lack of free time when taking only 200-level courses in your freshman year, you will definitely not feel any reduced perceived lack of free time by Junior year. I keep saying "perceived" because in your case poor time management skills, not rigorous course load, are to blame.

The year I began researching is the year I did best in undergrad. Having to manage working in a lab and studying forces you to manage time efficiently, making and accounting for every hour of each day. Working in a research lab, instills curiosity which can motivate you when studying related and sometimes unrelated subjects in school.