A little question

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>This question was put to me by my friend (a 11th grader), and I didn't really give her a complete answer, so I'd like to put it to you guys.</p>

<p>She wants to do research - in either biology or engineering, but is strongly leaning towards biology. </p>

<p>She asked me which the top American universities for undergraduate research (particularly in biology) are. Since I'm only a class-of-'14-er, I didn't know the answer. I told her that Johns Hopkins was probably one, from what I've heard.</p>

<p>So could you guys please help me out be telling me a few more?</p>

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<p>I think that small liberal arts colleges provide more opportunities for undergraduate research than universities which have enough graduate students to do the work.</p>

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<p>MIT (10 chars)</p>

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<p>@barium: Hmm...true. But from what I've heard JHU and Rice are pretty good for undergrad research too. </p>

<p>@aw5k: Wouldn't MIT be more geared towards research for graduates? </p>

<p>And on that note, what about opportunities at HYPS?</p>

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<p>For Biology and all that, It's Harvard without doubt. But that's for graduate programs, as barium said LACs may provide more opportunities for undergraduate research.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
@barium: Hmm...true. But from what I've heard JHU and Rice are pretty good for undergrad research too.</p>

<p>@aw5k: Wouldn't MIT be more geared towards research for graduates?</p>

<p>And on that note, what about opportunities at HYPS?

[/quote]

MIT has an excellent research possibility for undergraduates, the so-called UROP - Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.</p>

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<p>As danpo said. I doubt that any institution can provide as much undergraduate research as MIT.</p>

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<p>You might be right about MIT (I really don't know) but it's out of most students' reach. What are practical alternatives?</p>

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<p>I think Caltech also has decent undergrad research opportunities, especially over the summer (have been looking into this). And I'd imagine HYPS would have them as well, although you might have to push a bit to get yourself a spot.</p>

<p>That aside, one's best bet would be a smallish LAC? Harvey Mudd comes to mind, since it's pretty sciency.</p>

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<p>Right - thanks a lot guys! I'm sure my friend will be pleased with everything you guys have said.</p>

<p>But if you have more stuff to say don't hesitate! I mean she only has to apply at the end of the year you know! lol</p>

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<p>The reason I brought Rice into the picture is because she's seriously considering it. Also, she like JHU, particularly the BME opportunities as they kind of combine both her interests (get what I mean?). So, yeah, any extra info on those two schools would be particularly useful.</p>

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<p>@tetrisfan, you'd probably get more responses if you cross post this in the College search and selection forum (lots more people there :))</p>

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<p>@k_twin: You think so? Fine I'll paste it onto there</p>

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<p>Most schools allow biology majors to do research when writing a thesis and some schools offer summer research programs (a couple are open to anyone nationwide). There are only few schools though that offer research opportunities beyond that.</p>

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<p>Yes, I would imagine that's true</p>