<p>I'm looking into majoring in biology at Duke.
I understand that research opportunities are very available for undergraduates, but how easy is it for freshmen specifically to obtain a position for Independent study, and other research opportunities with a mentor? Is it significantly more difficult for freshmen to get a willing mentor? Also, are there certain factors that can help to get a research spot, like high gpa, etc?</p>
<p>I’m just a prospective, I’ve staying here at duke the past three days, and I asked these same questions of some of the faculty (I’m planning on neuroscience, so it’s rather similar).
For independent study/research, you can actually make one of your classes in semesters an independent study course where you do your own research.
For what makes it easier to get a research spot, what every professor told me here was that you basically just have to email them and show interest, and they will then show equivalent interest in bringing you onboard. I’m sure a higher GPA is nice, but from how the professors spoke about their interest in bringing undergrads to do research, it’s mostly based on your interest and willingness. </p>
<p>I’m sure current students can speak more clearly about this than I can, but I just wanted to give you the information I’ve gotten directly from faculty here at Duke.</p>
<p>You can do it. I chose to take a semester off from research and starting emailing people by October and was in a lab by November, started working in January.</p>
<p>PI’s here actually generally really want freshmen and sophomores so they can keep you for more time.</p>