<p>I heard from a student in Grinnell that research opportunities for freshman isn't so common. As an incoming student with intention to major in biology, I want to gain research experience as early as possible. As some universities actually have freshman research programs, I don't think this will be totally impossible. Are there anybody familiar with availability of research opportunities for freshman in Grinnell? </p>
<p>My D is a second year bio major. As a first year you take Bio 150 which is a prereq for Bio 251/252. 251 is only offered fall semester so there even isn’t much bio you take your freshman year. That might be why you were told there aren’t many research options open for freshman at Grinnell. My D was able to get a research position this summer (after her sophomore year) with a bio prof at Grinnell. Grinnell seems to do a good job of getting students involved in summer research opportunities (called MAP’s - you can search on the Grinnell site). You can also consider other options outside of Grinnell for your freshman summer as well.</p>
<p>I agree with you that there are not many classes available for freshmen and sophomores who major in bio. I really wish I would be able to participate in some research programs in the summer after freshman, so it will be not so easy for me to find such an opportunity early, since the summer after sophomore seems the first research opportunity for bio major students. </p>
<p>I went to Grinnell and majored in biochemistry (concentrated in neurosci). After my Freshman year I was offered a research position in a plant physiology lab. Ultimately I did not get the position over another student because I said I was more interested in neurobio than plant bio, but I definitely could have gotten it if I had misrepresented my interest. I got the interview because my bio 150 course was plant bio focused (whereas there are 4 others with different focuses), and I was an exceptional student, so my professor recommended me. Ultimately, freshman research is definitely possible, you just have to do good work. </p>