<p>I'm in a Canadian university and my undergrad rarely has profs doing research with undergrads, though many students do some kinds of internship.
If you look at most profs' publication records, they don't contain many recent publications, either.
Undergrads aren't even allowed to do structured research program like REU (NSERC in Canada) until they're in their 3rd year.</p>
<p>I'm aware that students at good undergrad like MIT, Stanford, etc. have great undergrad research opportunities and environment.</p>
<p>Will I be at a disadvantage when it comes to applying to top US grad schools?</p>
<p>How can you create your own opportunities? That doesn't make sense. :( I guess I just have to give up on getting into a top US grad school and pursue professional school instead. I'm in my first year, though.</p>
<p>On my original thread, I said, "If you look at most profs' publication records, they don't contain many recent publications, either." But I'm not sure if I exactly know what is considered "recent". Most profs at my university have approx. 10 publications published between 2003 to 2007. Is this considered recent?</p>
<p>You can try finding summer research programs in the US. There are some that will provide funding for international students if they have money left over, and others are privately funded so aren't restricted to US citizens.</p>
<p>You make your own opportunities by busting your posterior. For example, investigate conferences where undergraduates present their research and posters. You may meet someone there whom can offer great career advice or even a internship or recommendation for an internship.</p>
<p>BK - if your prof's are publishing an average of 2 articles a year, then they are very active indeed. </p>
<p>Since you've just finished freshman year (right?) you have plenty of time. Read over the "Grad School Admissions 101" thread - the first page is the most important. At this point you probably don't have enough in the "basics" to come up with research ideas on your own - that's why, to you, the "create your own opportunities" comments don't make sense. </p>
<p>This summer start looking into your professors' recent publications, then, when school starts next fall, start participating in all the conferences, colloquia, "brown bag" lunch sessions, etc. your school offers. It may be that you have to wait for 3rd year to do something "official", but maybe not.</p>
<p>One last thing - once you get the hang of spotting research opportunities, you won't be able to open a journal or monograph without coming across half a dozen! The secret is to look for phrases like "an area that deserves further study" or "not considered here is...", things like that. Each one is a research project waiting to happen. And if you've got the idea from one of your own prof's work, then you have a straightforward process for proposing the project - perhaps as in independent study course for example.</p>
<p>WilliamC: No, I haven't finished my freshman year. Currently I'm enrolled for the Summer semester; my university is in a trisemester system. On September, 2007, I'll go into my 2nd year.</p>
<p>I read over the thread you recommended, and it was very informative.
I don't think my university offers things like conferences and colloquia to undergrads.
You were right in that students at my undergrad have to wait until 3rd year to do "official" research.</p>
<p>if u are in the top of your class in a foreign country.... then you will easily get into good grad schools.... key word: "top" or somewhere near there...</p>