<p>I am ending my sophomore year at college. </p>
<p>I didnt know what exactly to apply for over winter break early. I tried searching but couldnt really find anything. (Supposedly there are stuff to apply for like programs? I seen one but it is like really prestigious and hard to get in to?) So I waited until late spring and emailed lots of professors asking to help with research. Most didnt respond. The few I asked in person said No.
I ended up finding a flier that was looking for researchers. It turned out to be like 10 hours a week and I just help out with running tests on patients and helping interview them and screen them. Is this worth it? My plans are for medical school and this is more social-interaction related research. But this was all I could find and I might not be able to do anything else if not for this this summer? </p>
<p>Its funny since I had to go out and search most of the time but this time there was a flier looking for people so I was a little suspicious but it seems legit for now.</p>
<p>Any patient contact activity is better than none.</p>
<p>Next year, start looking much earlier than you did this year. National research programs typically have application deadlines around Jan 15. (You want to find a REU. There’s a searchable national database available at NSF.) Some are highly competitive; some aren’t. Be sure you have at least 2-3 profs who will write you letters of recommendation since all programs will require LORs. Ask if they will write for you before the end of fall semester since you may have to your LORs submitted before spring semester begins.</p>
<p>You should also ask for a list of summer research programs at your college’s health professions advising office. They have a list–I guarantee it!</p>
<p>Emailing is very inefficient and most email contacts go straight into the delete queue especially if you wrote generic “do you have any research openings?” type letter. </p>
<p>If you are going to contact a prof by email, you need to find out what his research area is and write an individualized letter telling why you’re interested in what he does and how you could enhance his program. Even if you do this, still expect no response from about 80% of profs you contact.</p>
<p>When you went ask in person, did you have a resume with you that you left with the prof? Did you have list of coursework completed w/ grades and lab skills you have? Next year, make sure you do.</p>
<p>You really have to pro-active to find lab-based research opportunities.</p>
<p>Thanks. I now see the things I need to improve on that I didnt do. I however am not sure what to say to differentiate myself from the pack, specifically on “how I am deeply interested in the research” or “how I can contribute to their cause” like you said</p>
<p>— Start attending departmental seminars to see what various research groups on campus are doing.</p>
<p>— Check the webpages for each research group to see what projects are currently underway. (They’ll be linked on the Bio/Chem/Neuro department page.)</p>
<p>— Read any papers published by a prof/research group you want to work for. (It’ll be on the prof’s CV which will be on the department’s faculty webpages.)</p>
<p>Be able to say what specifically about the research you find interesting. Connect it to your own coursework/readings/experiences.</p>
<p>Create a resume for yourself listing your relevant coursework and any skills you have (lab skills, math skills, computer skills). Include any awards, volunteer positions or other research experience you have. There should be sample resumes on your college’s career center webpages. If you’re still not sure how to do this, make an appt. w/the career center for help doing so.</p>
<p>Once you have identified your skills, then you’ll be able to see what you can contribute to a research project.</p>
<p>Anything is better than nothing. Certainly do not turn down any opportunities. It is much easier to get everything (Research, volunteering, great job…etc.) at you UG and do it during school year, but you have probably done it already anyway as you are ending your 2nd year. Best wishes!</p>