Harvard/BU/Clark

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>So my prospective three summer options... (IF I get into my two summer programs)</p>

<ol>
<li><p>A research assistant position at a Harvard psych lab (unpaid). I would be going in to observe research and do data entry and recruitment and such. The person in charge of the research project told me she estimated I would be coming in for about 8 hours a week, give or take, since it won't be regular. </p></li>
<li><p>BU RISE Internship - 6 weeks - I would be pursuing my own independent research project in psychology. There is a fee involved.</p></li>
<li><p>Clark Scholars - 6 weeks - Again, an independent research project, but I would receive a stipend for my work.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>I might not even get into the below, but I am preparing for if I have to choose between these three for my summer. I am currently a junior, rising senior. Does anyone have any advice for me? I'm conflicted because I like the "harvard" name but I'm not sure if just eight hours a week will be very enriching experience for me. And as for BU, I would like to pursue my own project, but it is an expensive program.</p>

<p>My dream schools are Stanford and Columbia University.</p>

<p>So I guess I have these questions:
1. If I got into BU but not Clark, should I choose BU or Harvard?
2. If I got into all three, what should I choose?</p>

2

<p>Any advice or thoughts?</p>

3

<p>IMO:</p>

<p>1) BU RISE > Harvard research assistant. Independent research is way better than just being someone’s lab assistant and observing. You will learn much more through actually doing your own project; not only will you learn about psychology at RISE, but you’ll also be gaining and using valuable research skills like creating a research poster, presenting your results (like in real life), etc. Meanwhile, at the Harvard thing, you’ll only be watching someone else and occasionally doing the extra work that no one else wants to do.
Also, with your own project, you might be able to enter it into science fairs and competitions. Since you’re a rising senior, you can enter Siemens and ISTS. You can’t do that if you’re just a lab assistant and it’s not even your project.
The Harvard name may seem attractive right now, but it isn’t worth nearly as much as you think. Looking at what you’ll actually be DOING and the opportunities that you’ll get, the RISE internship is worth 10x the Harvard name.</p>

<p>2) CLARK SCHOLARS, FOR SURE. This is one of the best research programs (AND you get paid!), but it’s also super-competitive. If you do get in, definitely go!</p>

<p>Hope this was helpful. Good luck! :)</p>

4

<p>Thank you very much!</p>