<p>I'm a junior Cell and Molecular Biology major. I'll be applying to graduate schools in the Fall, so this summer's job is important. I'm planning on applying to Microbiology/Immunology graduate school programs. Here are my options for this summer:</p>
<p>Option 1: internship with Department of Environmental Protection (paying over $11/hr). The internship involves identifying species of mosquitoes. </p>
<p>Option 2: unpaid internship at James Madison University in a microbiology lab (I applied for their REU, but didn't get it; however, they did offer me an unpaid research opportunity). I wouldn't have to pay for any living expenses.</p>
<p>I do need money. My family's not wealthy at all, and I'm paying for school all by myself, so the $11/hr would be great; however, the DEP internship is not really research and I do want to go to graduate school right after undergrad (not sure whether I want to do a Masters or a PhD). Along the money issue...I have loans so I guess I can manage if I don't make money.
Also, I do have previous research experience. Last summer I worked with a professor on a microbiology/immunology project, and sophomore year I worked on a physiology project, so if I do option 1 it's not like I'd be applying to grad school with no experience. I also have the option to do research here at school beginning in the fall.</p>
<p>So...help! If any bio majors could offer advice that'd be great. I'd ultimately like to go to grad school at Emory or UVA, if that helps with how much research you think I need. Thanks in advance!</p>