<p>I'm stuck between washington university in st. louis and usc. I really feel that usc is better for me and i'll be more comfortable there, but my mom is still kinda hesistant. usc is a really big private school and she's wondering about the individual attention usc gives you and the research opportunities i could get as an undergrad. any answers will be much appreciated!</p>
<p>thanks!</p>
<p>what’s your major?</p>
<p>My D is finishing her freshman year at USC in The College of Letters Arts and Sciences.</p>
<p>She walked in to a lab back in September and asked if she could help with a research project. Since then, she has helped on that first project, become a co-leader of another, presented her research at a symposium, been invited on a summer research (overseas) project and has been awarded full funding for that summer project. She has received individual attention from several faculty members - not only the teachers of her actual classes, but others in her major who have taken an interest in her. USC has been beyond her (HIGH!) expectations.</p>
<p>Unlimited opportunities are there for students who want (and are willing to work for) them.</p>
<p>wow alamemom that’s amazing!</p>
<p>my major is BME</p>
<p>Some quick questions, alamemom, what major is your daughter (I’m assuming she’s a science major)? Are there a lot of research/intern opportunities (paid and unpaid) for science majors that are available to non-work study students? One of the greatest factors that pushed me to USC were these such opportunities that I kept hearing about. I’m a physics major, if that makes any difference.</p>
<p>Actually, my D is not a science major, she is in the social sciences. I asked her, and it is her sense that there are even more opportunities to join/start projects for the science majors like the ones you mention. Like the two of you, last year she heard a lot about the research opportunities and funding, and wondered if it might be “too good to be true.” She VERY excited about the opportunities opening up for her and VERY glad she chose USC. Just jump in with both feet right from the start - join existing projects, apply for funding (SURF, PURF, SOAR… lots of acronyms I am not certain I am getting right…), ask faculty and TAs for suggestions, and come up with your own ideas - you can get funding to pursue your interests. Some of her research has doubled as papers for her classes, so that is even another benefit!</p>
<p>Oh - one other note - she had no problem joining projects outside her major. If you have an interest in something, you can research it at USC.</p>
<p>how did your daughter get started on her research projects? did she just ask a professor if she could join his lab or something?</p>
<p>For her first one, she got a random email from her department asking for help on a project. She walked in and was put to work. After that, she started asking TAs (the ones she asked were grad students) if they knew of any - she was initially a bit intimidated by the professors - not because they were intimidating, just because she is a bit shy. Now she feels very comfortable approaching professors and asking about projects and for advice or suggestions. The sooner you start developing a relationship with teachers and TAs, the better - they will be writing your recommendations for your funding!</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for your help! I guess shyness is just the biggest factor. Still though, it would appear random to approach a professor and ask about research projects. But I guess that’s part of taking initiative. Thanks again for the help!</p>