Is UROP good for freshman with research experience?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

I am an incoming freshman and I have a few questions about the UROP program. I have heard both positive and negative about UROP from friends/forums, like how the research experience is good but the seminars are useless, etc.

Personally, I am very certain that I will pursue research in the future and I have been doing pretty involved research at a local university since my sophomore year of HS and competitions like Siemens, isef, JSHS, etc so I’m pretty familiar with the research process. Do you guys think I should do UROP or should i just contact professors independently?? I feel like the seminars/classes from UROP would kinda be a waste of time and I’m not looking for someone to “hold my hand” through research, and I’m also more interested in long-term research, like working at the same lab for 2-3 years instead of the 2 sem project for UROP. However, I also feel like it will be easier to find a professor and seek additional opportunities like internships, etc. through UROP.

What do you guys think? Also, is it possible to maybe try out UROP and look for professors but then drop out of the program if you don’t think it’s useful?

thanks!

2

Just email some professors this summer and see where that gets you. I would not try out urop then drop it. It will make you look bad and it’s bad for the program and professor also.

3

Not sure when your orientation date is, but you may not hear back from UROP regarding acceptance before you register for classes. The transition from high school to college here is far more competitive than incoming students realize. Many programs that are application based can be highly selective.

Be sure to tell your academic advisor you applied and they will guide you through how to schedule your classes as to leave “holes” to accommodate the program requirements. Same can be said if you do find a research opportunity outside of UROP. You will need to work around the professor’s needs - so get those conversations going asap.

4

Thanks for the input!

If I do end up independently contacting professors, how early in the summer should I begin sending out emails? I live pretty far from campus so I don’t think I will be able to start working over the summer, but I think it’s definitely important to start looking for connections early.

5

@CoolestAsian start now… Well maybe wait till Tuesday when the holiday is over. Keep in mind that many professors might be on vacation or sabbaticals but last time I checked… Most people have smart phones and internet :wink: research who is doing research that your interested in. Don’t be surprised if they want to Skype etc with you. Some will email right away and others won’t. You can also use your work study for this so look into all of this. Most is on the Michigan sites. Just search to find. No one expects you to start over the summer. Just explain you are an incoming freshman and what your experience is. To be more professional come up with a resume or cv and use your experiences… Which can be anything. To make a resume again search the university of michigan sites for resume. There are useful tips on that and cover letters. Be professional. You are no longer a high schooler. Ha… Make sure you return the emails regardless what they say and thank them for their time and help. You might need their help further into your college career. Maybe email just a few at a time. You don’t want to ask for research then refuse them.