<p>Hi! </p>
<p>I am an incoming freshman at the University of Michigan (class of 2016) and was researching some of the MLCs. I was hoping that some of you could provide me with your personal experience in both the MCSP and the UROP. How much of a commitment is it? If I am auditioning for the marching band, will 6-12 hours a week of research be too much for me in addition to all my class work? It seems that the MCSP is less of a commitment than the UROP, is this true? Also, if I join a learning community, will it be harder to branch out and meet other freshman because the people in my dorm will all be from the MLC? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Try UROP to access the Project Book and find what interests you. A lot of people don’t like UROP, but I know a few savvy freshmen and sophomores who landed really awesome projects and got stipends to work over the summer. If you don’t have time for the homework, just drop UROP before the fall deadline and do research through the semester by yourself.</p>
<p>MCSP sounds lame unless community service is really your thing. There has to be a hundred different service clubs on campus.</p>
<p>I heard marching band is intense and has a huge time commitment, but it could turn out to be awesome so definitely prepare a good audition at the least and then see.</p>
<p>Marching band is a huge time commitment. The commitment isn’t for everyone but it is special for those who choose to do it. I wouldn’t want to take on the research project and band during the fall. I would wait until you know how much time you commitments you can manage.</p>
<p>MCSP is not a huge time commitment and you should be able to do the band and the MCSP. It is not hard to branch out and meet other people.</p>
<p>Ok cool thanks. So basically mrc/urop is a big time commitment and the McSp is not and sort of lame. Is there anyone who had a really good experience with McSp? Also can I submit my regular housing application and then apply to a Mlc after? Thanks so much in advance guys.</p>
<p>Could anyone explain more about the specific requirements regarding UROP? I was looking into this program and it seems like it’s something that I definitely want to be a part of, however, if I’m going to be a premed, would it be better to do research with one of my professors instead of trying to fulfill all of the UROP requirements? How would the grades work for UROP as well?</p>
<p>OP, Marching band and UROP is doable. There’s a time conflict with Wednesday meetings and practice, but it’s a valid excuse to leave early from practice (you still have to work off the time though), and I don’t think those meetings are all that important anyway. If you end up doing 6-12 hrs of UROP + 2 credits of marching band, I certainly wouldn’t suggest taking more than 3 other classes - don’t stretch yourself too thin.</p>
<p>Tbeezer, the reality of doing research is it’s pretty hard to find opportunities as a freshman. I imagine you and most pre-meds are looking for something in the science field, and professors usually want some experience or for you to have taken at least intro labs before starting, so UROP is a great entry point.</p>
<p>In address to the last part about not branching out:
Being in a learning community makes meeting people easier, you meet people in your hall, then you meet their friends from class or home towns, you make your own friends from clubs and class being in an MLC in no way isolates you.</p>
<p>Its all what you make of it, branch out and network with people you meet to meet their friends.</p>
<p>Ok. Have any of you guys been part of the mcsp?</p>