I’m thinking about applying to MRADS for my freshman year; to be completely transparent, I am interested in research but another reason is that I don’t want to be placed on north campus. How big of a commitment is it? Also, I have seen from some other threads that it is not a good social environment, I’m not the biggest partier but I like to be around friendly and outgoing people that are open to adventure. And most importantly, overall, is it worth joining?
Are you going to do UROP anyway? That would be the biggest commitment.
I haven’t decided yet, MRADS would be a first choice to UROP because of the residential aspect.
If UROP doesn’t really affect my performance in classes then I’d be up for it. I’m mainly concerned about the environment of MRADS, because if it’s not great I could just do UROP and room blind.
If UROP doesn’t really affect my performance in classes then I’d be up for it. I’m mainly concerned about the environment of MRADS, because if it’s not great I could just do UROP and room blind.
MRADS is at MoJo which was renovated a few years ago. It is in the Hill area connected directly to the dinning hall. I would say the quality of the room and amenities are around average.
Reach out to the RC and speak with some students first hand. See if you like the vibe.
North Campus gets a bad wrap - I live there and still have an active social life on central campus (and NC). Don’t seek out a RC if you truly are not interested in it. There is work to go along with being a RC member which takes time away from the adventurous social life you seek - making it a potential trade-off if your heart isn’t in it.
BTW, exploring your initial interest in research isn’t limited to a UROP or RC commitment. There are paid research campus jobs available to freshmen on the university job site - and they work around your school schedule. UROP and RC are application based and competitive, so keep this third option in your back pocket.
Be careful what you wish for. My son decided against doing urop to just work a fun job. He applied on a Monday and had the job on Tuesday. It allows him to blow off some steam and stress and fun for him to do. I think taking on urop might of been too much. He also started a club that is taking a life /time of its own as it is growing quickly. There are many options to do just about whatever you want at Michigan. Email a few professors and do research if you want. Lots of options.
If you have work study in your FA package and are interested in research, you can kill two birds with one stone.
So does being a part of MRADS/UROP really limit the amount of time you can put into other clubs?
MRC (now MRADS) is social, but you will not have a “Markley-like” experience. There will be some partiers, so if that is your scene, you will find it quite easily.