<p>I apologize if this isn't the right forum for my question... I'm not really sure which one would be best. I would appreciate parent input on my current situation though :)</p>
<p>I'm currently taking one summer class at my university, while commuting from home. I've been filling the rest of my time with a research job and physical therapy. </p>
<p>Last quarter, I chose to receive credit for my research job. It is on my transcript as "undergraduate research." However, the research credit is under the pediatrics designation instead of psychology, so the credit won't fulfill the graduation requirement for my major. This is fine with me. I am continuing the research because I enjoy it and although it's a little frustrating that it won't "count" because of departmental technicalities, it is still very much worth it, in my opinion.</p>
<p>Anyway, last quarter, I was already paying tuition for full-time. So, the additional three credits of undergraduate research had no financial impact. I received a 4.0 grade for those three credits, which helped my GPA a tiny amount. However, this summer, I'm paying on a per-credit basis because I'm only taking one class. *If I choose to receive research credit again, I will need to pay an additional $700. I am wondering if you guys think it would be worth it? * </p>
<p>On one hand, I feel like it would be worth it to have just another tiny bump to my GPA and to prove that I was not slacking off this summer by just taking that one class. However, $700 is a lot of money to pay for credits that I don't really need. I have a little while to make my decision, but am not sure which would be best now. Any input would definitely be appreciated :)</p>
<p>My DD is also doing summer research, she is NOT going to take a loan to pay for credit for research she would be doing anyway, UNLESS she finds out she can get some real benefit- access to the health center, access to the student fitnes center, etc. I would not do it just for a tiny GPA bump, you can still list summer research as an activity, credit or not</p>
<p>I would say it's probaby not worth it unless you really needed a boost to your GPA, not just a tiny bump.</p>
<p>Presumably, since you're going to do the job anyway, it will appear on your resume and you may have a letter of recommendation from you supervisor for grad school/job search. I think doing this kind of work which is meaningful and educational (ie. not fast food) as it appears in a resume/letter of recommendation will serve you will without paying $700 for credit. In fact, too much credit for the same thing that doesn't count might actually look like you're trying to pad your GPA.</p>
<p>I think tango1 has it exactly right. My D is doing a research internship this summer WITHOUT the option of getting college credits for it. As tango14 points out, it will appear on her resume and (hopefully) in letters of recommendation.</p>
<p>S had research/seminar credit/term for three years for spending some time knocking on some professors doors. Spent one summer as paid intern, at near survival wages. He didn't need the credit or the grades, but the experience sure has paid off. The year after he graduated, this professor/advisor/mentor, got this award: 2007</a> Fellows Individual Pages - MacArthur Foundation</p>
<p>I agree that it's not worth paying for a credit you don't need on the transcript. But be sure to obtain a letter of recommendation from the supervising faculty member to keep in your file.</p>