Hi everybody,
I am a junior undergrad studying physics at one of the the top 6 US schools for physics. I have recently been offered 3 internships for over the summer and I’m curious which would help me out the most in the long run when it comes to getting into Grad School. Info about my three choices:
Option 1:
Research internship at one of the other top 6 Physics schools. The internship is aimed at minorities and is not only for research but also to promote the value of grad school.
Pros:
The opportunity to research at one of the top schools
It is at the school I hope to attend for grad school one day
The possibility of getting a letter of recommendation from one of the faculty there
Con:
Stipend isn’t as high as the second option
The program isn’t REU (I guess I have to do more than just research?)
I have no idea what project I would be working on until I accepted the offer
Option 2:
REU at one of the top 10 schools
Pros:
Highest Stipend (Over $1000 more)
I like the area and I think it would be cool to live there
I know what project I would be working on and it’s in the field I hope to study more in the future
Cons:
A lower level school than Option 1 (but still a really good school)
Option 3:
Research opportunity at my current university
Pro:
Get to know a professor more
Possible opportunity to do long term research here
Con:
No stipend
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I’m struggling to make a decision and I only have two more days to decide. Thanks!
I like number one. Why wouldn’t you know what you are doing and why would you think you are doing other things than research and what are those other things?
Research at another uni is a great way to see how another school is run and make possible connections for applying for grad school. You check them out and they check you out.
Although option 3 is good to because it will let you do long term research with someone at your school. That would be good for LOR and background on your resume. Doing long term research at your school is great, but no stipend means they don’t find you worth it enough to pay or finance your living over the summer.
I’m already working with a group at my home institution but wasn’t able to apply for one with funding because I couldn’t find a suitable option.
Option number 1 is going to assign me a project based on my interests and skill after all participants have accepted their offers. The other things possibly have to do with promoting minorities to go to grad school, which includes some academic counseling but I’m not 100% sure of what else that entails.
The part involving promoting minorities to go to grad school is likely fairly minimal. It probably amounts to a few speaking engagements involving speaking briefly about the struggles you’ve faced as a minority, and how you’ve managed to overcome them and such. I imagine the emphasis of the program would be on the research.
I’d go with option 1. If that’s where you want to go for grad school, doing summer research there is kind of a “foot in the door” so to speak. Meet people and make an impression, and you’ll increase your chances of going there.