<p>Hello! I am currently thinking about attending a community college for two years and then transferring to either the University of Florida or the Florida State University for the completion of my undergraduate education with a major in physics. In this scenario, I will attempt to attend graduate school for a PhD but there happens to be a conflicting issue in this area. I am aware that great extracurricular activities (research, etc.) are important for an attractive application, but I was wondering how I would be able to participate in research and academic societies in community college (in specific the Palm Beach State College). Does anyone have any advice/answers/testimonials/etc? Any responses will be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Is there a university in the area with a lab you could volunteer in? I think that’s your best bet if you want to start research immediately. Summer REUs are a good option too. They tend to look for students who don’t have opportunities at their home institution. Even if you can’t start until you get to UF or FSU, if you find a lab before you arrive you’ll still get 2 good years of experience. Science clubs and whatnot are unimportant.</p>
<p>The only EC that matters for grad school is research. Academic societies don’t really matter, unless you mean election to Phi Beta Kappa (or Phi Theta Kappa, the community college version) or perhaps honor societies in a few fields (like Sigma Theta Tau for nursing).</p>
<p>I agree with trying to get involved with research at a nearby research university or institute. You’re unlikely to get an REU after your first year - for most of them, you won’t even be eligible - but definitely try after your second year.</p>
<p>I second what Juliet said, after your second year you will have a much better chance at an REU.</p>