<p>So this summer I a have a research internship at a major national lab and the people I am working with have already told me they would like me to come back next summer and continue helping them. I am going to be a senior next year and I am planning on going straight to graduate school so next summer will be in between my senior year and grad school. </p>
<p>My question is, is it ok to mention in my SOP that I plan to continue working with this lab next summer before I start grad school? Would mentioning that look good to admissions committees or would they just not care because it hasnt happened yet? </p>
<p>I am also wondering, what do most people do in between senior year and graduate school if they are going straight to grad school?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Many people do what you are describing. I had an REU the summer before my senior year, and was invited back to help administer the program the following summer.</p>
<p>I think admissions like it when you have research plans for that summer between schools - it shows a high level of interest in the subject - but I doubt they weight it highly at all. And, as you mentioned, it has not yet happened so there is nothing stopping you from later changing your summer plans to “backpack through Europe.”</p>
<p>In my experience, most people use that summer like they have their previous summers - those who need to work do so, the party people party, etc. Just remember that a research-based degree may well consume your summers as well, so I would look at this as your last chance to have a couple of months completely up to you.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply. That was pretty much what I figured.</p>