Questions about UROP

never posted on this site before but I’ve been a long time reader of everyone’s posts, so here goes my first, haha!

Anyways, I’m an incoming freshman and I’ve gotten a couple emails from UMich about UROP, and the deadline is on May 22 (in two days from now), and I’m wondering whether or not I should apply. I have absolutely no idea what I wanna study, so the idea of doing a specific kind of research is kinda daunting because I don’t know what subjects I’m passionate about yet.

So,

  • is UROP worth it for freshmen? Does it offer any long term benefits or opportunities that I wouldn’t be able to get otherwise?
  • what’s the work schedule like? Will I still be able to take a full course load or will I have to take one less class?
    -is it all year or just one semester–and if so, can I choose whether or not I wanna do it second semester or first semester?
  • how do you choose what kind of research to do? Do you choose it on your own or do you join a professor’s team?
  • should I do it if I have no clear idea about what kind of research I wanna do or what I want to major in?
    -is it a lot of pressure/stress or is it more of a laid back experience?
  • if I apply and get in, do I have to do it?
    -If I choose not to do UROP during freshman year, can I do it during any of my other years in college?

For anyone who’s done UROP in the past, what have been your overall experiences with it? Thanks for any insight!

Ok…I asked my kiddo all about your questions and here’s what she says…

  • is UROP worth it for freshmen? Does it offer any long term benefits or opportunities that I wouldn't be able to get otherwise?

For an undecided major, it’s hit and miss. You might end up doing a terrific project that clicks with your interests, but you might not. The format of UROP for someone in a field they intend to pursue is fantastically beneficial. It is a terrific professional practice round with people who will walk you through making excellent resumes and giving effective answers in interviews. it’s highly valuable, even if you don’t go into research. The poster and presentation you make at the end is a great credential for research, and good start to your professional CV.

  • what's the work schedule like? Will I still be able to take a full course load or will I have to take one less class?

If you’re doing work study, it will depend on how you elect to do UROP. When my kiddo was taking UROP, she did it as her work study plus one credit, and was able to do 14 successful credit hours additionally. However, most people elect to do UROP as a credited class for 3-5 credits. As a freshman, we suggest starting with 12-14 credit hours. It’s a challenging year. Your work load will depend a bit on your adviser…most students work 9-14 hours per work on their UROP project and attend a seminar every two weeks. Your individual schedule will be determined between you and your mentor. Do stress the need for flexibility at your mentor interview if this is something that concerns you. Some mentors are more flexible than others.

-is it all year or just one semester–and if so, can I choose whether or not I wanna do it second semester or first semester?

Almost always UROP is a two semester commitment for fall and winter.

  • how do you choose what kind of research to do? Do you choose it on your own or do you join a professor's team?

When you sign up, you will be placed into a seminar focus group. After that, you’ll have access to all of the mentors who are taking UROP students. While you are assured a position through UROP, placement works like a typical business interview. Likewise, you get to choose which positions you apply for. You can expect to apply to at least 5 positions and interview for 3. Try to start this process ASAP…it’s first come, first served.

  • should I do it if I have no clear idea about what kind of research I wanna do or what I want to major in?

Either it will be a positive formative experience that will help you find something you’re passionate about…or you will feel kinda meh about it…and still get excellent general employment skills.

-is it a lot of pressure/stress or is it more of a laid back experience?

If you’re good at keeping up on weekly work…you’ll enjoy it. If you put things off, it’ll become stressful. it’s like having a job plus 30 minutes of homework a week. You also will be dedicating time and strong effort to your research poster.

  • if I apply and get in, do I have to do it? No. But do make sure to write an email to the director explaining that you're withdrawing. It won't be any problem.

-If I choose not to do UROP during freshman year, can I do it during any of my other years in college?

My daughter did UROP her sophomore year. You cannot do it your Junior or Senior year.

For anyone who’s done UROP in the past, what have been your overall experiences with it?

My daughter loved her UROP experience. Advice she would give to someone in the UROP program…be friendly…reach out to your advisor and mentor. People who have been unhappy with the program tend to be passive people who do not communicate their concerns. These people are happy to help you, but it’s up to you to get the ball rolling. You will get out of what you put into this program.

For your specific situation, my daughter recommends considering UROP your Sophomore year. This will give you a little time to explore the departments, do some research, and figure out what types of classes and labs interest you.

UROP can be a good stepping stone for summer internship opportunities and jobs within the university. My daughter has worked for a lab during the school year for the past three years, and has absolutely found her people there. She’s also been able to get a paid position at a different university’s biological station full time in the summer. This summer she has an REU at a Great Lakes research station.

I had several UROP students when I was working at UMich >15 years ago. I hope things do not change that much.
If you have interest in doing research, UROP is definitely a good starting point. If you are not sure about doing research, it would be a good opportunity to find out if you do or not. In addition, it can get you a reference for your future grad school or job application. Did you look into the MRC residential program too?
When you sign up for UROP, you may pick your interested areas. They will be hundreds of topics provided by the participating professors. There will be some kind of matching mechanism and you can pick the topics. The professors will then interview a few students and explain more details on the project. There are also summer UROP with or without pay.
Even without or after UROP, you may still approach the professors to ask for research possibility in any year. However, it would be easier if you already know the professor or you have done some research work like UROP previously.

does anyone know what the acceptance rate for urop is if you apply by the May 22 early decision deadline? do most freshmen get in as long as you put effort and thought into your application and applied early?

@Eeeee127

Applying UROP early with effort should give you good chances. Students still get turned down, however. It’s residential conterpart, MRC, turns down MANY applicants. I have no idea what the acceptance rates are for either program, but I know that MRC is more competitive if that applies to anyone on this thread.

Any residential programs have more applicants than the quota. Some of them have many times more applicants than they want. Thanks to the freshmen trying to avoid North Campus housing. For UROP, I am not sure if it is selective at all. At least, it was not selective when I worked there.

You don’t necessarily to be in UROP to do research. You just need to find an opportunity. UROP is just a resource that organizes these opportunities better.

http://careers.umich.edu/search

(Search for Part-time or Temporary)
https://studentemployment.umich.edu/JobX_FindAJob.aspx

There are also opportunities in posted the buildings of the LSA departments and their websites.

Most students who request an UROP are granted a placement. As yikesyikesyikes pointed out, MRC is harder to secure.

If work study is part of your financial aid package, it is a nice option for a job. You’re getting paid for an academically meaningful experience. It’s a chance to network with professionals in your possible career field, gain research and work-related skills, and earn some money.

^ That is a good point. It is a good way to earn the work study aid.