Regarding Research with a Professor

Applying to College
1

<p>As I and a couple of my friends are somewhat interested in this process of being involved in academic research with a professor, I was wondering how this process works. Also because it's going to be summer and I will not really have much to do.</p>

<p>For those of you that completed this process, or are currently in research, or know about this:</p>

<p>How did you set up a connection? Did you look at a list of colleges close to your location and then emailed the professors based on your topics (I wasn't sure if this is how)?</p>

<p>I know when it comes to research, most of it is science-related, but does it have to be, or can it be something else (like a social-science related area or topic)?</p>

<p>What grade do you have to be (for that matter, for those of you that did research, what grade were you in then)?</p>

<p>And a general summary of what goes on during this process, do you meet with the professor on certain times and research as well as your own and then publish something, or is it just research.</p>

<p>Any information is appreciated. Not saying my friends and I will do this, but it is a possibility based on how this works.</p>

2

<p>
[quote]
How did you set up a connection? Did you look at a list of colleges close to your location and then emailed the professors based on your topics (I wasn't sure if this is how)?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>most people i know involved in research do the emailing professors thing. it might be a little too late for that now, but there's no harm in trying.</p>

3

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<p>Oh yeah, that brings up another thing: is research only available in the summer or during the schoolyear as well (although I doubt the latter).</p>

<p>And yeah, it's really just something I am considering. It most likely isn't going to be this summer anyways, I'm still early on in my high school (i have junior friends though).</p>

4

<p>Sorry to Bump. Really curious about this and to see if anyone is able to answer </p>

<p>
[quote]

I know when it comes to research, most of it is science-related, but does it have to be, or can it be something else (like a social-science related area or topic)?</p>

<p>What grade do you have to be (for that matter, for those of you that did research, what grade were you in then)?</p>

<p>And a general summary of what goes on during this process, do you meet with the professor on certain times and research as well as your own and then publish something, or is it just research.

[/quote]
</p>

5

<p>
[quote]
is research only available in the summer or during the schoolyear as well (although I doubt the latter).

[/quote]
</p>

<p>lol im the only one on cc at 1 in the morning. to answer your question, some people i know continued their research year round and just did it after school and on saturday's. if you're looking to continue something into the school year, make sure to specify that in your emails to professors. i don't know if you can still get anything for the summer though... maybe some more experienced person can answer your question more thoroughly.</p>

6

<p>
[quote]
How did you set up a connection? Did you look at a list of colleges close to your location and then emailed the professors based on your topics (I wasn't sure if this is how)?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Many schools host summer research programs such as REUs which have a formal application process. To find out about these programs, search the internet (especially the departments of the universities you're interested in), contact the research office at your school for their listings, or ask teachers/professors if they were recommend programs that may be good for you. Summer programs should all be filled up by now, since the application process usually takes place in the winter or spring.</p>

<p>You can also call or email professors who are working on research that interests you. If you go to their websites, you can usually see what research professors are doing and how to contact them. This may be your best option for this summer since it's so late.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I know when it comes to research, most of it is science-related, but does it have to be, or can it be something else (like a social-science related area or topic)?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Research isn't only science-related. Research is done in all fields in some way or another. Social scientists also do research, although I'm not sure how often they employ temporary students to work with them. It doesn't hurt to look into it and ask around.</p>

<p>
[quote]
What grade do you have to be (for that matter, for those of you that did research, what grade were you in then)?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Students of any age can research. It depends on the program requirements or the professor's preference. I started researching the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college. I have friends who started in high school.</p>

<p>
[quote]
And a general summary of what goes on during this process, do you meet with the professor on certain times and research as well as your own and then publish something, or is it just research.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I don't really understand what you're asking. Your schedule will depend on the research you're involved in and the professor's expectations. It's unlikely that you'll be able to publish after only a short summer's work.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Oh yeah, that brings up another thing: is research only available in the summer or during the schoolyear as well (although I doubt the latter).

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Both. If you're researching at a school that you don't attend, it's common to do so only during the summer because of the ease of scheduling. If you're researching at your own school, you may be able to work there year-round. It's not impossible to research year-round at a school that you don't attend, but it's less common.</p>

7

<p>So, what are you supposed to say in your e-mail? Do you say that you want to help the professor with their research, or do you say you want to do your own research?</p>

8

<p>During my search for a research mentor, I went to the department of biochemistry in a local university and looked up professors accepting undergrad and grad students (My interest was biochemistry however it can work for any field). Then, simply e-mail the professor about your interest in his work and attach a resume and/or reference letter and ask if you can conduct research under his guidance. Be sure to keep your e-mail and communication formal and to respect the professor you contact. Good luck with getting a mentor and I hope this helps.</p>

<p>By the way, can you evaluate me by clicking the following link…</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/690593-evaluate-my-chances.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/690593-evaluate-my-chances.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

9

<p>^ So a an email would go something like ?..
Dear Professor X,
My name is chocobok. I am currently a high school student interested in science, and particularly in your field of Y. I am interested in the research you are currently performing. I would like to know if there is any oppurtunities to assist in projects over the summer. I am willing to work as an in-service.
Thank-you for taking the time to read this,
Chocobok.</p>

<p>What else would I need to add? Would I go on to talk about my experiences in the next paragraph? I haven’t had any work experience except for volunteering though…? Advice anyone?</p>

10

<p>^That sounds good! I’m totally going to use some of that if you don’t mind. (:
I’ll also talk about some activities I’m involved in that pertain to the field and the course I have taken which relates to the field. </p>

<p>Hmm what field are you interested in exactly? You could talk about some research you’ve been doing on your own or class(es) you’ve taken that sparked your interest in that field. Say you’re interested in pursuing that degree in college and maybe just add in your future career aspirations.</p>

11

<p>I don’t mind if you, or anyone wants to use it :slight_smile:
The thing is I don’t even know what field I’m interested in! I guess I’ll just take what is easiest in terms of transportation or something. Until very recently, I’ve been humanities-only oriented…and wanted to major in something like history.
But I dunno, the last few months I’ve had a total 180 and have been seriously thinking about getting into science. Right now I don’t have any sciency EC’s and don’t know much about it, so I thought, what better way to find out than an internship?</p>

12

<p>What do you think you want to be when you grow up? </p>

<p>If you’re really having trouble choosing between humanities and science, I’d go with humanities. Most high school students these days seem to be going into science and there needs to be more high school students interested in humanities because they are important in our world too. Plus the humanities aren’t as competitive as science so you don’t have to deal with all that stress. But if you think you’re more interested in science, feel free to ignore me.</p>

13

<p>The thing is, I’ve always been into humanities. Love history, and my passion is writing. </p>

<p>But I’m also good at science, I guess, well, I’m not bad :p. Never was really interested in it though until lately. Part of it is because both my parents are in science fields. But now I’ve realized that science might be a lot more rewarding. I would like to think of myself of a more creative person- I come up with ideas. I want a career were I can invent things, put a bit of my ideas into things. </p>

<p>I guess I am considering research and design right now in engineering or any other sciency major…like it would be super cool to come up with new medicines, design robots, or iphones or something. I dunno. I may find out that I absolutely am bored by/hate science, but there’s also a possiblility I’ll love it. And since I’ve always been so humanities-oriented I wanted to try something different. And if science doesn’t work out, I would still love to major in History.</p>

<p>I am pretty sure I want a graduate education, though. It’s likely if I majored in humanities, I would consider going to law school…but it’s expensive. On the other hand, a Phd in science can be free.</p>

14

<p>That’s nice that you are open to either. I didn’t know a PhD in science could be free, is that true? Then couldn’t any PhD be free? </p>

<p>I think part of the reason why I personally am humanities-oriented is because everyone who surrounded me, including my family, friends, family friends, they were all so obsessed with science. I just wanted to be the rebel. Of course I am bad at science and love humanities, but the people-surrounding-me factor played in as well.</p>

15

<p>Haha my parents are exasperated because both my sisters have majored in history in college, and I might be heading that way too. They are science/math geeks, but they got humanities childeren for some reason. </p>

<p>I’m not exactly sure how the Phd being free works. That’s just what my dad told me, but he didn’t go into depth. I think it might be true of all Phds, if you can get into a program or something, or if you help out as a teaching assistant. And you can get paid by doing research, I think. But don’t go off of what I say because I’m really not that informed about it. You could ask on the graduate school forum.</p>

16

<p>Chocobok, that is a good starting format for an e-mail, however, you have to add more. In the next paragraph, you could go on stating your experiences, grades, school, and such. Also, create a resume detailing your personal achievements and send it with the e-mail as an attachment.</p>

17

<p>Thanks for the advice :)</p>

<p>Now I am totally overwhelmed, since there are 3 HUGE universities within 30 minutes of where I live. Like for example, the one I was paging through, just for one department, cognitive science, literally there are like a zillion ongoing projects or something. And that doesn’t even go to the other departments, like biological, or engineering. Advice for sorting through all these projects and figuring out which ones to ask the professor if I can help? It’s hard to just go off descriptions, because I have no idea what they are attempting, lol.</p>

<p>For my resume, what if I don’t have any science Ecs? (Well, I’m the president of a science club, but other than that, nada). Just describe my leadership qualities/ volunteer work, or something?</p>

18

<p>Yeah chocobok, you could talk about your leadership qualities and other qualities that are proven through your volunteer work. Try to emphasize them and try not to draw attention to your lack of science ECs. You can also talk about science classes you’ve taken or you’re about to take, and maybe say you’ve read a certain book/journal about whatever you’re interested in. President of a science club is pretty good, though, you seem to not think it’s that great but I think it’s impressive!</p>

<p>Instead of looking at the ongoing projects, is there a little biography for each professor that talks about their research focus? Or if not, just try to read a little about cognitive science and figure out what interests you most about cognitive science. Then try to narrow down the projects from there.</p>

19

<p>The problem is, I don’t know what type of science I want- engineering, bio, chem, physics? Absolutely no clue. But the cog sci projects look cool. Haha there is even one where they hook the people up to electrode helmets, or something. I’ll feel like I’m in a scifi movie or something.</p>

20

<p>Wow…this is back up? haha, I posted this for my friend like months ago, he’s already gotten an internship so it’s all fine now…(who’s too lazy to login to this website)…but I guess of course, the rest of you are free to discuss…</p>