<p>Is it especially hard for freshmen to get research opportunities with profs, whether it is the student’s initiative or a working position as an assistant for the prof? Also, what ways would I go about to find/get research opportunities? If I contact a prof, will he/she usually be willing to sponsor me? Another thing: even if I am not offered work-study as part of my financial aid packet, can I still get a paying job with a prof doing research?</p>
<p>Any help would be appreciated lots. Thanks!</p>
<p>Its not really that hard to get research opportunities @ Penn, basically ask the professors some may say no but others will be excited to have you. Talking with professors of your classes when you get here is especially helpful. If you want to get funding for a larger independent project look into CURF at some point. In terms of getting paid without work study, thats a bit harder not impossible but you may have to work at a research center that may not fit your interest as well. Normally individual professors don't have jobs for non work study. Keep your eyes out for flyers on campus and check the student employment ads online. oh, one last thing, one of the great things about Penn is we have lots of research going on,not just professors but research centers, long term studies with big grants, 4 hospitals(2 major) within walking distance, tons of research @ the vet school, dental, school. You name it we've got it. Medical research is easier to get into but we have a LOT of opportunities, some openonly to upperclassmen or students with certain training but most are willing to take freshmen and train them for what they need. Good Luck</p>
<p>CURF - if you have a good idea, just find a sponsor and apply:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.upenn.edu/curf/%5B/url%5D">http://www.upenn.edu/curf/</a></p>
<p>Just this spring I spent a week based in Naples doing a small survey in Pompeii that was funded by a Nassau Fund Grant.</p>
<p>All you need is an idea, a plan, and a sponsor. So get to know your professors this fall and be aggressive with your academic advisor - when I first presented my plan, my advisor told me it was too big and I'd never get the "permesso" from the SAP anyway.</p>
<p>But I got the grant, the "permesso", and actually managed to cover all the areas in the plan that weren't closed to the public. The resulting paper is 76 pages and growing.</p>
<p>Wow, Megan, thanks for answering my questions--both of them! You can't believe how much it helps to get some answers. :)</p>