<p>I will have the chance to intern as a research assistant at a Stanford neurobiology lab this summer, and I really, really want to go. However, the costs are high, and housing, etc. seem to be falling apart before my eyes. I love doing research (I've done it for the past two years), and I'll do it at the local university (University of Rochester) if I can't go to Stanford this summer, but my question is:
Do you think it would be worth all the extra costs to do research at Stanford versus at a local university? If I get a great (optional) rec from a Stanford professor, will that give me an edge in admissions, or will it just look like I have connections? I will be applying to Stanford EA, and keep in mind that whether or not I go to Stanford, I am DEFINITELY spending my summer doing research somewhere. Thanks in advance for your help!</p>
<p>I don't think it really matters. If you're doing something worthwhile and making the most of your time during the summer (research, work, college) then I think no matter what Stanford will look highly upon it. There might be advantage for work at Stanford, but nothing is really definite when it comes time for admission season. Living close to Rochester I can tell you (and you could probably tell yourself) that UR is a good research university so don't worry about spending $2000 for some 8 week internship that you can't afford. Make the most of what you have.</p>
<p>If I were you, I'd stay at Rochester. It's the quality of research that matters, not the institution.</p>
<p>There's no point in doing something just because you so love one institution so early in the game. The previous posters are right, doing it at Stanford wouldn't give you a particular edge.
Also, bear in mind that you don't know you would pick stanford over any place. I know several people who were dead set on S. the summer before their senior years but are now at Harvard. And I didn't know I wanted to come here til two days before the decision deadline (my decision, not theirs).</p>
<p>Yeah, I agree with everyone on the forum. Just do good research at where ever is convenient. Getting a recommendation may give you a slight edge, but you can't really say if it will help that much.</p>