<p>I'm going to a freshman in the fall in SEAS studying BME, Pre-med and a minor in business. I wanna know how the research opportunities are at WashU. As far as I know, WashU highly supports student research, but is getting an opportunity so easy, like is there any special process required?</p>
<p>also are research opportunities equal for everyone, or are some more likely for students of a certain school?</p>
<p>as far as research opportunities go, it shouldn’t make any difference what school you’re in… obviously it’s best if you’ve had some classes related to whatever it is you want to study, but other than that most professors are happy to help fit you in somewhere.</p>
<p>i’m doing a research project (through an REU program) in the computer science department this summer… so here’s what i know, although since you’re pre-med things may differ here and there:</p>
<p>There really isn’t a fixed “process” for getting into research… If you do an REU like I’m doing, you’ll end up filling out an application and getting recommendations for whichever project you’re interested in. Most of the real opportunities around campus probably aren’t “organized” like that, though, so the <em>best</em> thing to do is to start talking to professors once you get to campus - you can ask about their own research, or about what other professors in the department are doing, or whatever. Lots of research opportunities aren’t going to advertise themselves, but if you show some interest you’ll find that most groups would be happy to take an undergraduate. </p>
<p>one thing, though, is that not every group can afford to pay you. the ones that do are going to be a bit more competitive, and if you need room/board money for a summer and your research isn’t paying, you’ll need to apply for a grant. that’s something to check with your department about, since some departments do have money set aside for that sort of thing.</p>
<p>having a few semesters behind you helps too; I know several pre-med students who got research positions the summer after their freshman year, and any time after that it’s definitely possible (in most majors anyway). There are probably students who start doing research during their first year, too, but personally I wouldn’t have wanted to start that early.</p>
<p>alright thank you. I’m more interested in conducting research and less about the money</p>
<p>The biggest thing is to look at department websites, and visit faculty webpages. Most departments/faculty are in research groups. Find one that appeals to you (it helps if you’re in a class with that professor) and ask to join the group. You’ll likely get a lot of no’s, but eventually someone will say yes. It’s really just a matter of taking the initiative.</p>