<p>anyone know anything about this program?</p>
<p>haha I got that too Bry. Before I was set on Cal, now I can't decide anymore. USC always finds a way to win my heart man.</p>
<p>Awww, look at my explore kids...they're growing up. Honestly though, merit research is a great program at USC. </p>
<p>Think about:
1)How often an undergrad gets to do research under a professor
2)How often you get PAID to do that
3)How awesome it'll look on your resume when applying for jobs after college</p>
<p>I somehow doubt you will ever get an opportunity like this at Cal unless you are a graduate student. Also, if you're good at what you do, you can get an awesome letter of rec from the professor you do research for if you ever need one.</p>
<p>you get paid to work some hours every week with a professor, to give you some experience in a lab setting and learning to do real research. It's a great "out of the classroom" learning experience, and a great opportunity if you plan on going on to grad school.</p>
<p>plus, going and doing research with a prof (and doing a good job, of course) is a good way to get super letters of rec. Really if your only interaction with a prof is through a class, they can't really write much about you except maybe you ask good questions and got a good grade. If you do research then the prof gets to see you in action and say more in letters.</p>
<p>The only issue with the merit research thing is that they give it during the fall/spring semesters, and sometimes undergrads get soooo busy with coursework there's not really any time for extra. But usually profs are very flexible and will let you make up the time in other weeks, and if it's an alternative to working a regular job anyways, it's a good deal.</p>
<p>It is an amazing program...hours are extremely flexible, you can usually find research in your field that interests you, you get PAID, you get to know professors in your major, etc. This program was the reason I came to USC two years ago...</p>
<p>and how can you be a "Research Scholar"?</p>
<p>I believe the top few percent of the engineering class are invited to do merit research. Students who do not have it can apply in the spring though. If you do not necessarily care about the pay, you can always find a professor that is conducting research in a field that you enjoy and ask if they need any help.</p>
<p>aww
my sat (I and II) scores place me in the top 1% </p>
<p>but my gpa in the bottom 25% which is probably why i didnt get this lol</p>
<p>My son received a letter today from Viterbi to be a research scholar. Another great offer extended from USC, my question is will this count as work study or would he still be potentially offered additional work study? I realize he will be very busy with his class load as it is, plus the 8-10 hour per week commitment that this requires so I just wanted to see if he would still be able to work an additional job.</p>