Researching at Stanford?

<p>Is it too "pretentious" to ask a Stanford professor for research opportunities? </p>

<p>I'm not looking for a prestigious college, Stanford just happens to be 5 minutes away. I would really love the opportunity to be able to explore my interests in a lab, but I'm a little apprehensive since I'm a sophomore. </p>

<p>I have no previous research experience so I don't know if I should request to research under the professor's guidance, or if I should just help out in the lab for my first summer. </p>

<p>I definitely would apply to summer programs, but I'm afraid I'm under-qualified =( My PSAT was around 210 and I have no prior research/summer programs under my belt.</p>

<p>Any comments? :)</p>

<p>Does anyone have experience with “prestigious” universities?</p>

<p>Should I just go ahead and try emailing a professor?</p>

<p>i mean… i would just go for it. im sure if you explain why you want to do it, the professor will be more than happy to take you in provided that he can afford another person in the lab.</p>

<p>I did research at Duke last summer and professors told me they love it when students ask for internships. go for it!</p>

<p>Okay, thanks guys for the encouragement :)</p>

<p>I’ll just try emailing a few professors and see how it goes.</p>

<p>But considering that I’m a sophomore (with no research experience), will I just be there to help out in the lab? (which would still be pretty neat)</p>