<p>According to my counselor, I need to participate in summer research programs as often as possible without taking any course in summer sessions in order to maximize my chances for competitive PhD program. Is this generally true? Theoretically, I can participate in summer research programs up to 4 times until I will enroll in PhD program. Do you recommend me to attend research program 4 times if possible? </p>
<p>My school is a small liberal arts college which has quite high PhD productivity and is ranked around 15th in the nation. My college has great environment for research, but do you recommend me to attend off-campus research program rather than on-campus program in order for me to be touch with cutting-edge research or to access to the research with more depth? Or should I rather attend on-campus program, so that I can stay close with my favorite professor in my school? </p>
<p>Especially early on, I don’t think it’s important whether it’s on- or off-campus. At this point, the goal is just to get your hands dirty and get involved. Once you start refining your interests, then worry about “cutting edge.” It can also be difficult to get into off-campus things like REUs after your first year because you don’t have a lot of experience yet. Basically, cast a broad net to start with and take whatever opportunities present themselves.</p>
<p>Also, you say 4 programs. Are you including summer after your senior year? If you are planning to go straight to grad school, this wouldn’t benefit your application, a lot of programs are designed for current students (as opposed to just graduated), and you might be able to just start working with your advisor right away the summer before you matriculate for your PhD.</p>
<p>Then, I will try on-campus research in the first summer and off-campus research after getting more experiences. </p>
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<p>I didn’t know this. It must be the best way to spend my summer after graduation!</p>