<p>Hi everyone,
I'm currently looking to apply for summer undergraduate research programs, but I'm a freshmen who lacks research experience. I was planning on volunteering in a research lab at my school this upcoming semester, but upperclassmen have recommended I hold that off since I'm taking the toughest weedouts for my school. I was wondering if anyone could recommend some programs I should potentially apply to(programs that I have a better shot)</p>
<p>Status: Freshman
Major: Biology
GPA: 3.99
Credits: 40 (25 from AP, but they have no GPA)
Strengths: Calculus and Chemistry, President and founder of a club that supports a non-profit.
Letters of Rec: Chemistry and Calulus I (I continuously went to office hours and my professors got to know me really well)
Demographic: South Asian, Low income, from the Northeast</p>
<p>I’d recommend you email professors at your school and ask if they have a spot for an undergraduate to volunteer in their lab over the summer. That’s a good way to get your foot in the door, and get some experience if you want to apply to programs next summer.</p>
<p>As for research programs, I’d suggest looking locally first. You’re school might have programs for undergrads that help you find mentors or labs, get some professional experience, and/or opportunities to present your work. If you’re near any labs in your field, then you could see if they’re hiring any interns or if they have any internship programs. Big, national, funded undergraduate research programs tend to be the most competitive, and more geared towards upperclassmen or other students who are intending to pursue graduate studies. It might be easier for you to find something near your school (or even near your hometown, if you live near an area that has research universities or labs), so that you can get some experience first.</p>
<p>Ooh, a fellow desi. No wonder your username is “future doctor.”</p>
<p>Anyway, try the Department of Energy. They have paid internships at their labs all across the country and you have enough math/science classes to meet their eligibility requirements.</p>
<p>But baktrax gave really good advice. My chemistry professor got me a position at a local forensics lab I never knew existed.</p>
<p>My major problem is that I haven’t been able to ask my professors for letter of recommendations because we received grades the week after the semester closed. I plan on requesting the letters the day I get back, so they have at least three weeks to write it. The DOE also requires 1 year of undergraduate course work prior to applying.</p>