Undergrad research decisions

Graduate School
1

<p>I'm a rising junior studying computer science. I've been doing research in the same lab for a solid 1.5 years now. They treat me well and I really like working there. I've gotten to co-author two papers (one accepted, one submitted), and if I stay for the fall, I'll almost definitely get to first-author a paper.</p>

<p>However, I don't really think I want to stay in that field long-term (maybe not even short-term). I also don't know many professors and I can't readily think of anyone to recommend me to grad schools other than my current research advisor. I have about 1.5 years left before applying to grad schools, and I've been thinking of switching labs in the fall to get another solid experience before applying.</p>

<p>So, strategically, which is better-- switch labs and potentially have to start over (I'd probably get to author a paper eventually-- my school is starting a program to encourage more CS students to do publishable research) or stay and author another paper? (If it makes a difference, my GPA right now is good-- not perfect, but competitive.)</p>

2

<p>bump-- any insights?</p>

3

<p>If you already have two papers co-authored, you are ahead of most graduate students, so I don’t think you have to stay in the lab to get a first-authored paper. Of course, it would look really good for admissions - but you can go to the other lab if it looks more interesting and get some experience doing something you really like. Plus, that’s another letter of recommendation from a different PI who has worked with you.</p>