<p>Although I realize that the answer to this question can vary from person to person, I was wondering when would be the optimal time to start becoming involved in undergraduate research projects? Would the beginning of my freshman year be alright, or is it better to wait until my sophomore year when I have had more experience? </p>
<p>I will be entering the UW as a freshman in the Fall with intended majors in political science and LSJ, and would like to participate in undergraduate research in the social sciences.</p>
<p>Look for research opportunities ASAP. Sit in upperclass lectures. Talk to the professors after. Attend all the research symposiums or open houses you can.</p>
<p>Even though you don’t have much experience as a freshman, you’ll learn. You’ll start out with easier tasks and as you learn, work your way up. When they train you, they’ll train you as a freshman … and that will potentially yield 4 years of an awesome undergrad doing research for them. Compare that to a senior? One quarter training, next quarter graduating? Meh.</p>
<p>Don’t be discouraged if you get shot down a lot … for example, if they want you to have specific experience before hand. Talk to the research professors/graduate students. Keep in touch with them. Show how much you care about the field and how their research interests you. Be proactive as soon as possible … and it’ll pay off.</p>
<p>Wow! That really helped me a lot! I think I’ll go ahead and start looking up opportunities right now so that I don’t wait until it’s too late. Thank you VERY much for your help! Greatly appreciated! (:</p>
<p>No problem! You can also talk to the advisers in those departments in case they have some suggestions on what professors to talk to for more specific interests or if there is a departmental list of research opportunities. In fact, contact them now if you want! Don’t wait until school starts. Maybe you can start research over the summer. It’s not too uncommon that an incoming freshman already has his/her foot in the door with research that way. :)</p>