<p>Hey, guys, I wanted to know if UROP is a good idea for me to do. I am a rising senior, so I will be applying to University of Michigan quite soon, and I am in-state. I heard from a friend whose brother is in the program that it is pointless, and that one can better spend the time in something called the Health Sciences Scholars program. Unless research is your goal, he said you should just stick with other programs and do research on your own time at institutions around the country or in a UM professor's lab. Basically, it seems you are stuck doing this research even if you end up not wanting to later on. </p>
<p>Yet I read this thread, and am contemplating whether or not to apply for this program. I mean, I really like research, but not for my career goal. And I am sure it will help for medical school with recs and good research experience, but is it really the right thing for me? As I said, I like research, but not in terms of a career. Thanks for any information or advice you can give to me, especially current UROP students.</p>
<p>P.S. What do you think of the UIR program, and is it worth it?</p>
<p>UROP is supposed to be one of the leading undergraduate research programs in the nation. I don't know anything about it because I'm not part of it yet. In fact, I got waitlisted. I just wanted to tell you that you should apply very early, as soon as you get the notice by mail. Otherwise, you will get waitlisted like me, even if your stats are good. I think timing is the most important thing. Even if you get accepted, you don't have to do it. The least you could do is apply. (I actually hope someone would decline the offer soon so that I am no longer waitlisited!)</p>
<p>About the goals of the program, research doesn't have to be your only goal later in life. I heard it's great for getting in touch with your professors. Also, you have to realize that whether you like it or not, you will have to do research in college, and I heard UROP really helps you improve your research skills (like for a research paper). A lof of what you learn researching will be carried over to class. In your career, I'm sure you will have to research, especially in the field of medicine. If you like research at all, you should do it. </p>
<p>I'm trying to get into the Ross business school. Normally, you would wonder why I would want to do this program if I want to do business. Aside from the fact that business has its research side (like in the research division, or even being a financial or economics analyst), research skills will help your overall thinking skills. It can enhance any career.</p>
<p>I just hope someone will find a reason not to do it because I want to get off the waiting list. But there are plenty of reasons to do it. Also, if you're getting financial aid, the work-study amount can be earned through UROP. That means you don't need to get some other part-time job while you're doing it.</p>
<p>I'm doing UROP for work study, which includes an automatic 1 credit. However, I'm already taking 18 credits of classes so I was advised that it is possible to do UROP w/o adding credits if you talk to the administrators about it. I know 18 credits sounds like a lot, but one is an honors 1 credit pass/fail and one is a 1 credit honors econ discussion(also pass/fail). Will it be possible to survive w this much work or should i cut back?</p>
<p>College is not like high school and it usually takes some time to get used to the transition in terms of difficulty and time it takes to complete assignments well. I strongly advise you do not consider taking 18 or more hours your first semester. If you find 16-17 hours is too light (although I strongly doubt you will) then you can always take 18 for the next several years. And remember that for UROP especially, it can be quite time-intensive.</p>