<p>
Take a look at [url=<a href=“http://www.physics.cornell.edu/physics/people/gradstudlist.abc.htm]this[/url”>http://www.physics.cornell.edu/physics/people/gradstudlist.abc.htm]this[/url</a>] page. It’s the Cornell Physics Dept. list of graduate students. I count 175 names on the list. And remember: every one of them has priority over every undergraduate when it comes to research opportunities and professor’s time. </p>
<p>At Carleton, it’s true there will be fewer professors, less state-of-the-art equipment, and fewer opportunities. But – there are also no graduate students, and this will more than compensate. </p>
<p>LAC professors are <em>forced</em> to include undergraduates in their research programs. What choice do they have? Every available research opportunity goes to the undergrads by default – and so no one has to curry favor by offering to wash bottles. </p>
<p>A large university is a great place to do research – but only if you are a graduate student or post-doc. If you want serious research responsibilities at the undergraduate level, go to a well-endowed LAC. Don’t bother with the large university until it’s time for your master’s or doctorate.</p>
<p>At large universities, undergrads are subordinates. At LACs, undergrads are coauthors.</p>