I just found out that I got into both programs. I was wondering which program would be a better research experience. Thoughts?
To be honest, I am not too knowledgable about City of Hope, but after reading the information on the website for the summer program they offer, here is essentially a comparison of the two.
Note: By City of Hope, I will assume you mean the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy (ERRSSA). Also, I do apologize in advance if there is anything wrong with my information specifically about ERRSSA as I am not well-acquainted with the program.
1.) How the programs work in terms of research: UPCI is a program that has a “curriculum” set up in the sense that what you research is based off of your mentor’s interest unless they comply to doing a study that you propose (I talked to the UPCI director and former alumni I am friends with). Therefore, if the site that you got accepted to for UPCI is one which you put as one of your top 2 choices, then you have a decent chance of doing your own project. If not, then it’s highly unlikely and you should go for ERRSSA. ERRSSA says in the description that they offer students to “select their own research project according to their individual areas of interest.” which can be interpreted as either students produce their own studies or (and this is more likely) there are set projects which students have the option of choosing. The latter is more likely as they say in the FAQ, “Summer students join a laboratory team and participate in experiments related to ongoing lab projects.” Therefore, it seems like ERRSSA doesn’t allow for freedom in making your own studies. Both have pros and cons, but if you wish to have a chance at pursuing your own research, UPCI may be better.
2.) Duration of camps: UPCI is 8 weeks while ERRSSA is 10 weeks long. There isn’t much detail as to how many days of the week ERRSSA students attend the program, but UPCI is usually 4-5 days of the week (dependent on site and director of the site).
3.) Quality of mentors: Both UPCI and ERRSSA have highly-qualified, world-class mentors. It’s a bit difficult to put preferences.
4.) Stipends: UPCI does not give a stipend unless it is applied for, but ERRSSA gives a $4,000 stipend for the completion of the 10-week program.
5.) Absences: UPCI does have leniency in absences if they are previously noted (as it is asked beforehand in the acceptance letter) and if it is an emergency. ERRSSA doesn’t seem to have that kind of absence policy as it says in the FAQ, “Because research requires dedicated attention, students must attend the program full-time and not interrupt their 10-week commitment by taking other classes or vacations, etc.” I am sure, however, that they will exempt emergencies.
6.) Housing: I am going to assume you live in neither the Pittsburgh area or near where ERRSSA is held. Both programs do not provide housing, but UPCI does offer you to stay at the UPitt dorms at the cost of $7,000. Depending on where you live, it may be more economical to be in one place over the other. Logically speaking, not considering flight costs, UPCI probably will cost less as you can probably get cheaper housing accommodations and is 2 weeks less than ERRSSA.
Hope this helps.