<p>I have a friend who’s attending the COSMOS program at UC Davis. I didn’t apply for it because of the cost, but I was wondering if it looks decent on your application for MIT and other Ivy Colleges. Instead of being part of COSMOS, I decided to research at a lab instead at a university under a professor. That was the better choice, right?</p>
<p>There’s no real better choice; it’s what you get out of each activity, what you learn, what you can show off in your application. So really, up to you :)</p>
<p>I don’t know much about COSMOS, but doing research at a university is awesome 
Also, MIT doesn’t expect that everyone is going to have the money to attend whatever shiny programs exist. Don’t sweat it, you certainly took a good option :)</p>
<p>Now hopefully you’re enjoying it instead of taking it just to get into college? :D</p>
<p>I like COSMOS. But I also like research with profs. Hard to go wrong with either one!</p>