finding research as a freshman

i_lose
Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:25:30 +0000

No. If your school has tons of research labs and is well-known for it, ask for a lab position in July (or at least a month before school starts). Email professors with a short and sweet message (your name, why you like his/her lab IN PARTICULAR, any significant experience that might help, etc.). Do not say that you are a freshman unless they reply and ask specifically. Professors usually aren’t interested in freshmen but if you’re nice and have the ability, it can go a long way once they get past the fact that you’re just 18 or so. If they haven’t replied in a week, move on. They’re busy people. Expect a return of 1 in every 3-5 emails you send out. Expect grunt work (autoclaving, prepping solutions) and in time, you will be rewarded with “real” research.

My school is competitive for research too. No one gets research their freshman year without connections, and some get it sophomore year by merit and dedication. Labs are most accepting junior + senior year.