<p>I definitely want to get a research position in a lab for myself. I will be a dual Pol Sci and Psyc major. Is there a lot of competition? For pol sci, I know you definitely have to hound the professors for a while to get a position</p>
<p>Depends on the position: some are very selective (depending on who’s heading the lab) and others are done by general applications through URAP or talking with professors. I know people who have had two or more psych research lab positions (at the same time), so it’s definitely possible.</p>
<p>There are positions related to psychology that aren’t within the psych major as well. I did URAP and got a research position at Haas studying Organizational Development when I was a junior. I’d recommend URAP, as I got 2 interviews, and ended up working in one of those labs. I also liked URAP because there’s an essay portion in the app, allowing you to explain how and why that research is relevant to you. </p>
<p>As for strictly psych, I’d say it’s really not that hard to get a research position. If you have solid grades (above a 3.2), and you are confident that you’re interested in the research and convey it directly to the professor, they’ll see your passion, and you’ll get the position. Sure, many other ppl sometimes apply to the same position, but that’s irrelevant. All that matters is you, your connection to the research, and your ability to show the professor that you care. So many kids just apply and cross their fingers, then nervously interview. What you should do is look into URAP, view the available positions, and find something that piques your interest.</p>