I’m deciding between BU, UCLA and Bryn Mawr College. Biochem major.
I like UCLA’s strong science programs, but it seemed like there were so many smart students so that getting a research position might be too competitive.
Especially that I got into Honors College in BU which gets a little “glitter” from professors and Bryn Mawr where it is easier to get into research because of its small size, I started worrying about UCLA’s competitiveness.
How hard is it for pre-health students to get involved in research, preferably in junior year?
I would guess most students begin research sophomore or junior year. However, students can begin research at any grade level as long as a professor agrees to mentor you.
It is not hard to get involved in research. Everyone who wants to gets to. Popular labs might not have space, or you might not be competitive enough to be a top choice student for your top choice lab.
There are some research programs that prefer freshmen and sophomores because they require two years of commitment. Sophomore year is a sweet spot, but even freshman are beginning research and if you’re the neurotic pre-med type, all your overachieving peers will already be in a lab first quarter and you’ll feel behind. Labs really do prefer years of commitment over a senior who will be gone the next year.