<p>I just finished my first year of college and have now decided to major in Biology. I want to get my P.hD at Columbia, but I’m scared that I’m not going to have enough time to get enough undergraduate research done. </p>
<p>This semester I’m going to focus on taking science classes to catch up and I don’t think I’m going to get into any research programs. If I start in the Spring is it going to ruin my chances at Columbia? Tell me what I need to do please!</p>
<p>No, you will be fine. People typically have 2-3 years of research experience for the top programs. Make sure you work your way to doing independent projects and get great letters of recommendations. You have plenty of time.</p>
<p>I agree with Mace- you have time. Summers are key - try to get the best research opportunities you can during them. As mace said, focus on getting 2-3 years of research with good letters of rec (ideally from respected PIs) and good GPA. Also if you are interested in NYC institutions, take a look at places like Rockefeller, Sloan-Kettering, Mt. Sinai, etc. (don’t get set on one institution as a first year)</p>
<p>Which program are you thinking about applying to at Columbia? I applied last year and got in with 4 years of research experience (all in undergrad and one summer program), but after talking to other people at interviews I had way more experience than everyone else.</p>
<p>I would definitely look into summer programs as they are a great way to get research experience at some big name university if you get in to the program but I would suggest trying to do at least a year if not 2 of research at your university working an independent project so that PI knows you well and can write a great letter of recommendation. The research also helps if your PI is well connected for when you apply to graduate schools.</p>