I’m wondering how useful research actually is for college because I’m a high school sophomore, and I have the opportunity to go to a college to take dual classes and do undergraduate research next year, but it’s 2 and a half hours away from my home. On the other hand, I could do online dual credit classes at home, but I won’t have the opportunity to do research. I’m wondering how beneficial research is for top schools in order to help me with my decision; I have 5 days to decide.
Research is incredibly helpful. 2 and a half hours is very far away though so you should heavily consider that. I did research in my junior year of high school which I think helped me get into the early college program The Clarkson School and Clarkson University’s Honors Program. The Honors Program at Clarkson University let me do 5 weeks of research on campus during the summer, and during the academic year I have also done research here at Clarkson. I am again applying to colleges myself and just received acceptances and merit from U of Rochester and RPI. I also applied for transfer admission to Swarthmore and Colgate but have not heard back yet. In general I’m pretty sure the consensus is that if you have the opportunity to do reeearch especially as a sophomore, you will have an edge in admissions and merit competitions.
Also if your I interested in research I highly recommend applying to The Clarkson School. They give great merit and financial aid, give you a leg up in college admissions, and give you great opportunities to do research, especially if you are accepted to the Honors program.
I just don’t know what to choose especially since my family is pressuring me to stay even though this could be a great opportunity. What would you choose if you were in the same predicament?
Would you be living at the college or commuting? If you are living there I think you should definitely go for it. If you are commuting I’m not sure what you should do. You should maybe check to see if there are research opportunities at colleges closer to your home.
I’ll be staying there, but I’ll be coming home at least every 3-4 weekends, and there is some research near me during the summer; you have to be 16 to do it though, and I’ll be 15 until the beginning of the next school year.
Definitely go! It will be an adventure! Going away to college is one of the best things, starting early is exciting, especially if you are academically prepared for college level courses. Do you have to pay for tuition while you are there? Is money a concern?
It’s not a concern, and everything is paid for besides books.
Wow, that sounds like a great opportunity. I would try to get your parents to see what a valuable opportunity this is. Dual enrollment and research for practically free would be a dream come true for me. I’m doing the same thing but paying thousands for it.
Yeah, my parents are mainly worried about two things. The threat of lowering my high school G.P.A due to taking college level courses in place of high school ones. They’re also worried about the fact that I’d be living by myself in one building along with the 94 other students and the 15 staff members as if I was an actual college student, and all of the responsibilities that come with that.