<p>I got into research through the Summer Scholars in Biology and Biomedical Research program. However, even if you are not in a program like this, I have many friends that have simply emailed professors until one of them says yes. I researched as a freshman and it is not uncommon; you have to be the one to pursue it though i.e. professors very rarely actively seek out undergrads unless you are in federal work-study (cheap labor). That said, many (if not most) labs have at least one undergrad working under the supervision of a grad student or post-doc.</p>
<p>I work in a plant biochemistry lab doing protein structure and enzyme kinetics. During the summer, I led WashU’s International Genetically Engineered Machines competition team. There are a myriad of opportunities to get involved/get funding for research.</p>
<p>A cappella’s great! You should think about auditioning!</p>
<p>@Stresseddad - it depends on what kind of funding the project she’s interested in has. If she’s not getting paid, she can get credit for her research which can be useful for filling in upper level electives</p>
<p>Yeah, not a whole lot of people get paid during the school year for research unless they’re on federal work-study. It’s not too hard to get funding for summer research though.</p>
<p>When you applied for the Summer Scholars in Biology program, what did you focus on in your essay? I know the prompt is pretty straightforward, but I would think that having a stellar essay is pretty important based on the nature and selectivity of the program. Also, did you have research experience before you applied for the program?</p>
<p>I did not have any research experience before the Summer Scholars program. I was actually coming from an arts high school where I really hadn’t done a whole lot of science at all. In my essay, I talked about my motivation in switching from an arts-centered education to a research/science-centered education. Although it may help to have experience in research, I think the most important part of the SSBBR application is showing that you have a passion for science and a desire to make a difference. Good luck and if you have any more specific questions about SSBBR, feel free to PM me!</p>
<p>Different subject: Luggage, clothing storage. What is the appropriate luggage to take to Wash U.? Is there storage for such items. How much room do you end up with for clothing (I assume for 2 seasons warm and cold). Thanks.</p>
<p>stresseddad - the facebook groups (ie WashU Class of '1x) all have pictures of the dorms, both traditional and modern. That’ll give you an idea rather than us just spewing dimensions at you.</p>
<p>Either way, this is something you stress about in July/early August. Not December. And something the student needs to worry about, not the parent. lol</p>
<p>Planning on Physics and Computer Science major…realistic? The area requirement rules are abit confusing but I am sure it becomes easy to handle once understood. Is there a Chemistry placement test that gives you credit for 111a, 112 a, 151, 152? Or is it just a test to see if you are ready for 111a? If you are not able to do any of the summer programs, how hard is it to get the courses you need? Are books in the univ bkstore cost a lot more thna amazon or bn? Thanks for inputs from the experts</p>
<p>You can take a placement test to exempt chemistry. You won’t get credit for it though. But you won’t have to take them.</p>
<p>Books are much cheaper at Amazon (did you really need to ask?)</p>
<p>It might be slightly harder to get some sections you want if you register right before you start vs during the summer. If you’re in the engineering school you register online over the summer.</p>
<p>I’m sure physics/Cs can be done. Chem placement test means nothing. You’ll be in 111/151 no matter what - if you do extremely bad, you may be placed in some extra review. You’ll get in intro level classes almost certainly - smaller humanities classes, maybe not. May not get desired time either. And is definitely advisable to buy on amazon rather than bookstore - can find much better prices.</p>
<p>FlToWashU:
To clear up the differing views from marc and RyanMK…</p>
<p>Which will be your primary - Physics or CS? It’ll probably be easier to do if you’re primary is in engineering (because it removes a lot of unnecessary requirements). If you’re an engineer, you CAN test out of chem. Aka no 111/112/151/152. However, the only test is the AP test, and you need a 5.</p>
<p>Thanks to the three of you…I appreciate it. Wustl website was confusing too coz it shows all entering freshperson have to take the online chemistry diagnostic exam to determine if we are ready for chemistry 1 but the cheMistry handbook states that any entering freshperson can take the Placement exam given by the chemistry dept during orientation to receive credit for 111a, 112a, 151, 152. I am accepted in AS school. So i guess i will do my best to at least get in on the summer weekend</p>
<p>A significant number of people do them, yes. You move into your room early and they’re great because you already meet friends before orientation starts.</p>
<p>is it harder to make friends/acclimate if you don’t do FSAP or a pre-orientation program? does anyone know what percentage of freshmen do those programs?</p>
<p>AsianGinger- I don’t have stats, but I’d say it’s certainly not harder to make friends. I did a pre-o, but to be honest I barely talk to any of those people anymore. </p>
<p>Chances are the people you are closest to in the first few week of school aren’t going to become your core group of friends - because you’re likely just clinging to /anyone/ rather than people you have a lot in common with.</p>
<p>Your closest friends will likely be from the set of people that you interact with the most over the course of your freshman year, ie. the people you live with (depending on your floor/dorm social dynamics), floors you visit often (eg. I had a few friends I knew from high school that I visited often early freshman year and ended up befriending the people they lived with as well), friends of friends, and any organizations and smaller classes/seminars you are in, plus some random other people that you make an effort to hang out with. I’m basically stating the obvious that your closest friendships will be a subset of people that you like the most/have the most in common with taken from the set of people you interact with the most, develop the most familiarity with, and share the most experiences with.</p>
<p>I didn’t do a pre-O, but I think most of those initial friend circles formed dissolve rather quickly as closer, longer lasting ones form, and very few of the people you’d meet become your close friends. A few days simply isn’t long enough to form lasting friendships (with exceptions). Most of my closest friends were from my freshman floor, though we were a fairly social floor, and I know that’s not the case for everyone.</p>