Questions about UROP

MaryGJ
Sun, 21 May 2017 00:47:33 +0000

Ok…I asked my kiddo all about your questions and here’s what she says…

is UROP worth it for freshmen? Does it offer any long term benefits or opportunities that I wouldn't be able to get otherwise?

For an undecided major, it’s hit and miss. You might end up doing a terrific project that clicks with your interests, but you might not. The format of UROP for someone in a field they intend to pursue is fantastically beneficial. It is a terrific professional practice round with people who will walk you through making excellent resumes and giving effective answers in interviews. it’s highly valuable, even if you don’t go into research. The poster and presentation you make at the end is a great credential for research, and good start to your professional CV.

what's the work schedule like? Will I still be able to take a full course load or will I have to take one less class?

If you’re doing work study, it will depend on how you elect to do UROP. When my kiddo was taking UROP, she did it as her work study plus one credit, and was able to do 14 successful credit hours additionally. However, most people elect to do UROP as a credited class for 3-5 credits. As a freshman, we suggest starting with 12-14 credit hours. It’s a challenging year. Your work load will depend a bit on your adviser…most students work 9-14 hours per work on their UROP project and attend a seminar every two weeks. Your individual schedule will be determined between you and your mentor. Do stress the need for flexibility at your mentor interview if this is something that concerns you. Some mentors are more flexible than others.

-is it all year or just one semester–and if so, can I choose whether or not I wanna do it second semester or first semester?

Almost always UROP is a two semester commitment for fall and winter.

how do you choose what kind of research to do? Do you choose it on your own or do you join a professor's team?

When you sign up, you will be placed into a seminar focus group. After that, you’ll have access to all of the mentors who are taking UROP students. While you are assured a position through UROP, placement works like a typical business interview. Likewise, you get to choose which positions you apply for. You can expect to apply to at least 5 positions and interview for 3. Try to start this process ASAP…it’s first come, first served.

should I do it if I have no clear idea about what kind of research I wanna do or what I want to major in?

Either it will be a positive formative experience that will help you find something you’re passionate about…or you will feel kinda meh about it…and still get excellent general employment skills.

-is it a lot of pressure/stress or is it more of a laid back experience?

If you’re good at keeping up on weekly work…you’ll enjoy it. If you put things off, it’ll become stressful. it’s like having a job plus 30 minutes of homework a week. You also will be dedicating time and strong effort to your research poster.

if I apply and get in, do I have to do it? No. But do make sure to write an email to the director explaining that you're withdrawing. It won't be any problem.

-If I choose not to do UROP during freshman year, can I do it during any of my other years in college?

My daughter did UROP her sophomore year. You cannot do it your Junior or Senior year.

For anyone who’s done UROP in the past, what have been your overall experiences with it?

My daughter loved her UROP experience. Advice she would give to someone in the UROP program…be friendly…reach out to your advisor and mentor. People who have been unhappy with the program tend to be passive people who do not communicate their concerns. These people are happy to help you, but it’s up to you to get the ball rolling. You will get out of what you put into this program.

For your specific situation, my daughter recommends considering UROP your Sophomore year. This will give you a little time to explore the departments, do some research, and figure out what types of classes and labs interest you.

UROP can be a good stepping stone for summer internship opportunities and jobs within the university. My daughter has worked for a lab during the school year for the past three years, and has absolutely found her people there. She’s also been able to get a paid position at a different university’s biological station full time in the summer. This summer she has an REU at a Great Lakes research station.