Science Research: Program v. Independently with Mentor

herman
Thu, 17 Jan 2008 21:27:55 +0000

I’m applying to RSI, but seeing as how acceptance into the program is so hard, I’m thinking about what my backup plans for summer will be.

I already do research with a mentor: I started last summer, and I think if I don’t get into RSI, I could continue my work with him this summer. He pays me well (like $4000 before taxes) and we have a very good relationship.

However, other than RSI, I know there are other selective science programs like Clark Scholars that I could apply too. My question is whether the name recognition of a program outweighs independent research with a mentor. I think I have a good shot at getting some research awards senior year (maybe Siemens SF, Intel SF) merely by continuing work at the lab, but if I go to a summer program with a completely new project, I don’t know if I can guarantee that. Do colleges really care much about the way you get the awards (either through program or independently)/summer programs over independently with mentor?