<p>What is considered as a strong research experience?</p>
<p>Any of the following (as an undergrad):
1+ publications
3+ semesters as a research assistant in the same lab
Undergrad/bachelor thesis</p>
<p>Just my 2 cents</p>
<p>I’m wondering the same thing. I’ll have been in the same lab for 2.5 years (including summers), and have written an honors thesis… but my PI and school aren’t necessarily well-known. What is considered strong research for top biology programs like Berkeley?</p>
<p>What you have is good, particularly if your research mentor writes a strong personal letter. His/her “fame” is not that important. People get into top graduate programs form all sorts of universities, not just the highest ranked in USNWR.</p>
<p>Yea, so I was debating on whether I should apply for REU this summer or stick w/ the research at my home institute.
So I guess it’s more beneficial to do research at your home institute if you think you have enough strong LOR but try out for REU if you don’t</p>
<p>An REU is an opportunity to see a different university environment. Also departments use the REUs to recruit for their graduate programs. It is always a good thing to do and you can pick up with your on-campus research when you start your Senior year. If you don’t get into the REU programs you want, you can just stay in your current position but you should try.</p>