undergrad research in new labs? or old labs?

[luwilliam]

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I am wondering…is it better to do undergrad research in a newly formed lab and have independent projects, which might lead to publications OR is it better to do research for famous prof in “old” lab, but might not have independent project and chance to publish papers?</p>

<p>I know someone who got a job in a newly formed lab in the summer and had a chance to publish two papers(as second author). According to him, the professor just started the lab this year and really need to publish papers, and there aren’t any Grad students in the lab yet so he get to work very closely with the professor.</p>

<p>Especially in terms of future Grad school application(top 10), I heard that recommendation letters from famous professors count a lot, but I also heard that research publications would also be very helpful.
But it seems hard to get both…as an undergrad student.</p>

<p>letter of rec from famous prof, but no publication done
Or
letter of rec from new and relatively unknown prof, but research paper published</p>

[jwxie]

<p>It totally depends on which year you are in, and how “useful” you are.
Also consider you might not like what the new lab does.
It is true that new labs are more interesting because it’s new and everyone is eager to establish something.</p>

<p>

Especially in terms of future Grad school application(top 10), I heard that recommendation letters from famous professors count a lot, but I also heard that research publications would also be very helpful.
But it seems hard to get both…as an undergrad student.

Well consider most professors are not famous - I don’t know how important that is.</p>