Changing undergraduate lab groups?

[Dextrine]

I'm currently working in a very reputable lab and am wondering if it would be wise to switch to a smaller lab if the opportunity were to arise.

The reason I am considering this is because in my current lab I do mostly programming and some 3d modelling.

Whereas perhaps in a smaller lab I can be given a more involved project to work on.

Pretty much, what would be more appealing to future graduate schools, a letter of recommendation from a well known person, or independent research experience?

 

[Rocket50]

Letters of recommendation are very important and there should be a major change in your research success by switching labs, so unless you really hate the research your current lab is doing, don't switch.

 

[Dextrine]

Thanks a lot. I actually really like the lab I'm in, I just didn't want to hurt my chances later on by not doing my own research topic.

 

[Rocket50]

Well you are still technically doing research. It may even be better to do it with some guidance rather than by yourself.

 

[Choppy]

There's advantages and disadvantages to both options. The fact that you like what you're doing now is a major advantage though. I would hesitate to give that up.