Choosing Summer REU: UT Austin vs UC Davis

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for choosing between two summer research programs: plasma work at the University of Texas at Austin and particle physics work at the University of California Davis. Participants explore factors to consider in making this choice, including the importance of research subjects, potential impacts on graduate school applications, and personal preferences regarding location and research advisors.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to make a decision between the two programs and seeks advice on important factors to consider.
  • Another participant suggests that personal interest in the subject matter may influence the decision, noting a preference for California over Texas.
  • There is a question raised about the significance of attending a summer REU for graduate school applications, with some suggesting that the subject of research may not be as crucial as the experience itself.
  • One participant highlights the variability of REUs, mentioning the importance of knowing the research advisor and their reputation, based on personal experience.
  • Another participant shares their familiarity with plasma research but expresses curiosity about the challenges of particle physics, indicating a preference for the latter as a more adventurous choice.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of information regarding the research advisors at UC Davis, contrasting with a clearer understanding of the advisor at UT Austin.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the importance of research subjects and the impact of REUs on graduate school applications. There is no consensus on which program is preferable, as personal interests and experiences vary significantly.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of knowing the research advisor, which may influence the decision-making process. There is also a lack of clarity regarding the specific advisors at UC Davis, which may affect the perceived value of that option.

morenogabr
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I have been accepted to two summer research programs: I can do plasma work at the University of Texas at Austin or particle physics work at University of California Davis.

I guess it would be silly to ask for advice regarding which program I should choose because I realize that they are both great schools and I alone must make the decision. But I have to make a decision fairly quickly and I guess I am not sure how to go about doing so. Anyone have advice on what important factors I should consider?

I've heard attending a summer REU at any given school increases your favorability of getting into their graduate program? How true is this? How important is the actual subject of research? I have been told that doing UG research is not a likely indicator of career path and is more about learning the research process.
 
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Which subject do you think is more interesting? Personally (though this is from someone not living in the US), I'd much rather spend a summer in California than Texas!
 
What's a REU?
 
cristo said:
Which subject do you think is more interesting? Personally (though this is from someone not living in the US), I'd much rather spend a summer in California than Texas!

I think particle would be more interesting, but probably much harder. Though I could be wrong, magnetohydrodynamics in plasma is no walk in the park. I guess I feel I am more familiar with plasma but think particle would be more of an adventure.

I don't know much about Davis CA, but Austin is a blast. Especially during the summer!
 
Sorry, that's true. Thanks. LB
 
REUs are often hit or miss. The biggest question, if you are equally interested in the either field and are only looking to do *some* sort of research, is do you know anything about either of the professors you will be working for? Do you even know who you will be working for?

When I did my REU, I knew the professor I was going to be doing the REU under, so I knew he was a good research advisor (I had collaborated with him on research previously).
 
Norman said:
REUs are often hit or miss. The biggest question, if you are equally interested in the either field and are only looking to do *some* sort of research, is do you know anything about either of the professors you will be working for? Do you even know who you will be working for?

When I did my REU, I knew the professor I was going to be doing the REU under, so I knew he was a good research advisor (I had collaborated with him on research previously).

At this point I know who I will work under at UT, I don't know him in any personal sense, but I do know a professor that is familiar with him and might be able to give me his opinion on how good of an advisor this person might be. I don't know who I will work with at UC, but will soon. Hadn't thought very hard about the advisor aspect yet, thanks for the tip.
 

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