Do Physics Grad Programs Prefer Depth or Breadth in Undergrad Research?

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Mike K
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Do physics graduate programs have any preference of working with a single professor for several semesters or working with several different professors each for just a semester or two?

Is it disadvantageous to stay with one professor for your entire undergraduate career?
 
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How much and how long do you expect to actually work with a professor as undergrad in physics? And how long do you plan to stay an undergraduate?
 
mfb said:
How much and how long do you expect to actually work with a professor as undergrad in physics? And how long do you plan to stay an undergraduate?

I have worked with a specific professor for two semesters. I plan to work with him two more, unless I also do my honors project/thesis with him, which could be another semester or two (total of 4-6 semesters, 2-3 years).

As for how much, each semester I take 3 credits of research if that gives you an idea.

I am also working (full time) with a different prof at my hometown university over the summer.

I plan to be an undergrad for 8 semesters total (4 years).
 
Mike K said:
As for how much, each semester I take 3 credits of research if that gives you an idea.
I don't even know which country you are talking about.
Here in Germany you usually take courses for ~2-3 years with little contact to actual research (maybe something like a summer student program), then you start working on the thesis in the group of a professor. Afterwards the BSc thesis is the most important research-related work, for things done earlier it is not important where you did them.
 
mfb said:
I don't even know which country you are talking about.
Here in Germany you usually take courses for ~2-3 years with little contact to actual research (maybe something like a summer student program), then you start working on the thesis in the group of a professor. Afterwards the BSc thesis is the most important research-related work, for things done earlier it is not important where you did them.
I see. It was ignorant of me to forget to say that I go to an American university. My apologies.
In that case though, someone from the US may be a better source since grad schools look for research throughout your undergrad.
Does anyone in America know the answer to my original question?