Is it a good or bad idea to do research during the semester?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Engaging in research during the semester is highly beneficial for undergraduate students, particularly for those preparing for graduate school applications. The discussion emphasizes that research experience significantly enhances a candidate's profile compared to merely completing coursework. Participants recommend dropping one class to allocate time for lab work, especially for students in demanding credit loads, such as 17 credit hours. This strategic decision can lead to valuable skills and experiences that are advantageous in academic and professional pursuits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of undergraduate academic structures and credit systems
  • Familiarity with research opportunities, such as Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)
  • Basic knowledge of lab assistant roles and responsibilities
  • Awareness of graduate school application processes and requirements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research available REUs and their application processes
  • Explore the role and expectations of a lab assistant in your field
  • Investigate time management strategies for balancing coursework and research
  • Learn about the impact of research experience on graduate school admissions
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate students, particularly those in their second year, aspiring graduate students, and anyone interested in enhancing their academic profile through research experience.

vancouver_water
Messages
76
Reaction score
10
Taking a break from studying for finals, so I thought I'd ask something I've been wondering.

I'm going to start my second semester of second year in January and I was hoping to get some research experience. I'm applying to REUs for the summer but until then I wanted to do research (or be a lab assistant, since I don't really know anything being in second year). I'll be in 17 credit hours next term and I can drop a maximum of 3 credits and stay in my program. Would it be worth it to drop 1 class and do a little bit of lab work next term or better to focus on my classes?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I say this as an undergrad, but yes, you absolutely should. Doing research looks much better on a grad school application than taking anyone class.

Maybe someone who actually knows things can back me up here.
 

Similar threads

Is Spending an Extra Semester in Undergraduate Research Worth It?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Courses Is this a good idea for a 21-credit semester?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Courses Is skipping a semester a terrible idea in academia?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Other Cosmic ray project ideas for physics undergrad?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
547
Schools Can I recover from this poor performance in my 5th semester?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Other What "research" are graduate schools looking for?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Programs Take a 5th year to do more research?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Is a nuclear engineering minor worth an extra semester?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Admissions PhD Admission: What Do Committees Want from an MS Applicant in Research?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
822
Ideas for a research project for my Aerospace dissertation?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K