Looking for physics internships requiring one letter of recommendation

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A college freshman studying physics is seeking summer research opportunities after applying to several prestigious organizations, including national laboratories and defense contractors. The challenge lies in obtaining letters of recommendation, as the student has only completed one semester and can only secure one letter from a professor who will submit it in February. Many applications require multiple letters or have early deadlines, complicating the process. The student is open to any type of research and is looking for suggestions on opportunities that require fewer or no letters of recommendation. Additionally, there is concern about what to do if no positions are secured, with a potential option to work with a current professor being considered. It is suggested that reaching out to faculty within the department may yield opportunities without the need for recommendation letters, as they may be more willing to take on new students.
Juggernaut545
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I'm currently a college freshman studying physics. The only previous research experience I had was a virtual one with the EPA on things not really related to physics (it was about 3D printer emissions). I'm trying to look for something for the summer and I've already applied for a bunch (national laboratories, Raytheon, NASA, Air force research laboratory, Northrup Grumman, Lockheed Martin). I don't really expect to get anything from Northrup Grumman or Lockheed Martin but I just decided to shoot my shot.

However, the limiting thing is that it's difficult for me to get letters of recommendation since I've only had one semester at my college. I asked my professor and he said he would write me one but that he could only submit it in February. A bunch of applications require either 2 letters (which is impossible for me), and some that required one letter have much earlier deadlines (January, early feb).

Does anyone know of any other opportunities that require one letter or none? I want to get some research experience so I can join a lab at my school later or another internship. As for the type of research, I'm looking for anything. I still have yet to decide and focus on one.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations on what to do if I don't get accepted anywhere? I've asked one of my current professors and I may be able to work with him, but I'm not sure about it. I really have no idea what I would do; the only alternative was studying abroad but those applications close before many decisions come out anyways.

Any advice is appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
 
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I would think that the professors running labs at your school would be more likely to give a new student chances for opportunities than competitive national labs. Have you tried reaching out to researchers in your department to see if they would be willing to take you on for the summer? At the very least they wouldn't be looking for letters of recommendation.
 
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