Summer Research at CERN or CalTech: Which is the Better Option for Grad School?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparison between summer research opportunities at CERN and CalTech for prospective graduate students. Participants highlight that CERN offers lectures and insights into detector operations, but may not guarantee a publication. In contrast, CalTech provides a clearer path to obtaining a publication and a recommendation letter, which are valuable for graduate school applications. Ultimately, the choice depends on the applicant's career goals, with CERN being ideal for those seeking international experience and CalTech for those focused on US institutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school application processes
  • Familiarity with research publication standards
  • Knowledge of the significance of recommendation letters
  • Awareness of international research opportunities
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the CERN summer research program details and outcomes
  • Investigate CalTech's summer research opportunities and publication rates
  • Explore the impact of research experience on graduate school applications
  • Learn about the importance of networking and recommendation letters in academia
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students, researchers considering summer programs, and individuals evaluating international versus domestic research opportunities.

Silviu
Messages
612
Reaction score
11
Hello! About summer research at CERN, through their program, what does that involves? I mean I understand there will be lectures and visiting and explanations about how the detectors work and all that. But there will be also actual research to lead to a publication or anything like that? Also, how much does this counts for applying to grad school? I guess my main question is, between this CERN summer program and a research at CALTECH for example (assuming I choose CALTECH as my main target for grad school) which one should I choose. If I do a research at CALTECH I can actually get a publication and also a review letter from someone from the inside when applying to CALTECH but on the other hand, CERN is CERN. So what would be the best option? Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sounds like a luxury problem to me. If you are US based and are open to some international experience, go for CERN. If you are US oriented and want to stay there, go for CalTech. You can't miss !
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fresh_42

Similar threads

Admissions Do I have a good shot at CalTech/MIT's graduate program for physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
Other Recommended work for an undergrad (internships, research, etc.)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Admissions CERN Summer Student Program: Boost Your Grad School Application
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Other Any Virtual Summer Research/Internships for High-school Graduates?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Programs Internship essay for CERN -- Please help
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Admissions What REU's to apply to with a mediocre GPA?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Admissions Should I submit an 840 PGRE in my applications to top US PhD programs?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Other Physics PhD after working for few years
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Schools Graduate School Admissions for Astronomy Program
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Admissions Chances with a Low/mid GPA but high PGRE and research experience
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K