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There are opportunities to become involved in UR-CE beginning with your freshman year. For example, the Case School of Engineering Macromolecular Science and Engineering department offers a Freshman Research Class (EMAC 125) http://polymers.case.edu/highlights/UG_Research_Opps.htm that is a great way of getting involved. However, do not become discouraged if you do not find a research or creative experience during your freshman year. The opportunities expand as you progress in your undergraduate education.
There are several issues students must consider when thinking about when to become involved in UR-CE.
Academic Semester or Summer
First and foremost, you have to consider how much time you realistically have to devote to research or a creative project. Obviously, your class work must come first. Your class work often provides you with the conceptual understanding and basis for your project. In short, you need to keep your grades up. You certainly can’t flunk out and stay involved in research! Many first year students do not understand how much study time they really need. You have to be careful not to commit to more than you can handle.
If Summer, On Campus or Off Campus
There are many opportunities on campus during the summer. Among the medical school, the formal summer programs, and individual faculty hiring students, Case has more than 200 students on campus during the summer involved in some type of UR-CE activity. Therefore, on campus opportunity is an area of consideration.
However, SOURCE does not recommend that you limit yourself to on campus positions. If you are considering graduate school, becoming involved in a research project is an excellent way to check-out the department and faculty of the school you are considering. Also, many of the national laboratories offer excellent experiences, and our students have proven to be quite competitive in getting positions across the country at some of these prestigious labs.
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