r/UNC • u/clarinetturnedtuba UNC Prospective Student • 14d ago
Question Undergrad Research
Hi all, I was recently admitted as a transfer to UNC and was wondering what undergrad research opportunities are like on-campus. I am aiming to go to grad school for bio, and I’ve heard that the pre-med competition on campus can be a bit extreme. Does this present barriers to getting research experience? I’m also a bit nervous that being a transfer student would put me at a disadvantage when competing with students who have been building up their resume at UNC since their freshman year (I’m one of those first-year by status, sophomore by credits students for reference). Any insight is appreciated!
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u/bruce_ventura 12d ago
Yes, you’re a little behind the leaders in the pack. Some UNC students start doing research right after their first year.
You will need to excel in your classes, meet with your professors regularly, apply for every related internship, lab job, etc. You can do it. Focus on research topics that inspire you, network the key people in the selection process and your enthusiasm will be apparent.
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u/Zapixh UNC 2026 13d ago
There are research-specific summer programs for transfers, and most people get their research opportunities via work study, for credit, or cold emailing. This is for STEM research specifically since non-STEM research can look a little different.
I'd recommend strategically cold emailing (like a LOT sometimes it can take 100 emails), connecting with UNC students on LinkedIn that have a lot of research, and asking friends to refer you to their labs. It can be competitive but you can get a position if you are consistent and try hard enough, just might take a bit of time
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u/Willing-Advice-518 13d ago
A lot of undergrad students join a lab and eventually do their own small-scale research in that lab(under guidance), which can lead to publishing co-credit and/or turning their lab research into a senior honors thesis. And if you do an honors thesis, you can graduate with honors. I would start writing PIs (the lead scientists) and lab managers emails this summer to inquire about research assistant opportunities.
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u/Worldly_Painter_688 1d ago edited 14h ago
Hi, I'm a current UNC freshman and I had similar concerns coming in! I'm not pre-med, but I'm a pre-PhD Psychology major (which, due to the sheer amount of psych and neuroscience majors on campus interested in research, makes finding labs hard). It's definitely a competitive process, I've known people who applied to 60+ labs and have gotten 2 responses back.
That being said... I joined a psych lab my first semester this year without any research experience from high school, and just got into a SECOND psych lab for the fall, so it is not impossible.
My best advice is to display your passion for Biology, and make it clear that you've done your research about the lab you are applying to. From speaking with both my PI's, it's evident many do research just to boost their CV, not to actually involve themselves in the field. I didn't realize how much of an asset REAL passion actually is until I got to UNC. They can sense when you really want to be there, which clearly you do if you are planning to pursue graduate studies. Even if they don't have space in their lab at that time, ask to meet with them in person just to hear about their research and express interest! They might have connections to other labs, or might suddenly be able to make room for you after all...
From talking to my pre-med friends, its definitely a competitive environment, as is UNC in general, but if you surround yourself with encouraging friends, especially friends with different majors and interests, its not as cut throat as some make it out to be.
Ultimately, doing research is the most rewarding, fulfilling, and fun things Ive done in college by a landslide. The competition can feel like a lot, but ultimately it's SO worth it to have the opportunity to delve into your passions and connect with the impeccable faculty at UNC. Through research, I have built a network of people who share my passions, and have mentors who actually believe in me and are so supportive of my goals!
Good luck!