General Science Background Attempting Cognitive Neuroscience Program with a Vision Emphasis, screwed?
I have taken the first two years of physics and chemsitry, and first three of math. So, that gives me O-Chem, basic thermodynamics, calculus, linear algebra, diff-eq, and many other math courses (though no stats, stupidly).
I also have some computer science background with current independent projects, and one class kind of backing up my independent study in C++. Is that an okay background for the field, would a school potentially find me desirable? I've been reading up on my own on vision, and I love the stuff, and I want to join a program, I'm just worried my lack of psych would influence. I would love any opinions from you guys!
EDIT: Major hurdles:
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Lack of lab experience
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Lack of good recommendations. I have a math teacher, and could possibly find another, but that is tenuous. The second one would not know me terribly well...
These two problems could potentially be solved with a getting a good research position, but I'm finding it hard. Also, I wanted to apply in the fall, so time is a bit of a factor.
Posted Jun 18, 2012, 6:01 AM UTC · edited
That's an excellent background. Especially if you are interested in more computationally oriented research. I'm in a psych program. I mostly do experimental and computational work in vision (models of shape perception). I did not major in psych as an undergrad. Other people in my program have degrees in computer science and math. It really depends on what you want to do.
If you are interested in a PhD program, I encourage you to get some research experience. (1) Lots of places like to see that you can do research, know what it's like and are willing to do more. (2) You should make sure that you are actually interested in doing research. Lots of people think they want to go to grad school, but when they actually find out what doing research is like (alternatively, tedious, frustrating, disappointing, stimulating, rewarding, fulfilling etc.), they are disappointed that you aren't sitting there discovering things every day.
Also, it's definitely a good idea to take a stats class or two.
I really want to try research, but I'm graduated and having a hard time finding a position to do it. I actually live right next to a university that does research I want to do, but I'm not sure how to get in... there's openings but I'm not getting many responses from my applications (maybe because they're all more biology/chemistry positions).
Depending on your financial situation, there are a few options. The first is to volunteer. Most places will take a free research assistant. Find labs you are interested in at the university and email both the professors and their lab managers if they have one. Read about their research and indicate that you are familiar with it. Perhaps mention particular projects/papers that you found interesting and ask if they are looking for research assistants or volunteers and if they are still working on those projects. Many labs take volunteers over the summer. I was paid at two of my summer lab positions as an undergrad, so those are definitely available as well.
If you have the time/money/interest, you can apply to a masters program. Some programs offer scholarships. Many people get a masters before going to a PhD program. It's a time to gain research experience, get a publication or two, and determine whether research/the field is for you. You will also get a chance to meet professors whose recommendations will be important when applying for PhD programs. Your undergrad degree probably won't matter. However, these programs can cost quite a bit of money.
I know a few people who lucked into lab positions after graduating. Several became lab managers (non-research positions) and then gradually became involved with research. Others, cast a wide net and ended up having to move cities for their jobs.
Good luck!
Thanks :-) you have been so very very helpful!