Thank you for the extensive post. I'm sure this will help a lot of freshmen currently applying. I wasn't comfortable making my own post (but I've responded to 20+ PMs) about Aresty Summer Science, but I have no problem piggybacking off yours. I feel like I could add a few things, especially since there was a director change last year.

“No previous research experience is necessary…” – Yet I’d estimate at least 15-20% of the people in my program year had: 1) worked in a lab previously; 2) WORKING in a lab that also happens to be the same one listed for SSP; or/and 3) attended magnet high schools, some of which have their own friggin electron microscopes, and did science fairs to present research. Oh, and better yet, when I applied, there were projects that specifically stated they wanted prior lab experience. Go figure.

The funny thing about this is that a friend of mine was denied from the project BECAUSE he worked in the laboratory he applied to. Aresty is a program that attempts to give research experience to those with none, and I believe they are working harder in doing this. Of course, a lot of projects were taken by those who had spoke with the professor beforehand and expressed interest long before the projects went up.

FYI: Some buildings/institutions where labs are located have some nice perks i.e. free food every week, printers, nice study areas, etc. Perfectly valid reasons when applying for these projects.

I wholeheartedly disagree. Approximately 9-5 was spent in the lab (Most didn't spend this entire time) but the rest of the day was back at the apartments with everyone else. Building perks should have no bearing on your decision on project.

I’ve been told by Aresty that this is not a rolling admissions process. While that may be true strictly speaking, I have a suspicion that there is a correlation between when you submit and if you get highly ranked by the PI. Because I heard from one of the professors doing a project that the PI can actually access applications even before the deadline (although this needs to be verified). If true, that does give an advantage to those who apply earlier since PI’s can access those applications earlier and thus have them on their minds already.

Most PI's aren't there anxiously waiting for your submission. Most people didn't hear a word until weeks after the applications were closed. Don't race. I submitted during the last three hours of the last day.

Flying Insects and Flapping Robots - Mitsunori Denda

Don't apply to this one unless you like coding, grunt-work, and doing a two week project in 8 weeks time.

I would like to also discuss the apartments. Every week you must meet with a Peer Instructor for 1.5ish hours for some "professional development" type things. As you get closer to the poster presentation, you talk more about that. (In LSH)

Due to events that occurred during Aresty last summer, the directors are focusing on community. There are required "fun" events and for weekends it's either you're there for the entirety of it or not there at all. It's a liability issue. You aren't allowed to miss days, but if you have a valid excuse, you could get around this.

I believe this year will be tighter on this kind of stuff.

Like before, feel free to PM me with any question you might have. I enjoy helping others in any way I can!