Hi, I'm going to UCI this year for CS, and I was wondering how I would approach research experience. So far, here's my plan :] I know, plans almost always never work out D:
After first year, find a professor that I liked and ask to work with him/her for my honors thesis/research till 4th year. Get into CS honors program for junior year and work with a different professor till 4th year, as UCI recommends 2 different research projects if you're campuswide honors and school-specific honors. Apply for REU/SULI/SURF for summers between sophomore and junior year and junior and senior year.
However, I'm unsure about a couple of things and would love if you could help me out
1. Is research after the first year too early?
2. Is it possible to maintain a high GPA with 2 research thingies?
3. What's the difference between an REU, SULI, and a SURF, and which is most valued for grad school admission (to a top 10 school)?
4. Is it possible, or better to go to the "same" REU/SULI/SURF for 2 summers to strengthen relationships rather than to have 2 "weaker" ones?
5. Should the research areas that I go into be consistent for both research projects, and both summer research programs?
6. Kinda offtopic, but how important are fellowships/academic awards for admission?
Sorry, I know it's a lot of questions, but thanks! :]