Undergraduate research is also a great way to explore a potential career path, make contacts in the field you hope to enter, and get a taste for what you might want to study in graduate school.
Research, scholarship, and creative activity are not just activities students complete for the sake of earning credit; they are also learning experiences that enrich a student's undergraduate experience. Students report that participation in research, scholarship, or creative activity broadens and deepens their development.
As soon as you step on campus, you're expected to be a leader in your field and a role model for future students. You're expected to have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in your academic program, and you're expected to participate in research early and often.
Why is this?
Research is an essential part of any undergraduate experience; it enriches students' lives both academically and professionally.