Many students get the opportunity to do research.
The most popular way to sign up for research is to do an independent study with a professor of your choice. The professors have specialized areas of interest and can help you establish a research project. Sometimes grants are rewarded to students to aid in any necessary costs for the research. The ability to go beyond the classes and to do a research project can definitely help you, because it gives you a hands on opportunity to study and be a part of a subject you enjoy and may want to pursue after graduation. Chris Wing - GIS study of Antarctic Meteorites.