Honest Advise on Research

[prsndwg]

Hi guys,

I need some major advise in regards to the research that I am involved in right now. just to clarify ahead of time, I am applying next cycle.
anyways, I do not like my research and specially the advisor and I was thinking about quitting it. its more becuase of the instructor/advisor fualt that I started hating the whole thing (I loved it when I 1st started). This is my 1st semester and I will finish this semester.

long story short, I was wondering, Is one semster enough to be competitive or should I push it for another semster of pain. next semester it will be independent research with the instructor still around

Would it took bad to adcom if I only do a semster an quit and not ask the instructor for LOR?

I really need your honest advise,

Thanks in advance.

[wantVCUdental]

Are you sure adcoms are looking for researchers to become dentists? Is research that important in the dental admission process?

[komradrobot]

um...i hope not! how do you even get involved with research-is it through the school? for science majors only?

whats wrong with the instructor? if they are bullying you, or being abusive in any way, then you should leave as soon as possible. if its not that serious and you like the research, perhaps try to either talk to your instructor or just put up with it (depending on how serious the problem is) and focus on what you love about the position.

one semester of research will look good on your application, most people don't have any research experience. however its a really great opportunity to be able to do research, and to have a substantial amount will look good on your resume even if you choose to pursue something other than dentistry.

[doc toothache]

It sounds like you are doing research for the wrong reason.

[wantVCUdental]

Originally Posted by doc toothache

It sounds like you are doing research for the wrong reason.

couldn't have agreed more...

[prsndwg]

Originally Posted by wantVCUdental

Are you sure adcoms are looking for researchers to become dentists? Is research that important in the dental admission process?

this is a good question that I will need an answer to it

[prsndwg]

Originally Posted by doc toothache

It sounds like you are doing research for the wrong reason.

The instructor made me hate it.. I actually like the whole research field.

[wantVCUdental]

If you don't like research, then don't do it... because doing something you don't like will ultimately ruin your grade... a happy student is a good student
Besides, i think in the admission process, adcoms are not looking for researchers...

[dawgpack]

The importance of research definitely depends on the school, especially if the dental school receives grant money to conduct research. I know for a fact that some of the larger state schools value research highly in interviewing and admitting applicants. To the op stick with your research at least a year because it will add greatly to your application.

[jthokie4]

Originally Posted by prsndwg

this is a good question that I will need an answer to it

I'm not 100% sure (since I'm still just a pre-dent) but most dental school offer plenty of research opportunities to dental students. Also I think it would help to do research in dental school if you are planning to specialize and who knows, you may discover something that will really revolutionize the field of dentistry.

[prsndwg]

Thanks ppl for your ideas.. I am interested in research and want to do get into a research school.. So might as well get started some where

[jthokie4]

Originally Posted by prsndwg

Hi guys,

I need some major advise in regards to the research that I am involved in right now. just to clarify ahead of time, I am applying next cycle.
anyways, I do not like my research and specially the advisor and I was thinking about quitting it. its more becuase of the instructor/advisor fualt that I started hating the whole thing (I loved it when I 1st started). This is my 1st semester and I will finish this semester.

long story short, I was wondering, Is one semster enough to be competitive or should I push it for another semster of pain. next semester it will be independent research with the instructor still around

Would it took bad to adcom if I only do a semster an quit and not ask the instructor for LOR?

I really need your honest advise,

Thanks in advance.

If it's making you that miserable then just quit after this semester. I'm doing research now and I'm in there almost everyday, if it made me that miserable I'd probably go nuts. You can either find a new research opportunity next semester or just give it a break. Also one semester of research is better than none, so you've already put yourself in a good situation. Relax and just stick it out for now, good luck!

[phebz1125]

You can research for another lab. You don't like your lab doesn't mean research is not you.
I did research for a Epigenetics lab and I hated it hated it hated it. But then I switched to an Atherosclerosis one and it's awesome!
You should do research because you'll learn a lot!!!

[prsndwg]

Originally Posted by phebz1125

You can research for another lab. You don't like your lab doesn't mean research is not you.
I did research for a Epigenetics lab and I hated it hated it hated it. But then I switched to an Atherosclerosis one and it's awesome!
You should do research because you'll learn a lot!!!

did u do the second research on the same campus? I was thinking if the new instructor asks me why I quitted the other one, what should i say.. I cant just go like.. i hated it!