How necessary is it to do summer research?

[emg83]

I'm a current sophomore (3.95 GPA). I know that I have a solid GPA, but with most of the summer research programs having acceptance rates of <10% (some even 2 or 3%), it just seems pointless to apply for more than a few. I have been doing research since freshman year, so I do have research experience to put on my resume when it comes time to apply for med school. I was thinking that instead of doing a research program this summer, I could just focus all of my time to volunteering, and maybe get a few hundred hours in. Does this plan sound like it would be a good idea? Or should I spend the time to apply to more summer research programs? I just want to spend my summer doing something that will help my med school application as much as possible. Thanks.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[thatwouldbeanarchy]

No need to do research during the summer unless you want to--especially since you already have research experience. Volunteering sounds like a fine way to boost your app over the summer.

 

[WedgeDawg]

If you've been doing research or you plan on doing research, doing a summer program isn't necessary.

 

[SandP]

It depends on what kind of school you want to get in to. Mid tier, lower tier- you're fine. Upper tier-- you'd best continue and do volunteering on the side.

 

[Lucca]

If you already have research experience and only wish to continue research to improve your application, stop doing research and do something else with your time. Volunteering is a great option.