Hello everyone! I will be graduating with a bachelors degree in Biology this upcoming May 2024. I do not have notable research experience yet and I will not be able to before I get my degree. Thus, I am very strongly interested in focusing my gap year on gaining more research experience. I am particularly interested as I am curious as to if research may be a more appealing path for me or if I would consider an MD/PHD.
In searching for postbac 1 year programs, I came across the NIH PREP programs. On the website itself it states that PREP programs are not intended to prepare participants for medical degrees. (Link: National Institute of General Medical Sciences)
I have the following questions:
1) I understand why these programs may be targeted towards PHD applicants, but does this mean that these programs are detrimental/irrelevant to applying to medical school? (Will my experience in these programs mean anything at all to schools?)
2) Are there any other post-bachelors degree program types or experiences that offer research experience?
3) If I were to join a research lab as a lab technician or volunteer at my undergraduate university, would this be a comparable experience in it's value even if I am still working under a graduate student and not leading my own project?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
In searching for postbac 1 year programs, I came across the NIH PREP programs. On the website itself it states that PREP programs are not intended to prepare participants for medical degrees. (Link: National Institute of General Medical Sciences)
I have the following questions:
1) I understand why these programs may be targeted towards PHD applicants, but does this mean that these programs are detrimental/irrelevant to applying to medical school? (Will my experience in these programs mean anything at all to schools?)
2) Are there any other post-bachelors degree program types or experiences that offer research experience?
3) If I were to join a research lab as a lab technician or volunteer at my undergraduate university, would this be a comparable experience in it's value even if I am still working under a graduate student and not leading my own project?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!