Let me lay out the situation.
Am a senior planning on applying right after graduation in June 2014. GPA: 3.85; 34 MCAT
I did research with a professor form September 2010-May 2011 & January 2012-Dec 2012 (including summer 2012).
I received a satisfactory grade(1st semester was Pass/Fail) the 1st semester, an A the second. 3rd semester with him I received a B. I thought about quitting but decided to stick it out since it would not look great if I quit after a B (there was simply a slow progression of research thus I got a B. It was a tough project). Stuck it out through summer and the rest of 2012, earning an A and was an author in a minor capacity on a pub for that project (6th, really low stuff).
At this point (Dec 2012) I decided to stop working in this lab since I felt I had gotten a feel for research but didn't want to really pursue it heavily in the future. Left on what I thought were cordial terms. Recently went back to ask prof whether he would be willing to write a LOR. Could tell he was not enthusiastic about it all.
Thing is, I cannot hide the fact that I did research since I took it for credit. At this point, it would be idiotic to ask for a LOR when he's indicating that he can't write me a strong one. It will also likely be my only research experience.
Other LOR sources: I will have 3 long term TA experiences (2 years) by the time I apply. One of them is with the head of my bio department, TA'd his 3000 level class after taking it soph year and knowing him since freshman year. Will TA it again. 1-2 letters from TAing.
1-2 other LoRs from cancer volunteering and from my volunteering with suicide hotline. Done both for 2.5 years before I apply
1 from a humanities prof.
I understand not having this letter would be a pretty big disadvantage at the top research heavy schools. But thats not my goal. I just want to get into A med school. How much will this hurt? I have to list it since its on my transcript but I would certainly not include it in my top 3 experiences. Am an NJ resident. More than happy with any MD school.
Sorry for the long read but my question is should I even list this 6th author pub if this PI gave me a B once and is very unlikely to give me a LoR? Should I just minimize research and not list it or would it be better to have something indicating that I did something and conributed to the project (ie this paper). Thoughts?
Am a senior planning on applying right after graduation in June 2014. GPA: 3.85; 34 MCAT
I did research with a professor form September 2010-May 2011 & January 2012-Dec 2012 (including summer 2012).
I received a satisfactory grade(1st semester was Pass/Fail) the 1st semester, an A the second. 3rd semester with him I received a B. I thought about quitting but decided to stick it out since it would not look great if I quit after a B (there was simply a slow progression of research thus I got a B. It was a tough project). Stuck it out through summer and the rest of 2012, earning an A and was an author in a minor capacity on a pub for that project (6th, really low stuff).
At this point (Dec 2012) I decided to stop working in this lab since I felt I had gotten a feel for research but didn't want to really pursue it heavily in the future. Left on what I thought were cordial terms. Recently went back to ask prof whether he would be willing to write a LOR. Could tell he was not enthusiastic about it all.
Thing is, I cannot hide the fact that I did research since I took it for credit. At this point, it would be idiotic to ask for a LOR when he's indicating that he can't write me a strong one. It will also likely be my only research experience.
Other LOR sources: I will have 3 long term TA experiences (2 years) by the time I apply. One of them is with the head of my bio department, TA'd his 3000 level class after taking it soph year and knowing him since freshman year. Will TA it again. 1-2 letters from TAing.
1-2 other LoRs from cancer volunteering and from my volunteering with suicide hotline. Done both for 2.5 years before I apply
1 from a humanities prof.
I understand not having this letter would be a pretty big disadvantage at the top research heavy schools. But thats not my goal. I just want to get into A med school. How much will this hurt? I have to list it since its on my transcript but I would certainly not include it in my top 3 experiences. Am an NJ resident. More than happy with any MD school.
Sorry for the long read but my question is should I even list this 6th author pub if this PI gave me a B once and is very unlikely to give me a LoR? Should I just minimize research and not list it or would it be better to have something indicating that I did something and conributed to the project (ie this paper). Thoughts?
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