Activities Issue

[zeppelinpage4]

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So I have a slight issue with one of my activities.

I did research in an ecology lab for two years and listed it on my AMCAS. I also stated that I would be continuing my work in this lab as a senior.

Also, I just joined a second lab which deals with cells with another professor. The plan was to take a light course load and work in both labs. Accordingly I mentioned in my personal statement, and several secondaries that I would be working in this new lab and continuing my work in the other lab.

Only now, I believe that the second professor working with cells doesn't want me to work in two labs. My original professor in the ecology lab told me it was fine to work in both her lab and the other professors lab, however I am not sure if the other professor feels the same way.
It was stupid of me to mention future activities, but everything was already worked out and I did not expect this to happen.
What's the best way to update medical schools about me leaving the ecology lab to work in the cell lab, and explaining that I will not be working simultaneously in both?
Should I send an update email?
Or should I call AMCAS and have it changed?
I'm sure it will hurt my application to some degree, but I'd rather just be honest. I don't want to get in trouble for lying about my activities.

I've already been verified and have interviews scheduled.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

So I have a slight issue with one of my activities.

I did research in an ecology lab for two years and listed it on my AMCAS. I also stated that I would be continuing my work in this lab as a senior.

Also, I just joined a second lab which deals with cells with another professor. The plan was to take a light course load and work in both labs. Accordingly I mentioned in my personal statement, and several secondaries that I would be working in this new lab and continuing my work in the other lab.

Only now, I believe that the second professor working with cells doesn't want me to work in two labs. My original professor in the ecology lab told me it was fine to work in both her lab and the other professors lab, however I am not sure if the other professor feels the same way.
It was stupid of me to mention future activities, but everything was already worked out and I did not expect this to happen.
What's the best way to update medical schools about me leaving the ecology lab to work in the cell lab, and explaining that I will not be working simultaneously in both?
Should I send an update email?
Or should I call AMCAS and have it changed?
I'm sure it will hurt my application to some degree, but I'd rather just be honest. I don't want to get in trouble for lying about my activities.

I've already been verified and have interviews scheduled.

I wouldn't worry about it, since you've already submitted. AMCAS cannot change it for you. Med schools know that future plans can change. If you're asked about it in interviews, be honest and say that you unexpectedly changed labs. You could write a post-interviews update letter including the work you're doing in the new lab if you wanted to. I changed jobs halfway through interview season and didn't mention it. Nothing happened.

 

[zeppelinpage4]

I wouldn't worry about it, since you've already submitted. AMCAS cannot change it for you. Med schools know that future plans can change. If you're asked about it in interviews, be honest and say that you unexpectedly changed labs. You could write a post-interviews update letter including the work you're doing in the new lab if you wanted to. I changed jobs halfway through interview season and didn't mention it. Nothing happened.

Thanks, that's a relief to know.

I pretty much got the confirmation, the biochemistry lab professor refuses to let me work in two labs. She suggested I stick with my original ecology lab, but I am unsure about what to choose.

I worked in the ecology lab for 2 years already, and I know the project better. Also, it is much more flexible with timing, and easier to balance. On AMCAS I said I would continue this.

However, I did biochemistry research this summer in an REU and was hoping to continue that type of work this year. It is also the type of research I ultimately want to do. It is a more serious project, however, it will take a greater chunk of time from my schedule (which is quite limited at the moment, especially with interviews).

Any suggestions?

 

[TheMightySmiter]

Thanks, that's a relief to know.

I pretty much got the confirmation, the biochemistry lab professor refuses to let me work in two labs. She suggested I stick with my original ecology lab, but I am unsure about what to choose.

I worked in the ecology lab for 2 years already, and I know the project better. Also, it is much more flexible with timing, and easier to balance. On AMCAS I said I would continue this.

However, I did biochemistry research this summer in an REU and was hoping to continue that type of work this year. It is also the type of research I ultimately want to do. It is a more serious project, however, it will take a greater chunk of time from my schedule (which is quite limited at the moment, especially with interviews).

Any suggestions?

Having a flexible schedule will make your interview season much less stressful. Most interviews are on weekdays, as you've probably noticed, so you need to be able to take multiple days off or schedule your lab time around your interviews. You will definitely be able to do biochemistry research in med school--a lot of schools have mandatory research projects, and some people even take a year off during med school to do research. However, unless you take a year off, you will likely not have nearly as much time to do biochem research in med school as you will now.

For AMCAS purposes, it doesn't really matter which choice you make. I think your life will be much less stressful this year if you have a flexible schedule and do not have to worry about getting oriented to a whole new lab and research project. If it were me, I would stick with the ecology lab. But if you feel as though you would regret not pursuing the biochem research for one year, choose that lab.

 

[zeppelinpage4]

Having a flexible schedule will make your interview season much less stressful. Most interviews are on weekdays, as you've probably noticed, so you need to be able to take multiple days off or schedule your lab time around your interviews. You will definitely be able to do biochemistry research in med school--a lot of schools have mandatory research projects, and some people even take a year off during med school to do research. However, unless you take a year off, you will likely not have nearly as much time to do biochem research in med school as you will now.

For AMCAS purposes, it doesn't really matter which choice you make. I think your life will be much less stressful this year if you have a flexible schedule and do not have to worry about getting oriented to a whole new lab and research project. If it were me, I would stick with the ecology lab. But if you feel as though you would regret not pursuing the biochem research for one year, choose that lab.

Thanks MightySmiter, I've been stressing over this quite a bit. But your perspective helps a lot. 🙂
All things considered, I am leaning towards continuing the ecology lab work because it is less time consuming. However, I am afraid of how medical schools will view it, since i want to ultimately do biochemistry related research in medical school.
The biochemistry lab project is more of a real research project, the students are using known techniques and protocols. The ecology project is a lot less serious, which makes it easier to balance, but I'm not sure if a school will take me as seriously.

I guess I can't lose, I like both projects. Maybe I should flip a coin...

 

[LizzyM]

Don't worry about what's on your application. If you are asked about your research during an interview, explain that you ended up doing.... because as it turned out your schedule could not accomodate both projects. Then be prepared to have a good explanation of what you are doing in the lab you decide upon.

 

[zeppelinpage4]

Don't worry about what's on your application. If you are asked about your research during an interview, explain that you ended up doing.... because as it turned out your schedule could not accomodate both projects. Then be prepared to have a good explanation of what you are doing in the lab you decide upon.

Thanks LizzyM!

I just spoke with my ecology professor, and she has been really understanding. So, I feel better about the situation now. I just need to pick a lab now, it's a tough decision though.