Advice w/ current application (transfer, summer programs,etc.)

[somuchwater]

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[kyamh]

Ask if you can work in the lab you are working in now! You need continuity. If you can't get into research, try to get a summer job - medical schools appreciate people who understand the value of hard work for pay. You can show leadership at your place of work.

Honestly, I would be cautious of setting your sights on MD/PhD, you will have a tough road ahead. I get the issues that you are describing, but the fact is that there are many students out there who will have more luck than you. Students who get a chance to work on their own project, students who will have posters, abstracts, presentations, publications, a thesis, a higher GPA, better ECs. I spent all my time in research (20+ hours a week plus a part time job all 4 years of college) so I get how hard/impossible it is to get meaningful ECs that you are excited about with that kind of load. Unfortunately for both of us, there are superstars out there who will do all that and more.

Applying this cycle has been a great humbling experience for me, don't let research accomplishments lull you into a sense of security - you need those EC because you can't count on an MD/PhD

Note, I did not apply MD/PhD but I can tell you right away that your competition, especially at the top research schools, is really really stiff.

 

[somuchwater]

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[kyamh]

I would love to work in the lab I'm in, except that I realized my research interests have changed. I know exactly the project I wish to work on and I'm looking for opportunities to engage in that. I was hoping a summer fellowship would allow me to build up my skills and get some $$ before I delve into a new project.

I have posters, abstracts, and presentations but all at my local university (haven't been invited anywhere nationally, etc.). I guess what I'm starting to wonder is if I should drop research and focus on other ECs since I already have 4 years of it.

Congrats! Can you not drop research and still focus on ECs? As I understand, it's not really an either or kinda deal..

 

[Noctámbulo]

If you are at all interested in PhD or MD/PhD programs, do not drop the research. My suggestion would be to start emailing professors from your school who do research related--even if only tangentially-- to your interests, and ask to join their lab in the summer. Explain your reasons for applying to their laboratory, citing their research, and highlight the value of such an opportunity to your education as an undergraduate. It is possible to do research, be a leader in extracurriculars, and maintain good grades. It's all about time management. Believe me, I know it's hard, and oftentimes very stressful, but it's a life skill and it comes with time. You can do it!! Stay focused, knowing hope is not lost.

 

[Reckoner]

OP, the good news is your GPA isn't that bad for MD/PhD admissions. Couple it with a high MCAT score (34+) and your odds of getting in somewhere will be decent.

You should stop worrying much about other ECs - MD/PhD programs care about research first and foremost, and they know how time consuming it is. Get 100 hours or so of clinical experience to show that you've at least seen what clinical medicine looks like, and you should be fine.

Also you shouldn't be discouraged by a lack of publications. They're nice to have, but no program director that I've talked to expects applicants to publish. Anecdotal, but my MD/PhD application cycle has gone well with no publications.

If you're going to switch labs this summer anyway (this is what you want to do, correct?), I think you should transfer. Your GPA and well-being will increase and your financial burden will decrease. Just my two cents.