AMCAS--numerous labs

[Bumbl3b33]

Hey everyone,

Over the course of the past 4 years, I have worked in 4-5 very different labs (I was trying to see if I liked any kind of research). So my question is: for AMCAS, should I just write down "research" and then in description talk about the different labs and what I did in them?

I already have all 15 slots filled for EC's with substantial things, and 2 of those are 2 research labs that I did considerable work in--I was just not going to talk about the other labs, I guess. Now i'm wondering if I should consoldate the labs in one entry and talk about all 5 labs in the description and use the other free space to talk about rock climbing/running and weight loss...thoughts?

Thanks!

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[NickNaylor]

Yes, compile them all into one entry unless you think that one of those experiences is significant enough to mention on their own. For each lab, I would mention who the PI was, a very brief summary of your work, your responsibilities, and any publications, posters, etc. that you were an author on.

 

[Bumbl3b33]

Hey dude, weird you replied, I was just reading your MDApps for some reason...out of curiosity....when you were 'bumped' up to full scholarship, how did that happen?

I'm curious because people say you can negotiate a financial aid package but....how does that conversation go? do you say to the person on the phone '' i'd love to go to your school but it's too expensive, and i was wondering if my financial aid could be revised?'' i guess my question is--how do you phrase those questions and how do schools usually respond?

 

[NickNaylor]

Hey dude, weird you replied, I was just reading your MDApps for some reason...out of curiosity....when you were 'bumped' up to full scholarship, how did that happen?

I'm curious because people say you can negotiate a financial aid package but....how does that conversation go? do you say to the person on the phone '' i'd love to go to your school but it's too expensive, and i was wondering if my financial aid could be revised?'' i guess my question is--how do you phrase those questions and how do schools usually respond?

It was more or less how you mentioned (with a little bit more circlejerking and tactfulness). However that's something you shouldn't be worried about now - send me a PM in the fall or spring and we can talk more.

Also this doesn't work at all schools. Schools that are stingy with merit-based aid likely won't be too flexible. Schools like Michigan, Pritzker, and others, however, have a culture of being more flexible and you have a better chance at getting a positive result when you ask them. Again, though, not something you should be worrying about at this point.

 

[pfaction]

Er, if you're on the border and applying MD/PhD for some schools, MD regular for others, would it be a better idea to write all four labs (you're in the same position I am) each separately with one most significant, or just lump everything together to save activity space? I'm only on #7 and I'm pretty much done.

 

[NickNaylor]

If you're applying MD/PhD then you obviously want to emphasize your research experience (though using entries just to take up space is never a good idea). Beyond that I don't know - isn't there a separate essay you have the opportunity to complete that asks about that stuff?

 

[catzzz88]

If you're applying MD/PhD then you obviously want to emphasize your research experience (though using entries just to take up space is never a good idea). Beyond that I don't know - isn't there a separate essay you have the opportunity to complete that asks about that stuff?

Yep, there are two extra if you have a publication.