Another Research Exp. Question

[rihdus]

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I know that some of the med schools higher up on the list require research experience, but does that mean I need to get published, do presentations, etc?

I have worked in a neuro lab for two school years and one summer but I haven't done any of those. Does this mean my "research exp" was pointless?

P.S. sorry if this question has been asked before, I looked through previous threads and couldn't find much.

 

[aSagacious]

My general understanding is:
Publications/Presentations = Long time in one lab (no pubs) > short stint in one or a few labs (no pubs) >>> no research

 

[music2doc]

Not pointless at all, but it may not be seen as being as strong as someone w/ presentations and posters. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just make sure you apply broadly and if you have time, work toward getting a poster presentation (at least one at your school or a regional presentation; if you can get a national presentation, all the better).

 

[rihdus]

Thanks for the help. The main problem with my lab is that the type of experiments we do take a long time (I'm talking about nearly a school year) and if our experimental design has flaws in it we usually don't find out till near the end. Should I try out a different lab? I would kinda feel like I betrayed them in some way...I guess I'm paranoid

 

[aSagacious]

I don't think you should switch labs for the sake of a pub. I believe that only a small minority of applicants list any publications as undergrads, so I don't think you'd be at a real disadvantage. Just be prepared to articulately explain your research during an interview and in your activity description on your primary application.