Awards

[joshinjosh]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I understand the importance of research awards and scholarships as it reflects accomplishment and promise as a future scientists. It's all about the money.

Publications/posters/presentations in a way do a simliar thing, but I believe awards send a different, "he can bring in the dough," kind of message that I want to portray in my application.

Personally, I have solid research experience, but unfortunately no awards. I like to bitterly blame it on the fact I come from somewhat privalaged background in which I don't qualify for many scholarships. But I can't complain becuase I've will get my chance, hopefully soon. Nonetheless..

I'm suuure plenty of people get into programs without awards, but how important do you think it is to have an award(s) as a mdphd applicant? especially when it comes to getting into "top 20" programs.

josh

 

[gstrub]

I understand the importance of research awards and scholarships as it reflects accomplishment and promise as a future scientists. It's all about the money.

For an undergrad? You're kidding right?

Publications/posters/presentations in a way do a simliar thing, but I believe awards send a different, "he can bring in the dough," kind of message that I want to portray in my application.

No one considers whether you can "bring in the dough" at this point. Plus, how are you planning on "portraying" fundability?

I like to bitterly blame it on the fact I come from somewhat privalaged background in which I don't qualify for many scholarships.

If you are referring to non-merit based scholarships awarded based on economic hardship or for URM status, how would this reflect on your potential to bring in grants later when that type of stuff is irrelevant? You can blame it on whatever you want...when you apply for real grants (F30/31, K, R01, etc) your background is not considered.

I'm suuure plenty of people get into programs without awards, but how important do you think it is to have an award(s) as a mdphd applicant? especially when it comes to getting into "top 20" programs.

josh

It is not important. If you can get an independent undergraduate research grant based on merit, well that's fantastic, but most people don't.

 

[mercaptovizadeh]

I understand the importance of research awards and scholarships as it reflects accomplishment and promise as a future scientists. It's all about the money.

Publications/posters/presentations in a way do a simliar thing, but I believe awards send a different, "he can bring in the dough," kind of message that I want to portray in my application.

Personally, I have solid research experience, but unfortunately no awards. I like to bitterly blame it on the fact I come from somewhat privalaged background in which I don't qualify for many scholarships. But I can't complain becuase I've will get my chance, hopefully soon. Nonetheless..

I'm suuure plenty of people get into programs without awards, but how important do you think it is to have an award(s) as a mdphd applicant? especially when it comes to getting into "top 20" programs.

josh

I don't think it's very important. Unless it's something outstanding that everyone knows about, like a Rhodes or Marshall scholarship or Goldwater. If its just some institutional thing, I don't think anyone will care.

Many of these awards/memberships (e.g. Phi Beta Kappa) are based on GPA. For me, that's just double counting: I can already see the high GPA, so the fact that an award has been thrown on top, based almost exclusively on that high GPA, means nothing to me.

AOA does count for a lot, though, in the residency application.

 

[Neuronix]

I loled at the op's post. Pretty hard actually. Dude, chill. Do you really think MD/PhD programs are evaluating people on their "fundability"?!

You're an undergrad!!! What, are R01s a requirement now?

Agreed with the other posters.

 

[joshinjosh]

Thanks guys, it's just that my school's got around 4-5 different kind of institutional research awards for undergraduate research, and I've met many people who've won awards. Just seemed to me like almost anyone has one of these.

 

[mercaptovizadeh]

Thanks guys, it's just that my school's got around 4-5 different kind of institutional research awards for undergraduate research, and I've met many people who've won awards. Just seemed to me like almost anyone has one of these.

Institutional awards? Honestly, no one cares. As I said before, unless this is a major national/international reward, I don't think it will matter one bit. Get a high GPA and MCAT, do some good ECs (some clinical experience can't hurt), and get a lot of research done, and you'll be good for many (top) MD/PhD programs.