Beginning a new research project - when can I update schools, and should I?

[kubyx]

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A physician I work with recently asked me to join him on a research project. It's very early in the process and we're just getting ready to submit our proposal to a local university to gain approval to begin conducting the research (medical study on children).

I'm wondering at what point in the process would it make sense to update schools since I'm not really doing much at the moment other than starting the planning phase for it. Also, is this an update even worth submitting to schools? Research is definitely one of the weaker parts of my app as I have very little of it.

 

[elitehacker1337]

When you get a publication with your name on it.
Anything else is insulting.

 

[kubyx]

When you get a publication with your name on it.
Anything else is insulting.

Really?! Holy cow. The doctor I'm working with made it sound like I should be on the phone with every school I applied to ASAP.. haha

 

[Lawpy]

Really?! Holy cow. The doctor I'm working with made it sound like I should be on the phone with every school I applied to ASAP.. haha

I don't see why schools would care to be honest.

 

[Catalystik]

A physician I work with recently asked me to join him on a research project. It's very early in the process and we're just getting ready to submit our proposal to a local university to gain approval to begin conducting the research (medical study on children).

I'm wondering at what point in the process would it make sense to update schools since I'm not really doing much at the moment other than starting the planning phase for it. Also, is this an update even worth submitting to schools? Research is definitely one of the weaker parts of my app as I have very little of it.

What if the IRB says no? What if your funding source doesn't come through with a grant to cover expenses? Have you fully defined the role you'll play?

I think you'd be better off waiting until the project gets moving and makes some progress in recruiting subjects. You can include this, perhaps, in a fall update letter along with earned grades for the term and progress in other pertinent ECs. If you wrote the IRB proposal or the grant request, that would be worth including, BTW.

 

[ReapPremed]

Its going to be a while before it goes through the IRB and you get any posters or publications out of it. It sounds like you don't have any of that.

In a few months when you have some data and put some hours in you could use it as a post-interview update? I understand some schools want to see a time commitment/exposure at the very least. I assume you're already getting a LOR from the doctor?

 

[kubyx]

Good to know, thanks for the info all.

 

[Goro]

A physician I work with recently asked me to join him on a research project. It's very early in the process and we're just getting ready to submit our proposal to a local university to gain approval to begin conducting the research (medical study on children).

I'm wondering at what point in the process would it make sense to update schools since I'm not really doing much at the moment other than starting the planning phase for it. Also, is this an update even worth submitting to schools? Research is definitely one of the weaker parts of my app as I have very little of it.

Do you really think that the Admission dean is going to run screaming out of his/her office to the Admin, "We have to invite this kid!" They just started a new research project!!!!!"

?????

 

[kubyx]

Do you really think that the Admission dean is going to run screaming out of his/her office to the Admin, "We have to invite this kid!" They just started a new research project!!!!!"

?????

Not sure why you feel the need to be an dingus, but ok. I didn't ask if I should update them now. I asked when in the process it would be advisable to, if at all. I got helpful advice not to do it. Seems like a done conversation, but as per usual, you need to dig up a finished thread that was nearly off of the front page and weigh in with your snarky comments. If that helps you feel like a big guy, have fun.

 

[Goro]

Not sure why you feel the need to be an dingus, but ok. I didn't ask if I should update them now. I asked when in the process it would be advisable to, if at all. I got helpful advice not to do it. Seems like a done conversation, but as per usual, you need to dig up a finished thread that was nearly off of the front page and weigh in with your snarky comments. If that helps you feel like a big guy, have fun.

I apologize for not reading the thread in it's entirety. But it was a teaching moment, as SDNers seem to be addicted to updates over the most trivial things.