Better Research Experience VS. Big Name

[JoshTessner]

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Hey Guys,

I've recently graduated from my local 2 year college with my associates degree. I will be working on getting into a MD/PhD program in 2 - 3 years. I have a slight problem however. This summer I have been doing research at UW - Eau Claire. I have only been here 5 weeks and we are already closing in on the end of a project that would likely see me as second author. My research advisor has suggested numerous times that I stay at Eau Claire and that he would have a spot for me in his group.

However, I have been accepted to UW - Madison and been planning on going there. I guess my question is whether doing work that leads to getting published is more important than doing undergrad work at somewhere like Madison with greater name recognition but a far less chance of significant contributions to a lab (other than dish washing).

I would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks!

 

[Neuronix]

It is important to have a good learning experience. I'm not sure either big name or getting published is particularly important.

 

[bd4727]

I agree with Neuronix, but I would throw out my 2cents that a publication looks better than research at a powerhouse place with nothing to show (although the difference is minimal, and will not likely be a deciding factor in admissions)

Look at MD/PhD websites from top places and you will see a lot of students who went to undergrad at places that were not major biomedical research institutions. Presumably (and I know some of these people, myself included) they did research at these schools and had sucess getting to MSTPs. Often the type of research at these places is either a little different, or less robust-- but from a students perspective you should be able to acheive the same thigns as you would at a major place.

Actually, the only thing I think that runs contrary to this line of reasoning is that, in my opinion, getting a strong letter from a big named person or someone with whom MSTP directors are familiar or friends with (almost always at a major institution) can be a big deal in admissions.

Anyway, I would say just go where you feel like you will get the best experience, a strong LOR, and have a good time. Do this and have the rest of your app together and it really won't matter either way.

 

[Neuronix]

Look at MD/PhD websites from top places and you will see a lot of students who went to undergrad at places that were not major biomedical research institutions. Presumably (and I know some of these people, myself included) they did research at these schools and had sucess getting to MSTPs.

This applies to myself. I went to a no-name state school undergrad, only did research there, and now I am almost done at a big name MD/PhD program.

 

[Lil Mick]

I went to a school that had never heard of an MD/PhD program until I decided I wanted to do one, and I was accepted to several programs. I found some great research opportunities (conducting my own project) and created some solid relationships with researchers in my fields of interest. I doubt that I would have had these opportunities at a school that cranked out medical research projects and had many renown scientists in my area. Just make sure that you are prepared for the MCAT, have high grades, and good recommendation letters (which it sounds like you will have).