Classroom TA vs Research as EC quality

[johnston9234]

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Hey, so the title pretty much sums up the main point of my question.

I am not a particularly large fan of research in the short time frame I have spent in the lab. However, I find my time tutoring, and teaching others in a peer-to-peer relationship a more fulfilling way to spend my time.

The question to you guys, is it killer to my application to spend a majority of my time in the tutoring center, TAing Chemistry sections, and otherwise in lieu of research and publications? Should I suck it up and get some publications?

Thanks for the input, I am getting anxious that I haven't already begun looking for research positions at my university.

I am an MD applicant btw, no PhD route.

 

[johnston9234]

Shoot, I meant to post this in the Pre-med forums. Can a moderator move it?

 

[Ismet]

Moving to pre-allo

 

[Aerus]

If all it took was sucking up in order to get publications, then publications wouldn't be worth anything, would they? If you are aiming for top 20 schools, then you should go with research. Otherwise, focus on TAing. It will be better conveyed if you are passionate about it. If you despise doing research, then you probably won't be aiming for research intensive schools anyways.

 

[NCKSD]

You need to have at least some substantial research experience on your application, but after that then you should pursue whatever extracurriculuars you most enjoy. If you work in a lab for 6 months and get a good taste of research that isnt just washing dishes, then its completely understandable to stop if you are not enjoying it. However, research oriented medical schools (such as top tier schools) will like seeing heavy research experience (in addition to TA'ing and everything else). As long as you're okay with that being a problem at some schools, you should be fine. But this does not mean you need to love research and do it extensively if you want to go to harvard med, its just what many of their matriculants show.

 

[knv2u]

Both are activities that would enhance your application, so ideally, you could fit them both in your schedule.

To answer your question, I think it depends on the school. Research is likely to matter more to a top 20 research allopathic medical school than others.

 

[kyamh]

Lol, you don't just get a publication. There is no guarantee that if you stick with research then you will get your name on a manuscript. I would stick with both.

 

[johnston9234]

Lol, you don't just get a publication. There is no guarantee that if you stick with research then you will get your name on a manuscript. I would stick with both.

Thats not my point. My question is whether I should strive for a publication over TAing and tutoring, even if I dont enjoy lab work.

 

[Cinabonchik]

Both.


Accepted! Class of 2018!!! Go Bruins!

 

[kyamh]

Thats not my point. My question is whether I should strive for a publication over TAing and tutoring, even if I dont enjoy lab work.

As others have said,the answer depends on which medical schools you are aiming for. In general, if you hate research you probably won't be able to muster the right amount of dedication that would endear you to the PI and get your name ona paper....then again, you know yourself best.

 

[Lawpy]

Thats not my point. My question is whether I should strive for a publication over TAing and tutoring, even if I dont enjoy lab work.

You should find a different lab if you can. Otherwise deal with it if possible and do both.

Also, publications are not required for any school, even for any MSTP (though productivity is important)