I was wondering if research have to be science-related. Because obviously you can't research about science-related topics if you are something like an economics major. Then wouldn't that put you at a disadvantage compared to all the biology majors who got into research.
Does research have to be science-related?
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I'm writing a thesis on constitutional law and included it in AMCAS as a research activity. I'd say include any research you might do, but understand that non-science research may not be as valued as research in a basic science lab.
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No, research doesn't have to be science-related, it just needs to demonstrate scientific curiosity. Research experience is sine qua non for most of the top tier schools, but it does not necessarily need to be scientific.
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You don't have to be a life science major to get research experience in life science. If you have taken the pre-requisite courses for medical school (biology, chemistry, o-chem, etc.), then you are just as qualified as most undergrads who do research. How difficult it would be to find a research opportunity depends on the institution you attend but for the most part, it shouldn't be hard to find a lab to work in.
Talk to a few of the professors in the life science department and see what opportunities are out there. Speaking with a premed advisor is probably a smart idea too since your school may have programs that help undergrads get involved with research.
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Umm Dude I got a research opportunity with just ap bio in high school and at NIH! You can without any problem go get a research opportunity with a few bio classes under your belt and a good connection to your college.
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You can get involved in research as a premed without having a science major...the key is that you're a premed, and also taking science courses in addition to your econ work. (If you were *just* an econ major with no science coursework it's a different story.) It might be tougher to get your foot through the door, but many labs would take someone with is reliable/dependable and trainable over someone who is just doing it to fulfill a requirement. Your econ background, if it involves stats, could also be a boost if a PI is looking for someone to do data analysis in addition to other work.
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👍 great advice!
My brother who is at Dartmouth Med School now did medically related sociological research as a pre-med. He never once worked in a lab or as a clinical coordinator because he simply didn't have the interest in it. But whatever research he did do, he was able to take what he learned from there and adapt it to the way he approaches his science classes and presented it in his PS in a professional and relevant way. He never was questioned about his lack of solely scientific based research.
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You don't even have to have research.
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No do whatever research you are passionate about- my major was biology but I did a research project with a history faculty member as a part of my study abroad- it was on Holocaust history and public memory... I am now finished with my first year of medical school and doing a research project with Pediatric Hematologist now- there is time for science stuff later and you only get to go to college once (hopefully)
