Does the type of research I do matter?

[fszain05330!]

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I’ve done 2 semesters on research focused on gene editing in plants. Specifically, creating CRISPR-edited genomic chassis in order to insert high value terpenes. However, I’ve gotten some mixed opinions on how it would be perceived by med schools. Some say that they’re looking for research that has a more clinical focus, while others say that the type of research doesn’t matter as long as it is authentic and you can talk about it. Some say that as long as you can tie your research back to something clinical, then it should be fine. Can someone clarify of the research I’ve done is fine or not?

 

[LizzyM]

Research into biological processes is fine. Some adcoms will even be okay with geology and research outside of the realm of living things if it is clear that you were very involved in hypothesis generation, hypothesis testing, as well as analysis and dissemination of findings. What you are doing with CRISPR sounds very exciting and I think that interviewers will be interested in hearing about it (we love to learn new things by talking with applicants).

 

[GoSpursGo]

It has less to do with whether it's basic vs. clinical, and everything to do with whether the research is hypothesis-driven and what your personal role in designing and conducting the protocol is.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Research Experience and Faculty References: Profile of the Accepted Applicant 2025 | SDN

Prehealth applicants worry about the importance of a research experience in the application process. Research experience offers a rewarding opportunity to

www.studentdoctor.net

 

[2026PreMed]

Research into biological processes is fine. Some adcoms will even be okay with geology and research outside of the realm of living things if it is clear that you were very involved in hypothesis generation, hypothesis testing, as well as analysis and dissemination of findings. What you are doing with CRISPR sounds very exciting and I think that interviewers will be interested in hearing about it (we love to learn new things by talking with applicants).

What about a plant BIology lab

 

[LizzyM]

Isn't plant biology about biological processes? Aren't plants living things? Do you have critical thinking skills? I'm trying to understand why you are asking @2026PreMed.

 

[2026PreMed]

Isn't plant biology about biological processes? Aren't plants living things? Do you have critical thinking skills? I'm trying to understand why you are asking @2026PreMed.

I recognize this. I just have heard much conflicting information on the subject from various people including my pre med advisor and principal investigator who told me my time in the PB lab would prove to be futile for medical school. Simply trying to separate signal from noise. Also the phrase "Some adcoms will even be okay with..." suggests that adcoms vary in their interpretations of what actually consitutes as high level pre med research.

 

[Goro]

I recognize this. I just have heard much conflicting information on the subject from various people including my pre med advisor and principal investigator who told me my time in the PB lab would prove to be futile for medical school. Simply trying to separate signal from noise. Also the phrase "Some adcoms will even be okay with..." suggests that adcoms vary in their interpretations of what actually consitutes as high level pre med research.

Anything that teaches you about the scientific method is fine, even if you're studying clams in Fiji.

 

[LizzyM]

I recognize this. I just have heard much conflicting information on the subject from various people including my pre med advisor and principal investigator who told me my time in the PB lab would prove to be futile for medical school. Simply trying to separate signal from noise. Also the phrase "Some adcoms will even be okay with..." suggests that adcoms vary in their interpretations of what actually consitutes as high level pre med research.

Some will be okay with geology and some will prefer that the research be related to living things whether that's clams in Fiji, or protein folding, or crop genomics. The point of research is not to learn about medicine or to develop new knowledge about the human body, but to become more familiar with hypothesis generation and testing, the recording of results, and finally the analysis of data and reporting findings. The more of those tasks you can complete the better regardless of the topic area.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Research Experience and Faculty References: Profile of the Accepted Applicant 2025 | SDN

Prehealth applicants worry about the importance of a research experience in the application process. Research experience offers a rewarding opportunity to

www.studentdoctor.net

Field work is fine. Plant molecular bio is fine. Have a good, informed opinion about GMO's and diet.