Dropping an Elective + Is Research A Must-Have?

[imcryinglol]

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Hello! Question: I'm an M1 and enrolled in a year-long research elective during first semester. However, due to a few factors, I don't think I'll be doing research this summer and am going to have to drop the elective. But, since the semester started 3 weeks ago, dropping the course will show up as a W on my transcript. Has anyone had any experience with this? Is it viewed negatively by residencies? Also, secondary question: Is research really necessary? I have to admit I don't enjoy research, and if I were to do any, the only reason would be to check a box. At the moment, I'm really interested in neurology if that helps. Thanks!

 

[longhaul3]

As long as you pass your clerkships and usmle and type the right NRMP applicant number into ERAS, you will match in neurology.

 

[AlteredScale]

Hello! Question: I'm an M1 and enrolled in a year-long research elective during first semester. However, due to a few factors, I don't think I'll be doing research this summer and am going to have to drop the elective. But, since the semester started 3 weeks ago, dropping the course will show up as a W on my transcript. Has anyone had any experience with this? Is it viewed negatively by residencies? Also, secondary question: Is research really necessary? I have to admit I don't enjoy research, and if I were to do any, the only reason would be to check a box. At the moment, I'm really interested in neurology if that helps. Thanks!

Most dean/MSPE letters don't show specific grades unless they are of concern. I doubt a W would be but just ask your school to make sure.

Research in any specialty is a plus. ACGME requires residents to perform some sort of scholarly activity and so having experience in it prior to starting residency is better than not, even if it's just a case report, QI, or chart review. Try to get involved in at least one thing to completion.

 

[longhaul3]

Most dean/MSPE letters don't show specific grades unless they are of concern. I doubt a W would be but just ask your school to make sure.

An applicant's medical school transcript is included in ERAS, separate from the MSPE.

I still don't think that this W would be a problem, but it will be in the application.

 

[AlteredScale]

An applicant's medical school transcript is included in ERAS, separate from the MSPE.

I still don't think that this W would be a problem, but it will be in the application.

Not sure that many programs even look at the transcript IMO....depends on the programs being looked at and stuff.

 

[imcryinglol]

Thank you to everyone for their advice!