Enough Time for Research?

[SMBand]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey all!

I'm on the fence.

I have an opportunity to work one-on-one with my professor on research for the upcoming 2013-14 year.... This will involve 4-8 hours in the lab per week plus updating research blogs, attending multiple seminars, authoring research reports, and presenting at the annual showcase, etc. etc.

So my question is: Is it wise to take on this time commitment if I will also be taking Orgo and Physics simultaneously? I'm only taking two classes because I'm a non-trad doing an informal post-bacc, so I only have these two pre-reqs left to complete. Also, these classes are also notoriously difficult and time consuming so I want to give them my 200% to guarantee impressive grades.

I won't be working but I will be planning on volunteering 1-2 days a week. So would taking on research distract me from study time / jeopardize my grade? Or is it totally manageable? I would like to take this on and think maybe I could do it, but I've had several friends warn me that research can get time-consuming. The problem is that there's a deadline for a commitment in advance, and if my research application is accepted, I am bound by it so it doesn't seem like I can back out if things get too tough mid-stream.

I was hesitant to pose this question to SDN, because I know I'm gonna get a ton of negative feedback making me feel stupid for taking such a light load and worrying about it. There seems to be a lot of premed gunners who takes 26 credits a semester, can maintain a 4.0, while volunteering at 3 burn centers, headlining 5 research projects including finding a cure for cancer, teaching blind orphans how to read, and holding down 2 full-time jobs. 😛 That's just not me right now. Please understand where I'm coming from: getting good grades is paramount to me because I'm trying to pull up my GPA, rock my pre-reqs, and prepare well for the MCAT - and I don't want some extracurricular getting in the way of that... I know, I know: things will be even more hectic in medical school, but I feel the stakes now as a premed are higher if I mess up. Right now my job is to pull up my precarious GPA (low 3's) so I want to tread conservatively.

Is research worth the risk of over-extending myself??

P.S> I realize there's another non trad who posted recently about finding time for research, but I believe my question is different...

 

[TexasSurgeon]

Hey all!

I'm on the fence.

I have an opportunity to work one-on-one with my professor on research for the upcoming 2013-14 year.... This will involve 4-8 hours in the lab per week plus updating research blogs, attending multiple seminars, authoring research reports, and presenting at the annual showcase, etc. etc.

So my question is: Is it wise to take on this time commitment if I will also be taking Orgo and Physics simultaneously? I'm only taking two classes because I'm a non-trad doing an informal post-bacc, so I only have these two pre-reqs left to complete. Also, these classes are also notoriously difficult and time consuming so I want to give them my 200% to guarantee impressive grades.

I won't be working but I will be planning on volunteering 1-2 days a week. So would taking on research distract me from study time / jeopardize my grade? Or is it totally manageable? I would like to take this on and think maybe I could do it, but I've had several friends warn me that research can get time-consuming. The problem is that there's a deadline for a commitment in advance, and if my research application is accepted, I am bound by it so it doesn't seem like I can back out if things get too tough mid-stream.

I was hesitant to pose this question to SDN, because I know I'm gonna get a ton of negative feedback making me feel stupid for taking such a light load and worrying about it. There seems to be a lot of premed gunners who takes 26 credits a semester, can maintain a 4.0, while volunteering at 3 burn centers, headlining 5 research projects including finding a cure for cancer, teaching blind orphans how to read, and holding down 2 full-time jobs. 😛 That's just not me right now. Please understand where I'm coming from: getting good grades is paramount to me because I'm trying to pull up my GPA, rock my pre-reqs, and prepare well for the MCAT - and I don't want some extracurricular getting in the way of that... I know, I know: things will be even more hectic in medical school, but I feel the stakes now as a premed are higher if I mess up. Right now my job is to pull up my precarious GPA (low 3's) so I want to tread conservatively.

Is research worth the risk of over-extending myself??

P.S> I realize there's another non trad who posted recently about finding time for research, but I believe my question is different...

You can do it 🙂

Volunteer on weekends maybe?

4-8 hrs of research is what I would say not a lot. My PI wants me for 10 hrs a week or more. Just make sure you work with the professor a few hours a day rather than 8 hrs in one sitting. You'll feel better if its spread out over days.

I would just be careful on how much of that other outside research lab activities he wants you to do. Just let him know grades come first. Surely there's a grad student in the lab who can do a lot of that.

 

[Ismet]

I don't think you will be overextending yourself. The two courses you're taking are typically the two that give pre-meds the most trouble, so it's understandable that you're hesitant. However, with 2 courses (6-8 credits?), 4-8 hours of research, and 1-2 hours of volunteering, you're looking at roughly 18 hours/week of in-class/in-lab work? You don't need to be filling your time with 18 credits, but you also don't need THAT much extra time in the week to study.

My suggestion would be to go for the research position and see how 8 hours/week goes. If you're handling your courses and balancing everything pretty well for a month, maybe see if you can increase the research hours to 10 or 12. You don't get much done with 8 hours/week, to be honest. Talk to your PI and tell him your situation with your classes, and he may be very understanding. My undergrad PI was quite understanding of having to study for exams, so I was able to decrease my hours for hectic weeks.

 

[LiveLoveLearn]

Hey all!

I'm on the fence.

I have an opportunity to work one-on-one with my professor on research for the upcoming 2013-14 year.... This will involve 4-8 hours in the lab per week plus updating research blogs, attending multiple seminars, authoring research reports, and presenting at the annual showcase, etc. etc.

So my question is: Is it wise to take on this time commitment if I will also be taking Orgo and Physics simultaneously? I'm only taking two classes because I'm a non-trad doing an informal post-bacc, so I only have these two pre-reqs left to complete. Also, these classes are also notoriously difficult and time consuming so I want to give them my 200% to guarantee impressive grades.

I won't be working but I will be planning on volunteering 1-2 days a week. So would taking on research distract me from study time / jeopardize my grade? Or is it totally manageable? I would like to take this on and think maybe I could do it, but I've had several friends warn me that research can get time-consuming. The problem is that there's a deadline for a commitment in advance, and if my research application is accepted, I am bound by it so it doesn't seem like I can back out if things get too tough mid-stream.

I was hesitant to pose this question to SDN, because I know I'm gonna get a ton of negative feedback making me feel stupid for taking such a light load and worrying about it. There seems to be a lot of premed gunners who takes 26 credits a semester, can maintain a 4.0, while volunteering at 3 burn centers, headlining 5 research projects including finding a cure for cancer, teaching blind orphans how to read, and holding down 2 full-time jobs. 😛 That's just not me right now. Please understand where I'm coming from: getting good grades is paramount to me because I'm trying to pull up my GPA, rock my pre-reqs, and prepare well for the MCAT - and I don't want some extracurricular getting in the way of that... I know, I know: things will be even more hectic in medical school, but I feel the stakes now as a premed are higher if I mess up. Right now my job is to pull up my precarious GPA (low 3's) so I want to tread conservatively.

Is research worth the risk of over-extending myself??

P.S> I realize there's another non trad who posted recently about finding time for research, but I believe my question is different...

I don't think that this should be overextending yourself, and it is probably good to start challenging yourself to do more than you are comfortable with, so that medical school won't be such a huge transition. The research experience will look good, and you can get a really good, personal LOR out of the deal👍

 

[SMBand]

Thanks for all your advice! I think you're all right. I need to start challenging myself - and I've got to show future adcoms I can do that. I've been playing it safe, and I can't win the jackpot if I play it safe!

Btw, it's technically 9 credit-hours (Orgo is 5 + Physics is 4). Orgo is especially time-consuming with 4 hour lecture + 4 hour lab + 1 hour recitation per week. UGH!!! Doesn't that sound like fun?? I'd also hope to volunteer for more than 2 hours a week - I was thinking 5 would be good? I don't want it to seem like I'm gonna be sitting around eating bonbons and playing x-box all day! LOL

I just think I freaked out when my classmate told me that some of her friends have gotten bogged down, putting research ahead of classes. I just can't let this happen to me.

I'm going to email my professor/PI and ask for flexibility with time commitments. She is very understanding and we already have a great rapport.... And I need to sharpen my time management skills 🙂

 

[polyatomic]

Thanks for all your advice! I think you're all right. I need to start challenging myself - and I've got to show future adcoms I can do that. I've been playing it safe, and I can't win the jackpot if I play it safe!

Btw, it's technically 9 credit-hours (Orgo is 5 + Physics is 4). Orgo is especially time-consuming with 4 hour lecture + 4 hour lab + 1 hour recitation per week. UGH!!! Doesn't that sound like fun?? I'd also hope to volunteer for more than 2 hours a week - I was thinking 5 would be good? I don't want it to seem like I'm gonna be sitting around eating bonbons and playing x-box all day! LOL

I just think I freaked out when my classmate told me that some of her friends have gotten bogged down, putting research ahead of classes. I just can't let this happen to me.

I'm going to email my professor/PI and ask for flexibility with time commitments. She is very understanding and we already have a great rapport.... And I need to sharpen my time management skills 🙂

I think you'd be fine. I've done 4-10 hours/week of research throughout undergrad and I never had a problem, even when taking Orgo/Physics and other courses at the same time. I think what's important is that your PI understands your concerns, and is willing to give you some time off if exams get hectic. Usually when finals come around I quit the lab for the semester. This semester I was really overburdened because I was studying for the MCAT while taking courses, so I dropped down from 8 hours/week to 2-4 hours/week, which made everything doable. Communication is key.

 

[okokok]

Research for me was really valuable and I highly, highly recommend it. I did it while taking a full course load. My PI and lab manager were highly demanding. The first two weeks I was COMPLETELY overwhelmed, sure I was going to fail my classes, and had no idea what I was doing. I went home and cried a couple of times (and I'm not a kid, I'm a nontrad with career experience). If/when that happens to you, know that it's ok, and you'll figure it out and get into the swing of things.

I definitely think you should do it. Some weeks in the lab were busier than others for me, and sometimes I had to put lab ahead of my classes, but you can just study a little longer for your classes afterwards. It depends on what you're doing, but you can also study when you're doing washes or waiting for an experiment to run.

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

At first I was questioning the very light course load, but then I saw you're a non-trad. Are you working full time? If so, it's excusable and justified to be worried about time commitments. If not though then you need to hunker down and take on more commitments. Either do more classes, or more research. You're not going to get much out of 4-8 hours a week, probably just scut work or participating in one step of a multi-day-long protocol. Many labs don't even let students work in them if they aren't willing to put in at least 10 hours per week.

You need to be doing something with your time. Taking a light course load and a light research commitment, with a light volunteer commitment isn't going to look good. Yes, true, GPA is paramount, but if you need that much time to study for two classes you really need to ask yourself how you plan to stay afloat in med school where you're taking the equivalent of 22+ credit hours per semester of very dense material. Like I said before, if you're working a full time job then this is a non-issue since some volunteering and light research with a couple classes is definitely a demanding schedule, but if you're just doing the post-bacc you really do need to add on some more stuff.

 

[Ismet]

Orgo is especially time-consuming with 4 hour lecture + 4 hour lab + 1 hour recitation per week. UGH!!! Doesn't that sound like fun??

You're preaching to the choir here...that's a pretty typical orgo class, some schools just split up the lecture and lab into separate courses.

But no, orgo is never fun 🙁

 

[kevinc2]

I think research is doable. Volunteering...I am not so sure. Maybe you can get started on both and if you feel like your first midterm grade is low, you can probably drop volunteering.

 

[okokok]

At first I was questioning the very light course load, but then I saw you're a non-trad. Are you working full time? If so, it's excusable and justified to be worried about time commitments. If not though then you need to hunker down and take on more commitments. Either do more classes, or more research. You're not going to get much out of 4-8 hours a week, probably just scut work or participating in one step of a multi-day-long protocol. Many labs don't even let students work in them if they aren't willing to put in at least 10 hours per week.

You need to be doing something with your time. Taking a light course load and a light research commitment, with a light volunteer commitment isn't going to look good. Yes, true, GPA is paramount, but if you need that much time to study for two classes you really need to ask yourself how you plan to stay afloat in med school where you're taking the equivalent of 22+ credit hours per semester of very dense material. Like I said before, if you're working a full time job then this is a non-issue since some volunteering and light research with a couple classes is definitely a demanding schedule, but if you're just doing the post-bacc you really do need to add on some more stuff.

Yeah, actually...I felt bad mentioning it (I don't know why) but I also worked full time on nights & weekends while taking classes & doing research. It was challenging, and I was pretty much always tired & stressed out, but I'm glad I did it (and glad it's over). Basically, if you really wanna do something, you can make it work, I promise.

 

[SMBand]

At first I was questioning the very light course load, but then I saw you're a non-trad. Are you working full time? If so, it's excusable and justified to be worried about time commitments. If not though then you need to hunker down and take on more commitments. Either do more classes, or more research. You're not going to get much out of 4-8 hours a week, probably just scut work or participating in one step of a multi-day-long protocol. Many labs don't even let students work in them if they aren't willing to put in at least 10 hours per week.

You need to be doing something with your time. Taking a light course load and a light research commitment, with a light volunteer commitment isn't going to look good. Yes, true, GPA is paramount, but if you need that much time to study for two classes you really need to ask yourself how you plan to stay afloat in med school where you're taking the equivalent of 22+ credit hours per semester of very dense material. Like I said before, if you're working a full time job then this is a non-issue since some volunteering and light research with a couple classes is definitely a demanding schedule, but if you're just doing the post-bacc you really do need to add on some more stuff.

LOL I knew I was gonna get this type of response... SDN always makes me feel like such an underachiever! 🙁 I do appreciate all your honesty though, even if it is a bitter pill to swallow. Like I said before, I know I gotta push and challenge myself! That's why I'm taking on the research - in fact, my PI and I have already submitted our applications. I'll probably also take on a volunteer commitment. I do of course need to keep my primary focus on my classes especially knowing how intense orgo and physics will be, and I wouldn't wanna jeopardize an A by adding a ton of distracting EC's. As for the research, I'll probably wind up putting in more than 4 hours/week, but it'll still be a relatively flexible commitment, and it shouldn't be a problem. 😀

I think research is doable. Volunteering...I am not so sure. Maybe you can get started on both and if you feel like your first midterm grade is low, you can probably drop volunteering.

This sounds like a plan!! 👍

 

[okokok]

Oops, edited because I misread what you quoted! This part still stands though: There are a hundred different avenues to med school, as long as you keep trying and do what's right for YOU you'll make it!

 

[okokok]

PS I wasn't doing any volunteering during that time and I was also a total ball of stress so it might not be the healthiest option!

 

[SMBand]

Oops, edited because I misread what you quoted! This part still stands though: There are a hundred different avenues to med school, as long as you keep trying and do what's right for YOU you'll make it!

Love it and agree 1000%!

PS I wasn't doing any volunteering during that time and I was also a total ball of stress so it might not be the healthiest option!

Hmmm... I'm def gonna have to play it by ear and fine tune when the semester starts. I'll do what I can handle but I'm not gonna push myself too far off the deep end. I'll have plenty of time to do that in med school 🙂 Let's not forget, Orgo and Physics is stress enough as it is and now's the time for me to prove myself academically.

 

[deleted530324]

Go for it.

My first semester in research I promised 20hrs/wk, while I was taking graduate level biophysical chemistry and biochemsitry courses. I ended up doing 35+ hrs/wk. Suffice it to say the semester ended with a 2.9 GPA and a garbage MCAT. HUGE MISTAKE!

But at least from my perspective your schedule looks doable. The most important thing is to know yourself. If you feel things getting out of hand, do something about it (I didn't). You're signing a research contract? The worst thing that could happen if you find out you can't handle it is that you drop the project and lose a potential LOR and research experience citation for your application, but at least you'll save face on your science pre-reqs. If the research is for credit then I suppose it could be a small mark on your academic record which you'd have to weigh against a potential GPA hit.

I'm imagining that your research contract is something similar to a lot of the students working in my lab. We always prefer students to be honest if they find themselves in too deep. It's not hard to find students who want lab experience, so if you need to reduce your time commitment or drop it all-together mid-semester, don't be afraid to speak up and they'll find someone to pick up your slack. It's much appreciated if you give a fair warning so your lab can get someone in time.

Anyway, that's just my disclaimer. You can totally do it! And I hope you really enjoy it too, I've had such mixed research experiences...

One other thing, is this during the summer? Ochem and Physics plus lab work and volunteering during a squeezed summer session WOULD be tough. Much tougher than a standard semester.

 

[SMBand]

Go for it.

My first semester in research I promised 20hrs/wk, while I was taking graduate level biophysical chemistry and biochemsitry courses. I ended up doing 35+ hrs/wk. Suffice it to say the semester ended with a 2.9 GPA and a garbage MCAT. HUGE MISTAKE!

But at least from my perspective your schedule looks doable. The most important thing is to know yourself. If you feel things getting out of hand, do something about it (I didn't). You're signing a research contract? The worst thing that could happen if you find out you can't handle it is that you drop the project and lose a potential LOR and research experience citation for your application, but at least you'll save face on your science pre-reqs. If the research is for credit then I suppose it could be a small mark on your academic record which you'd have to weigh against a potential GPA hit.

I'm imagining that your research contract is something similar to a lot of the students working in my lab. We always prefer students to be honest if they find themselves in too deep. It's not hard to find students who want lab experience, so if you need to reduce your time commitment or drop it all-together mid-semester, don't be afraid to speak up and they'll find someone to pick up your slack. It's much appreciated if you give a fair warning so your lab can get someone in time.

Anyway, that's just my disclaimer. You can totally do it! And I hope you really enjoy it too, I've had such mixed research experiences...

One other thing, is this during the summer? Ochem and Physics plus lab work and volunteering during a squeezed summer session WOULD be tough. Much tougher than a standard semester.

35+ hrs/wk of research? EEEK!! 😱 You might as well get a full-time job with those hours! Were you training for an MD/PhD option? Like I said, I most definitely won't bite off more than I can chew - so I'm being conservative with what I think I can handle. If I'm feeling *saucy*, then I can always up my commitments as I go along 😎 LOL... but if its getting too much, I'll take a step back to focus on classes - I get along great with my PI so I got no problem speaking up.

I'm not sure if I have to sign a contract. That's a good question. This program uniquely pairs a faculty member with a single student to work on a research topic all year long. Each faculty-student research pair receives a stipend, which tells me there is some sort of binding commitment involved. I'm sure there's an exit contingency if things get too hairy, but I don't anticipate having to pull any rip-cords and bail out - precisely because I'm keeping my schedule manageable and realistic from the get-go.

To answer your questions: Nope, the research is not for credit - it's purely an EC. And I am taking Orgo and Physics over the standard Fall/Spring semesters - I am, however, doing research both over the summer and over the school year, but these are two separate projects. (No way would I ever attempt to cram Orgo/Physics plus labs into a SUMMER SESSION and expect to balance all the research and EC's, and get a 4.0? - I'm no superman!!!)

 

[deleted530324]

Sounds great to me.

I wanted to drop another piece of advice. Not sure when you're planning on taking the MCAT, but if you think it's not too studious for you, get MCAT physics and Ochem review books (I used Princeton Review) and follow along with them so you have an idea of what parts you should keep fresh in your mind from the classes for the test.

I hope you enjoy the research.