My science courses are making me interested in basic science research. Do you think a lab would let a nontrad in with only half the premed courses done?
Getting basic science or clinical research exp as a nontrad
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From what I have seen there does not appear to be a bias toward traditional students in obtaining research positions as a volunteer. Paid research positions are hard to find for anyone. I am in a clinical research program myself and know several other older students who are as well.
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There is no really bias against non-trads from what I have seen. However, saying you are pre-med and wanting to work in a basic science lab might be different. They tend to have a preference for people who are aiming for a masters or PhD. I kind of felt this bias when I was trying to find a lab to do research in. As for clinical labs, I am uncertain and wish I could have worked or even volunteered in one.
I think the main thing is to have something you are really interested in. If you really show a interest in the research area that the PI of the lab has (does not have to be the exact same thing but close), then it really helps in getting a position. It is possible to be a volunteer researcher but sometimes this can be difficult too. I am currently doing a research rotation but only for a semester because the PI cannot take anymore students.
Sorry if I sound negative on my post but it is still possible to find a PI do research under. However, you could be emailing up to 30 professors just to get into one position but once you are able to get into a lab it is worth it! I definitely gained a lot of knowledge from the neuroscience research I was doing and am glad to be here even for just a semester.
Main thing is just be persistent and it will pay off. Trust me.
I think the main thing is to have something you are really interested in. If you really show a interest in the research area that the PI of the lab has (does not have to be the exact same thing but close), then it really helps in getting a position. It is possible to be a volunteer researcher but sometimes this can be difficult too. I am currently doing a research rotation but only for a semester because the PI cannot take anymore students.
Sorry if I sound negative on my post but it is still possible to find a PI do research under. However, you could be emailing up to 30 professors just to get into one position but once you are able to get into a lab it is worth it! I definitely gained a lot of knowledge from the neuroscience research I was doing and am glad to be here even for just a semester.
Main thing is just be persistent and it will pay off. Trust me.
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Agree with IslandStyle that if there is a bit of bias it would probably be against "pre-meds" more than non-trad.
Find people that are doing something that you think is interesting, then see if you can get dirt on the PI from students that have worked with them, then do a little backgrounding reading on what they are doing (a few of their articles that seem representative or are noted as such), then go meet with them and talk to them about it and take it from there.
Getting dirt on them is highly recommended. I've worked with and around some pretty awesome PI's. I've also seen a quite a few with some serious psych pathology as well that students regretted getting tangled up with. You want to work with someone who will help you develop your research skills and maybe let you progress into more independent work if you're doing well. Not someone who throws tantrums (and glassware) when they get frustrated.
Find people that are doing something that you think is interesting, then see if you can get dirt on the PI from students that have worked with them, then do a little backgrounding reading on what they are doing (a few of their articles that seem representative or are noted as such), then go meet with them and talk to them about it and take it from there.
Getting dirt on them is highly recommended. I've worked with and around some pretty awesome PI's. I've also seen a quite a few with some serious psych pathology as well that students regretted getting tangled up with. You want to work with someone who will help you develop your research skills and maybe let you progress into more independent work if you're doing well. Not someone who throws tantrums (and glassware) when they get frustrated.
