Harvard and research

[oceanangel4]

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Hi all!

I was just wondering, since Harvard dental school is more research-based, do they prefer students with a lot of research experience? I just switched from finance to pre-dental as a rising junior, so I don't have ANY research experience yet...I was going to focus my next year doing shadowing and volunteer work since I hear from some people that research isn't that important when it comes to dental school application - they prefer to see shadowing/dental experience. Is that still the case for Harvard?

Thanks!!

 

[Mikeanjelo]

Harvard is research based, recent rankings on universities across the world ranked Harvard number 1 in research and academics, they don't get first place taking non research bright students. Defintly worth (if not necessary) need a publication or 2, and amazing reference letters from professors. As well as top DAT scores, 24+, and good GPA (3.8+), and ECs male sure u have a lot of community involvement, and show u have what it takes to "change someone's life". Goodluck

 

[Lane138]

Harvard is research based, recent rankings on universities across the world ranked Harvard number 1 in research and academics, they don't get first place taking non research bright students. Defintly worth (if not necessary) need a publication or 2, and amazing reference letters from professors. As well as top DAT scores, 24+, and good GPA (3.8+), and ECs male sure u have a lot of community involvement, and show u have what it takes to "change someone's life". Goodluck

All of the good scores and grades help, but they are not necessary and are not enough to get you in alone. The last part about personal traits is really really important!

 

[ushaseos]

Don't worry about starting research in your Junior year. If you're good at what you do you can get a paper in a year or so. Make sure your Mentor and PI are totally serious. I started research in my Sophmore year and got a publication by mid Junior Year putting in around 6-10 hours each week. The main problem is that not every grad student is super motivated and not every prof is always there to help direct you and your mentor. If all else fails, even without publications if you did well your prof's letter should reflect that!

Harvard's avg stats are REALLY impressive...Mikeanjelo's list of stats are prereqs I guess. Considering that Lane is already there I'd also believe his/her opinion about personal traits!