How are these things looked upon?

[pip00]

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What is best to do research in: biophysics lab vs biology vs something biological at an affiliated hospital? I thought biophysics is uncommon, hence it's better, or all they care about are the quality of your research(publications) and recommendations?

Are certain courses helpful for md/ph.d applicants? i.e. would taking grad level math or grad level bio be impressive?

 

[Vader]

What is best to do research in: biophysics lab vs biology vs something biological at an affiliated hospital? I thought biophysics is uncommon, hence it's better, or all they care about are the quality of your research(publications) and recommendations?

Are certain courses helpful for md/ph.d applicants? i.e. would taking grad level math or grad level bio be impressive?

Yes, the quality of your research is much more important than the specific area

Pretty much just the standard courses that the medical school requires is sufficient. Extras are fine, but not necessary.

Much more impressive would be 1) high quality research, 2) excellent recommendation letters, and 3) publications (but certainly not necessary).

 

[pip00]

Thank you! So, what qualifies as high quality research? I understand getting publications is 1 criteria, but is there any other way to stand out? I am leaning right now towards asking 2 profs that are doing biophysics research(though their areas are quiete different), but i'll ask them once the classes start. Also, i remember one of them is a great guy in person, one of the most popular profs. The other one i never met, but judging from his website, he should also be enthusiastic about teaching students.

 

[Vader]

Thank you! So, what qualifies as high quality research? I understand getting publications is 1 criteria, but is there any other way to stand out? I am leaning right now towards asking 2 profs that are doing biophysics research(though their areas are quiete different), but i'll ask them once the classes start. Also, i remember one of them is a great guy in person, one of the most popular profs. The other one i never met, but judging from his website, he should also be enthusiastic about teaching students.

It is important for you to take a leading role in an original research project. Ways to stand out besides manuscripts: writing a senior thesis, submitting abstracts and presenting your work at conferences, poster sessions, etc. It is beneficial if the research topic is timely and of interest to a general audience.

The main thing is to assume a primary role on the project, generating data, and having an excellent understanding of what you did and the new questions that arise from the results, what steps you might take next, etc. Programs are looking to see that you know your stuff and that you have the capability of thinking about scientific problems.

Biophysics is a great area of research--one of my classmates is actually doing his graduate work as part of the biophysics program. There are quite a lot of applications of such research, as I learned by listening to his poster presentation at our annual MSTP retreat.

Good luck!

 

[pip00]

thanks!