How Important Is Undergrad Research?

[larsry10]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I know it would help for sure, but I am a junior and plan to apply to med schools this summer. I also play D1 football, so I cannot do research in the fall. My advisor even told me to not worry about doing any research.

Yes, again, I know it would help. And I know SOME med schools require it, but I've seen that most do not have it as a necessity. Just exactly how important is it, and should I be worried/be significantly less competitive since I did not do any?

 

[passionformed]

It's not going to be a deal breaker. If it comes up in an interview or something, just tell them why you didn't do research (focused on clinical medicine, research not appealing, etc.). Being a D1 athlete will help you.

I wonder if you should mention being a D1 athlete as the reason for your lack of research. Can anyone shed some light on that?

 

[plumhill]

I know it would help for sure, but I am a junior and plan to apply to med schools this summer. I also play D1 football, so I cannot do research in the fall. My advisor even told me to not worry about doing any research.

Yes, again, I know it would help. And I know SOME med schools require it, but I've seen that most do not have it as a necessity. Just exactly how important is it, and should I be worried/be significantly less competitive since I did not do any?

I think you have a pretty good excuse (and one that sets you apart) to not do research. Ultimately, med schools want to see you show your passion for medicine and demonstrate, through a variety of activities, that you're committed to the field. There is more than one way to show that demonstration. I think that at certain research-heavy schools, you might be at a disadvantage, but if your goal is solely getting into A med school, then you won't be hindered by not doing research.

 

[Domino2178]

.

 

[Dbate]

I know it would help for sure, but I am a junior and plan to apply to med schools this summer. I also play D1 football, so I cannot do research in the fall. My advisor even told me to not worry about doing any research.

Yes, again, I know it would help. And I know SOME med schools require it, but I've seen that most do not have it as a necessity. Just exactly how important is it, and should I be worried/be significantly less competitive since I did not do any?

It matters. Do it during the summer. There are tons of summer programs that pay nicely.


There is no excuse not to have research. Not having it will keep you out of some schools. Why limit your options?

 

[KnuxNole]

It matters. Do it during the summer. There are tons of summer programs that pay nicely.


There is no excuse not to have research. Not having it will keep you out of some schools. Why limit your options?

I've never done research in my life, cause I find it unappealing completely. I would probably end up puking if I was forced to do research to be a clinician 🙁 Not all schools care about it. It's not mandatory by any means. Sure, research heavy schools might care to some degree, but there are plenty of options to choose from. Like mentioned, if you have ECs that show a strong commitment, it helps your application!

 

[MusicJunkie]

I didn't do any research.

Between being a full-time student, employee to help pay for my college expenses/tuition, involvement in clubs, clinical volunteering, shadowing, etc, there simply wasn't enough time. Plus, I've always known that being a clinician is more my speed. I'm not a research girl.

10 interview invites. Wasn't brought up once. However, I didn't apply to research intensive schools, so there's that.

 

[larsry10]

I cannot do it during the summer. I have football training. I feel like being a D1 athlete IS an excuse for this, because along with being a full-time student and having a part-time job, there is no time for me. So if medical schools cannot understand that, I would be pretty confused.