How much research is enough?

Started by WhiteCoatSyndrome
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WhiteCoatSyndrome

WhiteCoatSyndrome

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10+ Year Member
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Ok, I was wondering how much research is usually considered "adequate" for MD admission. I don't plan on going to a huge research school, probably just my average state school.

I am a junior in undergrad and the only research I have thus far is a REU I took part in this summer researching cytometry. Is this enough to be competitive at a MD program considering the rest of my application is solid? (GPA, MCAT, extracurriculars)

I have been interested in possibly doing research during the school year, but I put a lot of time into my classes in order to maintain a high GPA and really learn the material. I also spend a lot of time with campus organizations, working, and volunteering.
 
WhiteCoatSyndrome said:
Ok, I was wondering how much research is usually considered "adequate" for MD admission. I don't plan on going to a huge research school, probably just my average state school.

I am a junior in undergrad and the only research I have thus far is a REU I took part in this summer researching cytometry. Is this enough to be competitive at a MD program considering the rest of my application is solid? (GPA, MCAT, extracurriculars)

I have been interested in possibly doing research during the school year, but I put a lot of time into my classes in order to maintain a high GPA and really learn the material. I also spend a lot of time with campus organizations, working, and volunteering.
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Did you cure a rare strain of jungle cancer caused by simultaneous mosquito and tsetse fly bites because if you didn't it's not enough research.
 
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^^^ Says the guy who is going to medical school in the Caribbean, lol.

Seriously for just an average state school you don't need to have any research. Make sure you have enough clinical experience/ volunteering work/ and campus involvement. Leadership is not necessary but it will help. Also research is not necessary but it will help.
 
I'm pretty sure there are lots of people in my (state) school with little or no research. Unless your state school is UMich, UVA, UNC etc. you could get away with no research if the rest of your app is strong.
 
One billion hours...
dr-evil.JPG
 
Research isn't really necessary. If you don't want to do it, don't bother. Spend your time on something you actually want to do.
 
If you're interested in research (i.e. aren't just going after it to add to your application) then the answer is to do enough to be able to talk meaningfully about what you did and what you learned. Beyond that, long-term involvement, presentation/publication, and the like will make the research aspect of your application stronger.

There isn't a threshold for "enough," so you can't aim for a year or whatever and then cut and run with another box checked. If you're interested, try it. If you like it, you'll likely want to stay with it and end up with an experience you could actually talk about if asked in an interview. You don't have to cure cancer, but a semester (or 4) of washing glassware isn't going to mean anything if that's as far as you go.
 
Morsetlis said:
Nobel Prize or Caribbean.
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fneverforget said:
^^^ Says the guy who is going to medical school in the Caribbean, lol.

Seriously for just an average state school you don't need to have any research. Make sure you have enough clinical experience/ volunteering work/ and campus involvement. Leadership is not necessary but it will help. Also research is not necessary but it will help.
Click to expand...

Hahahaha.

Don't worry about the research. Do it if you like it... not for the app only.

Clinical experience is MUCH more valuable.
 
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