How much research is "required"/satisfactory for getting into med school?

[osprey099]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm currently interning at the NIH for this summer and will be applying in the 2013 cycle. I think this will be the only research I will have done prior to applying because I don't think I can fit research into my schedule later on. I have an online copy of the MSAR and I see that most (70-80%) of applicants to med schools have research. So my question is will my 1 summer (3 months) of research be enough to satisfy the research "requirement" (I know that it's not a requirement but most people have it)?

Also, I have done a fair amount of work in the lab this summer and I can talk extensively about the experiments our lab has been investigating the past 3 months. However, I don't think I will be getting a letter of recommendation from the PI or my mentor because they have only known me for 3 months.

 

[kpcrew]

Well this is a great question and it has never been asked or answered before.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=792742&highlight=research
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=843673&highlight=research

 

[NickNaylor]

Depends largely on where you're applying. At some, if not many, schools you can get in no problem with no research. If you're aiming for the top schools that are research focused, you'll more than likely need to have significant research experience (summers, a year or two during school, etc.).

Obviously this is all general, and I'm sure people get in to the top schools with no research. I doubt this is the norm, though.

 

[paul411]

'bout tree fiddy











Also, what the above poster said.

 

[osprey099]

Depends largely on where you're applying. At some, if not many, schools you can get in no problem with no research. If you're aiming for the top schools that are research focused, you'll more than likely need to have significant research experience (summers, a year or two during school, etc.).

Obviously this is all general, and I'm sure people get in to the top schools with no research. I doubt this is the norm, though.

Well my goal is my state med school but even for this school, the MSAR cited ~70% of matriculants had research experience. Do you think I should try to add another summer or a semester/year of research? I don't really want to because I'd rather use this time for getting more involved in my other clubs and activities.

 

[LizzyM]

That "70%" includes people who did exactly what you have, or less, as well as some who have done more. You are good to go.

 

[NickNaylor]

Well my goal is my state med school but even for this school, the MSAR cited ~70% of matriculants had research experience. Do you think I should try to add another summer or a semester/year of research? I don't really want to because I'd rather use this time for getting more involved in my other clubs and activities.

If you don't want to, I wouldn't force yourself to do it. Sounds like a miserable time to me.

 

[Narmerguy]

I'm currently interning at the NIH for this summer and will be applying in the 2013 cycle. I think this will be the only research I will have done prior to applying because I don't think I can fit research into my schedule later on. I have an online copy of the MSAR and I see that most (70-80%) of applicants to med schools have research. So my question is will my 1 summer (3 months) of research be enough to satisfy the research "requirement" (I know that it's not a requirement but most people have it)?

Also, I have done a fair amount of work in the lab this summer and I can talk extensively about the experiments our lab has been investigating the past 3 months. However, I don't think I will be getting a letter of recommendation from the PI or my mentor because they have only known me for 3 months.

Your fine at probably all schools but research heavy ones. Many people that have done research have don't more than a summer or two, just like you.

Some people clearly get out with no research experience at all, but they are the minority. You're not part of that group. The conventional wisdom on SDN is to shoot for 1 year and 1 summer of research (with anything more being extra to make you a "stand out" applicant). Not being able to get a LOR from your PI is a negative since some schools want letters from anyone you've done research with.