How much undergrad research?

[swoop]

---

Members do not see this ad.

When I apply I will have this research experience...one semester of Chemistry Research at Emory University. No real possibility for publication...but I do understand the research, ideas, and techniques used in it. I could discuss it at length. I will also have two semesters of BME research at GA Tech with a third one on the way...I just won't have it completed by the time I apply. That research will be an independent but supervised project which is important to the lab groups research with real possiblity for publication...Assuming I get good letters of recommendation and really understand what I am doing and emphatic about it...is this realistically enough to be a competitive applicant... oh yeah...3.5 GPA 11 V 9 ps 13 Bs chemistry major....3.7 science gpa decent extracurriculars...if you can't tell I am new to the whole idea of applying to MD/ PHD programs. I really feel the career path(from what I have experienced of it) would suit my personality and abilities well...I am just trying to figure out if I need to take a year off and maybe help my application out a bit? Sorry for the length but thanks for the help.

 

[dave613]

When I apply I will have this research experience...one semester of Chemistry Research at Emory University. No real possibility for publication...but I do understand the research, ideas, and techniques used in it. I could discuss it at length. I will also have two semesters of BME research at GA Tech with a third one on the way...I just won't have it completed by the time I apply. That research will be an independent but supervised project which is important to the lab groups research with real possiblity for publication...Assuming I get good letters of recommendation and really understand what I am doing and emphatic about it...is this realistically enough to be a competitive applicant... oh yeah...3.5 GPA 11 V 9 ps 13 Bs chemistry major....3.7 science gpa decent extracurriculars...if you can't tell I am new to the whole idea of applying to MD/ PHD programs. I really feel the career path(from what I have experienced of it) would suit my personality and abilities well...I am just trying to figure out if I need to take a year off and maybe help my application out a bit? Sorry for the length but thanks for the help.

I think you're fine. Apply, and see what happens. Taking a year off can't hurt, but your research now seems solid enough. Don't forget, there are programs like SUNY Upstate, which require ONLY one semester of research to apply. Good luck 👍

 

[xanthines]

Your stats are almost identical to mine (except your sci gpa is way higher) and I will have had 5-6 interviews by the end. Still no acceptances, but I think I'll get in somewhere. As long as you're realistic about where to apply, write good essays, and have good letters you'll be fine. Get a few practice interviews with your mentor. Basically, have him/her pimp you for answers until one of you gives up. Talk to the Emory MSTP (ie Mary Horton/Allan Levey/Charles Parkos/Kenny Offermann). I'm sure at least one of them would be willing to give you a frank appraisal. Just ask for their honest opinion. They'll tell you you'll do OK.

-X

When I apply I will have this research experience...one semester of Chemistry Research at Emory University. No real possibility for publication...but I do understand the research, ideas, and techniques used in it. I could discuss it at length. I will also have two semesters of BME research at GA Tech with a third one on the way...I just won't have it completed by the time I apply. That research will be an independent but supervised project which is important to the lab groups research with real possiblity for publication...Assuming I get good letters of recommendation and really understand what I am doing and emphatic about it...is this realistically enough to be a competitive applicant... oh yeah...3.5 GPA 11 V 9 ps 13 Bs chemistry major....3.7 science gpa decent extracurriculars...if you can't tell I am new to the whole idea of applying to MD/ PHD programs. I really feel the career path(from what I have experienced of it) would suit my personality and abilities well...I am just trying to figure out if I need to take a year off and maybe help my application out a bit? Sorry for the length but thanks for the help.

 

[PathOne]

Recently talked to a nice PD at one of the major MSTP programs. He emphasized, that nobody gets in or get rejected on a number (they recently turned down a MCAT 45 applicant because he didn't have enough clinical experience). According to him, they'd obviously want to see lab experience, and definitely want to see lab head LoR's, but most important is that you can talk intelligently about your research experience (provided of course that you get an interview, but that's certainly doable with your stats).

 

[Reimat]

(they recently turned down a MCAT 45 applicant because he didn't have enough clinical experience)

I thought no one had gotten a 45 on the MCAT to date

 

[b&ierstiefel]

I thought no one had gotten a 45 on the MCAT to date

i don't know how it is now but when i took the MCAT, the highest score you could attain was a range (43-45) because if you scored perfect on the verbal your score was "13-15".