I don't have any research experience! (Interviews)

[jsr52]

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How do I defend not having any research experience in my interviews?

Has this come up for any of you guys?

 

[shemarty]

How do I defend not having any research experience in my interviews?

Has this come up for any of you guys?

I don't think it's something you need to defend. Just explain why you didn't do any research. Maybe you weren't interested. Maybe you tried it and didn't like it. Maybe you couldn't find any strong mentors. I don't know your individual situation, but it's not as if every school wants every applicant to have years of research experience. Just focus on your passion for clinical medicine 🙂

 

[Dulcina]

i think shemarty's answer pretty much sums it up, but I would also include whether you are or arent interested in research in medschool. If you are, then I would emphasize it =)

 

[sarahl86]

When I interviewed last year the only reason it came up was when they asked me, "What do you feel is a weakness in your application?"

And I told them that I didn't have any research experience, primarily because I double majored in two non-related fields and wasn't interested in anything at my school. It depends on the school how much emphasis they put into it, but if/when it comes up again, I will be perfectly honest and say I would rather spend my time working directly with patients than in a lab.

 

[ami1983]

you could also say that if you didn't have time/opportunity to pursue it, you will during med school (summer research)

 

[JTubule1386]

This is my experience, literally:

Interviewer: Have you done any research?

Me: (sounding a little defeated) No, I haven't.

Interviewer: That's okay. (Then he went straight into the next question without flinching)


Result: I got accepted at the school.

This should make you feel better.

 

[armybound]

Well, I like to start with the truth...

 

[CCLCMer]

How do I defend not having any research experience in my interviews?

Has this come up for any of you guys?

As far as I know, my school is the only MD program that requires research experience. MD/PhD programs also require research experience. So as long as you didn't apply to CCLCM or to MD/PhDs, and you have other significant ECs and clinical experience, you should be fine. Good luck!