Importance of Research Papers after a certain point

[midnitetots12]

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Is there a diminishing value to research papers published after a certain number. I have 2 clinical papers published as a first author and I feel like I learned a lot and it was meaningful, though not life changing, but I can definitely talk about it genuinely if asked to. Prefer and would much rather work on publishing a science paper since that's where my intrinsic interest mostly lies; I have 2-3 more years to go if time is a problem. Should I pursue clinical research further for the sake of adding value to my application if I can potentially end up with 5-10 papers come time for applying(under the assumption that the field I research in won't be too interesting to me)?

 

[Engrailed]

Is there a diminishing value to research papers published after a certain number. I have 2 clinical papers published as a first author and I feel like I learned a lot and it was meaningful, though not life changing, but I can definitely talk about it genuinely if asked to. Prefer and would much rather work on publishing a science paper since that's where my intrinsic interest mostly lies; I have 2-3 more years to go if time is a problem. Should I pursue clinical research further for the sake of adding value to my application if I can potentially end up with 5-10 papers come time for applying(under the assumption that the field I research in won't be too interesting to me)?

I think publications in general can add a lot to your application even if you have one. But working in a basic science lab for 2-3 years wont be enough for 5-10 papers. Maybe a couple of coauthorships. It’s a lot harder to produce quality research in basic science vs clinical

 

[midnitetots12]

ah - sorry if I wasn't clear. I meant I could focus on science research and potentially end up with one first author paper (along with the 2 clinical ones already) or focus on clinical research and end up with 5-10 clinical only with no science paper.

 

[Engrailed]

ah - sorry if I wasn't clear. I meant I could focus on science research and potentially end up with one first author paper (along with the 2 clinical ones already) or focus on clinical research and end up with 5-10 clinical only with no science paper.

Usually getting a first author in a quality journal in a basic science lab is Years of work, luck, with a good mentor etc. Coauthorship is possible with 2-3 yrs. i think you should go with whatever interests you the most if you’re not sure. Dont leave clinical research just for the possibility of getting a paper in basic research

 

[Goro]

ah - sorry if I wasn't clear. I meant I could focus on science research and potentially end up with one first author paper (along with the 2 clinical ones already) or focus on clinical research and end up with 5-10 clinical only with no science paper.

A publication is a publication and rare for pre-meds. You could get a paper on clams in the South Pacific and it will still be viewed favorably.

But overall, research is overrated by pre-meds.

 

[midnitetots12]

A publication is a publication and rare for pre-meds. You could get a paper on clams in the South Pacific and it will still be viewed favorably.

But overall, research is overrated by pre-meds.

Do you know if there's less value after already having a publication though and is it worth to pursue more after already having 1? Like the difference between 0 and 1 versus 1 and 5 for example?

Also what do you mean by it being overrated - I understand research is only one small part of it all, but what is considered an underrated experience then?

 

[bluepeony]

Do you know if there's less value after already having a publication though and is it worth to pursue more after already having 1? Like the difference between 0 and 1 versus 1 and 5 for example?

Also what do you mean by it being overrated - I understand research is only one small part of it all, but what is considered an underrated experience then?

I think what Goro means is that only the top schools really focus on your research accomplishments. The majority of schools want to see community service and clinical experience.

 

[calipremed5768]

Yes it is diminishing. It’s not like every research paper adds 2 points to your MCAT score. Ex. Johns Hopkins probably won’t admit somebody with a 3.4/503 even if they have 25 publications

 

[Goro]

Do you know if there's less value after already having a publication though and is it worth to pursue more after already having 1? Like the difference between 0 and 1 versus 1 and 5 for example?

Also what do you mean by it being overrated - I understand research is only one small part of it all, but what is considered an underrated experience then?

This question is so mindless that I'm floored by it.

No amount of publications can be discounted. If anything, the research ***** schools LIKE evidence of productivity.

Mind you, having a ****load of papers will NOT salvage poor stats or a weak app.