Importance of your Research Lab's Topic

[bobaholic05]

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I was wondering if the topic of your research lab matters for the adcoms. For example, will they treat all labs the same (sleep lab, clinical research, public health research, social behavioral lab, DNA synthesis, nutrition, or even research in the humanities)?

I would like to start research, but I'm not sure where my interest lies, since there is so much out there to explore.

I would really appreciate it for any advice! =]

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Incoming assumption:

Highly doubtful. They care that you did, not what.

 

[Valadi]

They don't care.

 

[thlaxer]

I was told that research is used to demonstrate intellectual curiosity. So in that sense any research topic should be fine. If I recall correctly, Case Western and UChicago both defined research/scholarly pursuits very broadly in their applications. Many other schools probably will do as well. Personally, I would stick with something more sciency (bench work, clinical research etc.), but that's just my preference. These seem more useful later on since you would be building a solid foundation for them now.

When picking a lab, make sure you'll actually be allowed to do stuff and pick a topic that interests you. Interviewers were much more interested in what I learned from my research experience rather than what topic we focused on, what we accomplished etc.

 

[NickNaylor]

The non-feel-good answer is that because the people reviewing your application are most likely clinicians and/or scientists, research work in the hard sciences will likely be most comprehensible to them and, thus, probably more advantageous. THAT SAID, you should do work in whatever interests you as you're more likely to do quality stuff if you're interested in it. Producing good work in _____ field will be more beneficial to you than mediocre work in a hard science if that's not where your passion is.

I included a description of a thesis I had planned on doing about the concept of privacy in the constitution on my app. I was asked about it at nearly every interview, and it made for a good conversation piece.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Note:
Unless you do this http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2012/...man-creates-test-to-detect-pancreatic-cancer/

 

[bobaholic05]

Haha ok. Thanks for the advice everyone!