Independent research? Is it worth it?

[neema7777]

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Hi All,
I wanted to know if it is worth doing one semester of independnet research with a professor in the field of plant sciences or would it be better to find someone who is in the medical field and to do research with him or her for a couple of semesters? In other words, how does a semester of independent research in the plant sciences field look to med school admissions and is it worth it?

 

[big_smiles]

Why not? It's an extracurricular activitiy, and a good educational experience. Research does not have to be medically based to be a meaningful experience. You're learning techniques, and if you like your preceptor then that's a plus!

 

[DrBowtie]

The real question is do you want to do plant sciences for a semester. I would certainly not.

 

[just a girl]

"Worth it" is up to you. I personally don't believe in doing anything for your med school application that doesn't interest you, at least to some degree (besides I guess some of the prereqs). Do research you like! If plants are your thing, go for it. If you're doing it just because it's the only person you can find that needs an RA right now...well, maybe don't.

 

[DoctorPardi]

I've actually been doing plant research for two semesters now. I would prefer to do research in a human/medical field but I enjoy this research and I feel like I might be able to do some good with the results so I am not worried about it.

I didn't know anything about planting flowers or vegetables before this. Also I had never done any type of research before, so I will be more familiar with writing papers, techniques, and the whole process.

I don't plan on being a research doctor, so I am not that concerned with knowing all of this, but it isn't incredibly difficult work, I have become really close with a professor who will probably write me a LOR and at my college as long as you don't set the greenhouse on fire or something stupid you generally get A's in research. So all together it is a meaningful experience with almost no downside.

 

[ghostchild]

It really doesn't matter. It is definitely good to have some type of research when you apply to med school but I've always heard that it didn't matter what field it was in. The hard part will be finding somebody to do medical research with if you try to go that route. It is extremely tough to get involved in one of those projects unless you are a medical student or beyond.

 

[CADreaming06]

i actually spent a summer doing plant physiology, and if anything it helped me solidify my interest in research. i felt like once i really got into my field of interest (neuroscience), i really wouldn't have time to explore vastly different things. there are many aspects of research that are universal, and so i feel like i didn't waste that summer. but, if you think you are going to enjoy the experience and learn from it - - go for it.