Is paid research a reality for undergrad students?

[JPodel]

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Do undergrad students typically get paid to help with research at an institution or lab?

 

[I'm No Superman]

Do undergrad students typically get paid to help with research at an institution or lab?

Sometimes.

Edit: I was about to say what sunflower picture guy said after a minute of looking like a douche for answering but not really answering your question. So go with that.

 

[sunflower18]

I think that it's more common to get paid in the summer than the school year.

 

[Medstart108]

Do undergrad students typically get paid to help with research at an institution or lab?

I sort of did get paid except i wasn't really doing research, I ended up being more of an assistant/emg tech.

 

[JPodel]

Hmm interesting. Thanks for the answers guys. Anyone else have more perspective on this?

So most of the time Undergrad students sort of "volunteer" when helping with research?

 

[911 Turbo]

Do undergrad students typically get paid to help with research at an institution or lab?

if you are good enough (like me) then yes


but the majority of people will not be good enough to get paid























edit:


but seriously don't look for a paid position when you first start applying to labs.


while im at it let me type you out a list of things not to do


1) don't act like you know a single thing about the lab or scientific research because you don't

2) don't try and act like you understand the science behind the research because you don't. don't go off and try to talk about anything scientific before you take basic classes in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and genetics because you will come off as a pompous idiot. I guarantee it. there is really nothing more annoying to grad students/ post docs when undergrads start acting like they understand the science behind all the labwork because it is painstakingly obvious that they do not.

3) don't be one of the people that has an attire or something when they go to lab. everyone will make fun of you and think you are a tool if you go home and change into dress pants and a polo just for the sake of looking good in lab. im not kidding, i have seen people in other labs do this and it is really embarrassing.


4) DO ask the PI if there could be any opportunity to publish IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS THE FIRST TIME YOU MEET HIM



5) DO start research early to see if you like it or not


6) DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, i repeat, DO NOT for the love of god go into research if you just want to check off a box for medical school admissions. this is probably the worst thing you could do to yourself and your fellow lab mates. people will know, i guarantee you they will know. unfortunately most premed idiots disregard this and do it anyways.


I am feeling generous tonight and will give you some General Rules for College


1) dont mention SDN ever in college. ever. thats like rule #1


2) dont join a premed organization or club. almost every single member of those clubs is a person who is being forced to go to medical school by their parents. I guarantee you 100% of the officers dont care about their duties and are only officers because they can list it down on their app (lol)


3) don't join a premed organization


4) you guys are high schoolers for gods sake. statistically im sure that only <5% of you will ever step into a medical school. keep this in mind


5) DO NOT list "premed" as a course of study in your facebook. you will come off looking like a superficial idiot. if you are a biology major, please put biology down. not premed. jesus christ


6) don't be that kid who asks questions in class just for the sake of asking question. everyone hates this kid. and everyone knows he is just asking questions to get a good rec letter


7) DO NOT, I beg you, DO NOT tell people that you want to be a surgeon. do not tell people you want to be a specific TYPE of surgeon. if I could pick the most annoying thing about "premeds" it is #7. seriously.

ok let me spell it out for you guys to make sure its clear

WHAT NOT TO DO

your friend that you meet your first week of college: oh wow, biology, cool! do you want to become a biologist?
you: NO LOL im going to be a cardioTHORACIC surgeon.
your friend: oh ok


WHAT TO DO


your friend that you meet your first week of college: oh wow, biology, cool! do you want to become a biologist?
you: possibly, I am also keeping my options open for graduate school or medical school
your friend: oh ok. that sounds pretty cool dude. hey you wanna hang out later?


8) don't major in anything that has the word science in it it, except for computer science. because they are not real majors.



9) don't go to the clubs and bars to drink. its pretty much game over for professional school if you get busted. if you drink, then do it at a house party.


10) please don't join a frat


11) GET A JOB. it will teach you responsibility and you will have cash on the side


12) SHOWER EVERY DAY. NOT EVERY WEEK. please. you may think that i am joking but no I am not. there are people who don't shower/do laundry for weeks and it smells so bad.



I might add more stuff if I feel like it....

 

[911 Turbo]

oh and jpatel your twitter picture pretty much sums up how not to dress or act


please don't wear those shades around campus
please don't pose with that finger like that again



and don't spike your hair up either

 

[BioBeaver]

oh and jpatel your twitter picture pretty much sums up how not to dress or act


please don't wear those shades around campus
please don't pose with that finger like that again



and don't spike your hair up either

Oh my god the king has spoken I think this is the most helpful he's ever been to anyone! Can you look at my profile picture and determine if I'm college ready (fashion wise)?

 

[JPodel]

So judgmental, yikes.

I won't lie though, you do have some great info in there. Good job!

Also, I never wear shades except when I am doing yardwork at my house! Need to protect my eyes from the crazy AZ sun.

 

[Tolbert]

well dang that's harsh

seriously though, why is it such a big deal if you join a pre-med organization or if you mention SDN? I mean if I'm not a tool and it just came up why is it a big deal. Also, we shouldn't say that atm we want to be a surgeon? wat

like i'm serious over here

 

[JPodel]

well dang that's harsh

seriously though, why is it such a big deal if you join a pre-med organization or if you mention SDN? I mean if I'm not a tool and it just came up why is it a big deal. Also, we shouldn't say that atm we want to be a surgeon? wat

like i'm serious over here

If having more opportunities for pre-med related activities and being around kids who have the same desire as you is a big no no, I am confused.

I still say I want to go to Med school but am not sure on what specialty.

 

[Tolbert]

If having more opportunities for pre-med related activities and being around kids who have the same desire as you is a big no no, I am confused.

I still say I want to go to Med school but am not sure on what specialty.

yeah i mean like i'm not saying surgery or eff med school like i'll say i'll probably change my mind ~10 times

 

[JPodel]

I agree with the do not join a Frat part. They are simply stupid.

 

[Tolbert]

woahwoahwoah. i'm thinking about it.. dang i'm like breaking all the rules.

 

[JPodel]

woahwoahwoah. i'm thinking about it.. dang i'm like breaking all the rules.

If you join one, join one with the best GPA ranking! #Alpha Delta Phi

 

[JPodel]

I understand U Wot M8s harshness, it was posted at 12:44ish. No one is them self at that time.

 

[Tolbert]

eat a snickers

 

[docwei88]

*shivers* I shall go with the flow~

 

[Solomon]

Question for anyone about Research:

How hard is it to find research. Paid or Unpaid? Do you have to find it yourself, or do they have like a "matching" program?

 

[Mr Avante]

Question for anyone about Research:

How hard is it to find research. Paid or Unpaid? Do you have to find it yourself, or do they have like a "matching" program?

There are sometimes classes or programs that pair you with professors but most of the time you find it yourself.

 

[docwei88]

Like you go to a local university?

 

[911 Turbo]

So judgmental, yikes.

I won't lie though, you do have some great info in there. Good job!

Also, I never wear shades except when I am doing yardwork at my house! Need to protect my eyes from the crazy AZ sun.

It's the combination of hair and shades I guess.


Although I still mean 100% of what I said in my first post.


And don't tell anyone you plan on going to medical school. Only a few low percentage of premeds make it in. It's kind of arrogant...

Saying I hope to go to medical school is much much better

 

[911 Turbo]

Oh my god the king has spoken I think this is the most helpful he's ever been to anyone! Can you look at my profile picture and determine if I'm college ready (fashion wise)?

Replace cargo shorts with basketball shorts and you will be ready.


Edit: I am joking

 

[911 Turbo]

I promise I'm not trying to be mean through these posts lol... Legitimately trying to help you guys.

 

[docwei88]

I promise I'm not trying to be mean through these posts lol... Legitimately trying to help you guys.

Understood 🙂 I really appreciate that long post earlier. Extremely informative.

 

[sonofva]

It's the combination of hair and shades I guess.


Although I still mean 100% of what I said in my first post.


And don't tell anyone you plan on going to medical school. Only a few low percentage of premeds make it in. It's kind of arrogant...

Saying I hope to go to medical school is much much better

dude why is there this culture of premed "coolness?" say this, don't say that...blah blah blah... in reality if you run around spouting off about how you're going to go to medical school, you prob have friends that are doing the same thing, or you don't care...

just do what you want, like what you do.

 

[Tolbert]

It's the combination of hair and shades I guess.


Although I still mean 100% of what I said in my first post.


And don't tell anyone you plan on going to medical school. Only a few low percentage of premeds make it in. It's kind of arrogant...

Saying I hope to go to medical school is much much better

yeah I see what you mean.

I promise I'm not trying to be mean through these posts lol... Legitimately trying to help you guys.

i get it, thanks by the way.

 

[JPodel]

Thanks man, Ill definitely keep all that in mind when talking to other "pre-med" kids

 

[JPodel]

dude why is there this culture of premed "coolness?" say this, don't say that...blah blah blah... in reality if you run around spouting off about how you're going to go to medical school, you prob have friends that are doing the same thing, or you don't care...

just do what you want, like what you do.

You my friend are awesome!

 

[gtbROX]

if you are good enough (like me) then yes


but the majority of people will not be good enough to get paid























edit:


but seriously don't look for a paid position when you first start applying to labs.


while im at it let me type you out a list of things not to do


1) don't act like you know a single thing about the lab or scientific research because you don't

2) don't try and act like you understand the science behind the research because you don't. don't go off and try to talk about anything scientific before you take basic classes in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and genetics because you will come off as a pompous idiot. I guarantee it. there is really nothing more annoying to grad students/ post docs when undergrads start acting like they understand the science behind all the labwork because it is painstakingly obvious that they do not.

3) don't be one of the people that has an attire or something when they go to lab. everyone will make fun of you and think you are a tool if you go home and change into dress pants and a polo just for the sake of looking good in lab. im not kidding, i have seen people in other labs do this and it is really embarrassing.


4) DO ask the PI if there could be any opportunity to publish IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS THE FIRST TIME YOU MEET HIM



5) DO start research early to see if you like it or not


6) DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, i repeat, DO NOT for the love of god go into research if you just want to check off a box for medical school admissions. this is probably the worst thing you could do to yourself and your fellow lab mates. people will know, i guarantee you they will know. unfortunately most premed idiots disregard this and do it anyways.


I am feeling generous tonight and will give you some General Rules for College


1) dont mention SDN ever in college. ever. thats like rule #1


2) dont join a premed organization or club. almost every single member of those clubs is a person who is being forced to go to medical school by their parents. I guarantee you 100% of the officers dont care about their duties and are only officers because they can list it down on their app (lol)


3) don't join a premed organization


4) you guys are high schoolers for gods sake. statistically im sure that only <5% of you will ever step into a medical school. keep this in mind


5) DO NOT list "premed" as a course of study in your facebook. you will come off looking like a superficial idiot. if you are a biology major, please put biology down. not premed. jesus christ


6) don't be that kid who asks questions in class just for the sake of asking question. everyone hates this kid. and everyone knows he is just asking questions to get a good rec letter


7) DO NOT, I beg you, DO NOT tell people that you want to be a surgeon. do not tell people you want to be a specific TYPE of surgeon. if I could pick the most annoying thing about "premeds" it is #7. seriously.

ok let me spell it out for you guys to make sure its clear

WHAT NOT TO DO

your friend that you meet your first week of college: oh wow, biology, cool! do you want to become a biologist?
you: NO LOL im going to be a cardioTHORACIC surgeon.
your friend: oh ok


WHAT TO DO


your friend that you meet your first week of college: oh wow, biology, cool! do you want to become a biologist?
you: possibly, I am also keeping my options open for graduate school or medical school
your friend: oh ok. that sounds pretty cool dude. hey you wanna hang out later?


8) don't major in anything that has the word science in it it, except for computer science. because they are not real majors.



9) don't go to the clubs and bars to drink. its pretty much game over for professional school if you get busted. if you drink, then do it at a house party.


10) please don't join a frat


11) GET A JOB. it will teach you responsibility and you will have cash on the side


12) SHOWER EVERY DAY. NOT EVERY WEEK. please. you may think that i am joking but no I am not. there are people who don't shower/do laundry for weeks and it smells so bad.



I might add more stuff if I feel like it....

Regarding research:
1-3 I agree with. Humble and attentive silence makes you look more intelligent and capable.
4 I disagree. There are more discrete ways you can ask that question without looking like someone who just wants to gain from the research a publication.
5 I agree. I would add that you think about what interested you in your classes thus far and search up faculty that are conducting that kind of research.
6 Neutral. I agree with this statement in the case of a person that is just trying to get into ANY research because he or she isn't interested in actually getting anywhere with it. This individual, unfortunately, represents most premeds. The competitive ones might want research just to check it off the standard extracurriculars list, but conducts research that he or she is actually interested in.


Regarding general college rules:
1 I don't see why this is a rule, but when you are talking with people, know who you're talking to. If you're talking to your hall mates or people who might not be pursuing something healthcare related, you probably don't want to be talking about sdn or premed stuff. You'll end up being the one person that everyone avoids. Talk about things that the people around you would actually care about.
2-3 I disagree. These are some of the posters more outlandish and irrelevant statements. Join a premed org if you want to, and if part of your desire to join is due to wanting to check it off a list, that's also fine. Just make sure that you become a leader, and I'm not telling you just to get a leadership position, but actually lead. Contribute to medicine by participating in relay for life or other disease relays and walks. Raise money for good causes, set up or participate in charity clinics. Do something! Don't just join to be able to write it on an application, but be someone at actually contributes.
4 I agree. Not everyone is meant to become a doctor, and no matter how much you think you're qualified, no one deserves to become a doctor.
5 I agree. It's just tacky and premed is not even a major to begin with.
6 I agree, but I would add that you shouldn't be afraid of asking questions either because you in school to learn. If you ask a stupid question, so what? The embarrassment of having asked the question will cause you to remember the answer. And if you are curious about something and it is on topic, go ahead and ask your question.
7 I completely agree. Do your research and shadow surgeons before you make such grand statements. And even if you have done so, why is it so important for you to exalt yourself to your peers? Not really necessary, it just makes you fall a greater distance if you fail.
8 I disagree. Major in what you want to major in. As long as you take prerequisite classes for the medical school you're applying to you'll be fine with any major.
9 Neutral... I personally don't drink because:
-I want to completely avoid bad choices.
-I don't really have an urge to drink.
But if you're going to drink at all, you could get busted anywhere really... If anything house parties are worse because if someone is taking pictures....Facebook.
10 I agree. No competitive premed that I know is in a frat.
11 I agree.
12 I agree.

 

[puppyloomp]

At my school the only way to get involved with research is to stay on campus during the summer and do paid research. Then during the school year you want to continue you can stay on with the professor and help, but you generally are not paid for research during the school year.

So yes, it's definitely possible but it depends on where you're doing research. My school is a small liberal arts school, which explains why there is money to pay pretty highly in the summers but because there is not a ton of research going on in general, it also explains why they limit the students who can help out by being very selective about who they hire and then only allowing them to continue in the school year.

 

[katizzle]

/snip/
7) DO NOT, I beg you, DO NOT tell people that you want to be a surgeon. do not tell people you want to be a specific TYPE of surgeon. if I could pick the most annoying thing about "premeds" it is #7. seriously.

ok let me spell it out for you guys to make sure its clear

WHAT NOT TO DO

your friend that you meet your first week of college: oh wow, biology, cool! do you want to become a biologist?
you: NO LOL im going to be a cardioTHORACIC surgeon.
your friend: oh ok


WHAT TO DO


your friend that you meet your first week of college: oh wow, biology, cool! do you want to become a biologist?
you: possibly, I am also keeping my options open for graduate school or medical school
your friend: oh ok. that sounds pretty cool dude. hey you wanna hang out later?


8) don't major in anything that has the word science in it it, except for computer science. because they are not real majors.

So these are the two that I slightly disagree with.

7. If someone asks if you are a bio major to be biologist, just say no, you are premed. If they ask what you want to be say what you want to be, but I'd mention that I'm not too sure and won't be until med school.

8. There are plenty of majors that are good majors with the word science in it. Here are a few: Animal Science, Neuroscience, Environmental Science, and Atmospheric Science.