Is research an unwritten rule?

[KLMD44]

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Is research an unwritten rule? I am trying to strike a balance between work,my other volunteer commitments, and school. Although I could try to squeeze some research into my schedule, I do not want it to weigh down on my GPA. Is research really necessary for med apps? Thanks.

 

[eteshoe]

For research heavy schools and MSTP/MD-PhD programs --> yes

Other than that no. If you don't want to do research, you don't have to --> do stuff that you're passionate about.

 

[Goro]

Top schools like to see significant research experience. Lesser-ranked schools are more service oriented. At least, this is my understanding.

I know it's hard to fit this all in (research/volunteering) during the semester. Take advantage of your summers and winter break for these experiences. That's 4 months right there

Even then, SDNers have reported getting into Really Top Schools without research.

Overall, it's good to know something about the scientific method. That way, you can understand why Andrew Wakefield was such a monster.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

School dependent. I have a friend who had a great app and was told by a Stanford adcom not to waste his money applying there because he didn’t have research. He had no problem getting into several other top schools.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

Like others have said, it is all about school mission and values. I did research to 'check the box' and if you can fit a little in without compromising other parts of your life, I generally recommend it for the sole fact that even pedestrian research can only help one look well rounded. The big exception is the extremes. For example, if you are D1 athlete with a 3.8, 520 MCAT and opened up your own volunteer homeless aid program? You good, fam, go get your spot.

David D, MD - USMLE and MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

 

[Gaius Diocletianus]

I have no research and seem to have done pretty well.

 

[TragicalDrFaust]

Before I got involved in research, I had the perception that I would be expected to commit 15 hours a week or so. Most people in my lab, myself included, spent 3-9 hours per week, with more towards the 3 hour end.

One of my first posts here was very similar to this one. I was commuting, working to support myself, taking full time classes and lining up ECs. I was hoping my work experience would help adcoms overlook my lack of research and light ECs. My most important take away was that schools are inundated with applications that have everything: clinical experience, leadership, research, volunteering, working with diverse populations. Don't give your app a weak point if you don't have to.

I changed my mindset from "how can I get the minimum amount of ECs and apply by xyz date" to "how can I put together the best app?" In my experience, working against the clock will stress you out and may lead you to submit a half-baked app.

 

[Banco]

It's not absolutely necessary, but it's good to get your feet wet. For research-heavy schools it can help quite a bit.