is research experience necessary?
Started by mr79steroid
Where did you get that info?
Not necessarily, however, it does look good that you were exposed to some form research. Remember ur selling urself so you have to embellish it a bit. If you can do research, its alot of fun if ur doing something interesting.
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I think research experience is a plus. It doesn't mean you will automatically get in. I know of many people who have had no research experience getting into dental school.
No. I didn't do any research and I know others that didn't and got accepted. But it may depend on the school.
hey, i never did research but was accepted into stony brook dental school... so I don't feel it is necessary but definitely a plus and everyone should do some sort of research either clinical/translational or laboratory oriented if they have time on their hands!
Especially for those who have average gpa/DATs, it's will be a great advantage.
Especially for those who have average gpa/DATs, it's will be a great advantage.
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It's obviously not a requirement, but some people need more on their application to make up for sub-par stats. I think my 4 years of research played a significant role in my getting into dental school. For someone with all 20's and a 3.7 GPA, it's probably not a big deal if they don't have it.
Not necessary. But it will help you and you will be learning..so it's a win win! Just think about it, you are competing with applicants with 4.0, 20+, volunteering, research, and shadowing. You want to bring as much to the table as you can. Do the best YOU can.
I disagree, you can look at my PreDents I didnt get alllllll 20's I did get a 17 on QR but everything else was above. With a 3.81 GPA I think it would have significant impact on my application.
right, because for you it might have been the difference between getting 13 interviews and getting err... well, 13 interviews.
Ha, make that 14 now 🙂 but still I think it has a good deal to do with getting the final acceptance. Same with all extras. But research carries weight, I would suggest having research.
I agree that having research can only contribute in positive ways towards your application, but as someone else said, how different schools emphasize it varies greatly. I think it's also worth pointing out how involved you are with the research (3 months vs 2 years) is really important as well.
14 interviews is insane. Did you/are you planning to attend all of them???
I think research is beneficial. I had several interviewers who were PhD faculty and it establishes a bases where you can talk about your research or relate it to aquired problem solving traits, etc.
However, I earned a straight out rejection from Michigan with several years of research under my belt... So it all depends, it's an asset I think.
However, I earned a straight out rejection from Michigan with several years of research under my belt... So it all depends, it's an asset I think.
Research experience isn't necessary, but it definitely gives them a reason to look at your application. I've been working in a research lab for a year and half now and at most of my interviews we mainly discussed my research. At UConn, my interviewer even knew my research professor. I didn't realize it would be that important, I was involved out of self interest and to meet a requirement as part of my Honors thesis, but I really felt that having that experience was huge advantage on my application. Also, like someone said - it's a big difference if you're in a lab for 3 months or 3 semesters. If you have time and can get into a lab, do it - It's probably one of the best things I've done in undergrad.
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Wow with your stats I would have guessed you got more acceptances. What's your state of residence?
Importantly, research allows you to get to know a professor(s) better which then allows them to write you a far better recommendation letter. So many professors get the "hey I got an A in your orgo I lecture will you write me a recommendation letter". Then they are writing a letter based on the few encounters that they had with you in office hours as opposed to the 3 semesters that they spent mentoring you on a research project. You never get to see those letters but they are probably pretty average.
I didn't do any, and did well getting acceptances. Of course it cant hurt though.
I was asked at some interviews if I did any research, I simply told them I had not and they never asked why (I still got in after those interviews so it is not an all important part of your application).
I was asked at some interviews if I did any research, I simply told them I had not and they never asked why (I still got in after those interviews so it is not an all important part of your application).
I don't think it really matters. It just about self directed learning and taking the initiative to do something in addition to your required classes.
I think it is good to have research and some schools like it more than others.... It is not required though.
