Lab/Clinical Research and Amount recommended

[polyploidy516]

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Hey guys, I would really appreciate your clarification as to how much research one must have before applying to MD schools, particularly the top 20-30 research schools. Currently, I have been working in my top choice lab for 6 months as a volunteer research assistant and will continue to do so after my apps are submitted (so about 1.5 yrs of research before I start med school/likely to get a pub as I am really involved with the lab). Furthermore, i have 7 months of clinical research. Do you think these are too little? Furthermore, as my stats are borderline (3.4 but with 40 mcat), im very worried as a result. Your help and clarification would be appreciated.

 

[Charles_Carmichael]

Hey guys, I would really appreciate your clarification as to how much research one must have before applying to MD schools, particularly the top 20-30 research schools. Currently, I have been working in my top choice lab for 6 months as a volunteer research assistant and will continue to do so after my apps are submitted (so about 1.5 yrs of research before I start med school/likely to get a pub as I am really involved with the lab). Furthermore, i have 7 months of clinical research. Do you think these are too little? Furthermore, as my stats are borderline (3.4 but with 40 mcat), im very worried as a result. Your help and clarification would be appreciated.

You don't need any research. It helps, but it's not a prerequisite. Also, don't count your chickens before they hatch (re: "likely get a pub").

Assuming the rest of your application is fine and you apply smartly/broadly, with a 3.4/40, according to the AAMC data (https://www.aamc.org/download/157450/data/table24-mcatgpagridall2008-10.pdf.pdf), you have ~80% chance of getting accepted to one of the med schools you apply to.