Medical Neurosciences PhD programs- which research experience would be better?

[Mr.Smile12]

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When it comes to admissions in PhD programs, they tend to value research experience big time. However, research area can differ in nature. I have already graduated from college and currently on gap year(s). While on the gap years, I am aiming to land a lab tech. or RA position to gain hands-on research in Neuroscience. So far, I have opportunities in a wet lab (electrophysiology recording of learning and behavior studies) and as well as a clinical research lab (studying early onset of Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia/ other atypical neurocognitive disorders). In terms of research environment, which is more valuable when it comes to admissions? They are both at top ranked institutions in the U.S. and will require my independent intellectual contribution to projects.

Will committee discriminate between such positions?

Thank You in Advance!

The stronger mentor letter will make a difference. You need to find someone who can train you to appreciate the challenge of bench research but see your potential and skills. You need to be able to respond and adapt to feedback, good or bad.

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[lord999]

The other consideration is whether or not you might want to continue this work in graduate school. These are fairly different experiences, but it probably would be better to do this at a place with a subspecialty that you would consider doing for actual research. There is a matter of learning some lab skills as well that may further your competitiveness, but that does take a backseat to whether the focus opens another door. Between the top 20 schools, it is not very common that there is complete subject overlap, it's more an overall assessment of the department for Neuroscience and individual labs have their ups and down relative to the department.