No Research?

[SeminoleFan3]

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I don't have any research experience because I took my prereqs at a CC (I decided on medicine after graduation). Is this going to be a problem in the application cycle?
*I don't necessarily want to go to a Top 10 school.

 

[afterthought]

From what I can tell, it's no problem for non-top-20s (who want to churn out academic physicians). I can't see any school that puts an emphasis on primary care caring much as long as you've got lots of clinical exp. Check out mdapplicants to see what people have done that got them into specific schools.

 

[Uncle_Tbag]

I don't think it's as big a deal as most people make it out to be, unless you plan on attending a top school - but it certainly doesn't hurt and we all want the best possible app.

I wouldn't stress about it, but I would get in on some research if possible.

 

[SeminoleFan3]

I'm applying this application cycle. I don't have any time to get some done, nor do I really have any opportunities to do so. I was just wondering if it's going to be a big deal. I do have clinical experience (6 months (100hrs) of hospital volunteering, ~25 hrs of shadowing). Hopefully, this will suffice.

 

[Depakote]

Honestly, I think having done your prereqs at a CC will probably hurt you more than the lack of research...

 

[SeminoleFan3]

Honestly, I think having done your prereqs at a CC will probably hurt you more than the lack of research...

I realize that, but it was my only option. I'm in Florida, and I could only get classes at the university once all the undergrads had registered. Problem is, once they all registered, the classes I needed were full. However, I talked to a decent amount of adcoms, and they said as long as my MCAT scores were competitive it wouldn't be a big issue. I got As in all my prereqs minus physics I.

 

[DF38]

I've also got no research experience and I'm applying this summer - good luck to us!

From what I've heard, as long as you're not shooting to get into a school that is really research oriented, you should be fine (providing the rest of your application is up to par).

 

[EddieIndy]

I don't think research is a requirement for admission in most schools. It helps, but it's not required.

 

[cubbbie]

I actually know some people who got into very competitive schools w/out research (even Mayo). BUT I would suggest getting some between now and interview time, just so you could put it on the application -- even if it's not incredibly important to med schools, I know some of them like to brag about stuff like "90% of our students had research experience ..." It's like one of those stats they like to tout, and you know this is all a big number game.

I don't know how it is in FLA, but up here in Chicago, there are research opportunities all over the place. Some are volunteer, some are part-time, some are full-time, some are summer positions. Just try to do something if you can.

 

[Whootman]

I got in without research. Granted, it's no top 20 school, but I couldn't have gotten into those anyway.

 

[SeminoleFan3]

Well, it's good to know that other people got in without research. I'm out of school now, and about to start working an 9-6 job, so there's really no opportunity now. We'll see what happens...
Thanks for the input.

 

[nekrogg]

I got As in all my prereqs minus physics I.

well it would help cause you took at at a cc 😀 just kidding i have no right to judge your situation since ive never been to your community college


dont let the research intensive sdn-ers bring you down! i bet most pre meds dont have research experience. it may only seem that way with all the over achievers on this forum.

oh yea and the msar has a selection factor box which tells you how many percent of admitted students did research, so you can choose which schools you want to apply to.

 

[aliziry]

I have the same issue but I was told that if I at least do some this fall and update the schools that it would help but its not mandatory for admission even into Harvard or others like it. Oh yeah GOOO ENGLAND!!!!

 

[SeminoleFan3]

well it would help cause you took at at a cc 😀 just kidding.

I asked my Organic professor if she thought the CC thing was going to be a deal-killer, and she said no because some of the profs I had at the CC taught the same subject at the university. She said she'd make sure to put that in her letter of recommendation. 😀

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

I asked my Organic professor if she thought the CC thing was going to be a deal-killer, and she said no because some of the profs I had at the CC taught the same subject at the university. She said she'd make sure to put that in her letter of recommendation. 😀

👍 Just rock that MCAT and you should be fine. I'm glad you're getting a LOR from your organic chemistry professor. That'll address the issue of taking your prereqs from a community college. Be prepared to be asked questions about it during interviews.

 

[Law2Doc]

I have the same issue but I was told that if I at least do some this fall and update the schools that it would help but its not mandatory for admission even into Harvard or others like it. Oh yeah GOOO ENGLAND!!!!

While not required, if you have aspirations for schools like Harvard, you are going to need something equally impressive on your application to replace the research if you have none. Most adcoms at the competitive schools will tell you that the "ideal" applicant will have both clinical and research experience. Clinical is more important if you can only have one of the two.

 

[SeminoleFan3]

I really have no desire to go to a top 10 school. Most of my schools aren't Top 30, save UVA (in-state) and Vanderbilt (I think I'd like Nashville). I was scoring decent on my practice MCAT (around 30-32), but I'm not sure how the real thing went in April (although, I guess I'll find out in a few days). My in-state schools are VCU, UVA, and EVMS. If I got into any of them, I'd be thrilled because I love Virginia and those schools.