Playing varsity vs. bench research

[mdforlife]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I have a problem. I am currently on the varsity sport team at my shool (IVY), that requires 5 days/ week 2 hour each practice commitment + competition trips. As far as clinical experience goes I am participating in the busiest NYC hospital volunteering program in ER, where they let us help out, participate in research, etc. However, I don't have time for bench research- the only way I could do it is to stop playing my sport. Plus I am extensively involved in a couple of other on-campus organizations. Will this lack of bench research affect my chances at top 20 schools? What's med school admissions outlook on school athletes with clinical research vs. solid bench research people?

 

[IndyZX]

if youre uninterested in research, dont do it. that is not a requirement.

and definitely dont quite a sport you enjoy to sit in a lab all day.

 

[IceKid]

i definitely don't think bench research is a requirement, especially when you are already involved with clinical research. i assume this is a sport that you really enjoy, so this is probably the last time in your life where you will be able to devote this kind of time to your sport- so enjoy it!

 

[DMO]

If you're considering academic medicine, research is a must. If you're considering clinical medicine, research helps. Your continuing participation in your varsity sport shows that you are committed to your passions and interest. The research and volunteering shows that you have had the exposure to the blood and guts of medicine. Both are equally important in my opinion. Is there a way for you to do the research another time? I would stick with the sport and participate in a less demanding volunteer position. 😀

Good Luck!

 

[safrat]

the "top 20 schools" from my understanding are looking for someone with a great gpa and mcat (out of state probably around 33). After that though, they look at what you've done. They way I see it is that many students have that b.s. research experience which consists of washing test tubes. Now, playing a sport in college is a tremendous accomplishment, not just that but it's also unique. I think you should definetly go with the sport.

 

[DW]

I have a problem. I am currently on the varsity sport team at my shool (IVY), that requires 5 days/ week 2 hour each practice commitment + competition trips. As far as clinical experience goes I am participating in the busiest NYC hospital volunteering program in ER, where they let us help out, participate in research, etc. However, I don't have time for bench research- the only way I could do it is to stop playing my sport. Plus I am extensively involved in a couple of other on-campus organizations. Will this lack of bench research affect my chances at top 20 schools? What's med school admissions outlook on school athletes with clinical research vs. solid bench research people?

Please, for the love of all things holy, if you love the sport you're doing, DONT QUIT!!! If your gpa and MCAT are in line, you'll be fine getting into top quality med school. Granted, there are a fair number of people at "top 20" schools with research experience, but being a varsity athlete will make you stand out as an applicant. We've got a good number of former athletes here and people who dont have a ton of lab experience due to their other experiences.

Enjoy thy youth 👍

 

[lemonlite]

Do you like your sport? - Do you start? If so, don't quit.
I had a similar problem, but the answer was much easier.
I was a varsity athlete in college, but when I realized that I would never start a game, and participating was detremental to my grades (as well as my fun) I wanted to get out, but I felt guilty telling my coach. I told him a truth: baseball was getting in the way of becoming a doctor. He cried. I thought it strange - I didn't even know that he liked having me around. So, if you like your sport, and are having fun, don't quit. You can give up your life for medicine later.

 

[skiz knot]

What varsity sport only has a 10 hr a week practice commitment? NCAA "allows" 22.5 hrs (I think) a week for practice.

 

[MD2Be]

1

 

[SJBX]

If you are having fun with your sport, keep doing it. I competed in college as well and it was GREAT. I didn't do bench research for the same reason you state - not enough time. I would have had to quit my sport. Plus, you do have clinical research. It doesn't look like there is an abundance of NCAA athletes out there applying, I think it really sets you apart. Don't quit unless you really want to do bench research.
Just looking at your post, it seems like you are in good shape. Ivy League, great volunteering experience, clinical research, and athletics and other extra curs...assuming you have good grades and have/will have a good MCAT and LORs, IMO, you are in a lot better positon than many other applicants who go on to be accepted. Good luck.

 

[MEG@COOL]

What varsity sport only has a 10 hr a week practice commitment? NCAA "allows" 22.5 hrs (I think) a week for practice.

I bet he is a runner, or swimmer. WILD GUESS. KEEEEKEKEKEKKKEKE.

 

[fullefect1]

I am a HUGE Red Sox fan and I am heading to Tufts next year. whoo hoo!

A huge red sox fan from NY? That is a sign of what is to come.

 

[farrago]

As far as clinical experience goes I am participating in the busiest NYC hospital volunteering program in ER, where they let us help out, participate in research, etc.

Can you say which one? Is it Bellevue pavers?

 

[fourthyear]

Stick with the sport - you can do research the rest of your carreer if you want (in med school, residency and beyond), but your opportunitites to participate in organized sports will be very limited after college. Either one is an extracurricular activity med schools will like, and the varsity sports is actually more unique among med school applicants than research anyway, so I think it could work in your favor to stay with the sport.

 

[mdforlife]

to farrago,

yes it's bellevue pavers. i started at another hospital a year ago, but ther was nothing there to do, so i switched.

 

[Premedtomed]

I have a problem. I am currently on the varsity sport team at my shool (IVY), that requires 5 days/ week 2 hour each practice commitment + competition trips. As far as clinical experience goes I am participating in the busiest NYC hospital volunteering program in ER, where they let us help out, participate in research, etc. However, I don't have time for bench research- the only way I could do it is to stop playing my sport. Plus I am extensively involved in a couple of other on-campus organizations. Will this lack of bench research affect my chances at top 20 schools? What's med school admissions outlook on school athletes with clinical research vs. solid bench research people?

playing varsity sport is the way to go dude. looks awesome My friend who is in medical school now played basketball for all the four years and it didn't matter a bit. His MCAT was low so he retook it after graduation and did research.