Publications before undergrad useful for med school admissions?

[gurt567]

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Hi everyone,

I've done significant amount of research during high school that has resulted in 2 papers published in reputable, peer-reviewed journals. I've also delivered a few oral presentations at some conferences. Will this work help me in medical school admissions? Can I list this as an EC, even if I go somewhere far from home for undergrad? I hope that I can still use the research I've done right now to boost my app, so is there a way to make med schools know or is everything reset once I enroll at uni?

 

[DameJulie]

First of all, impressed that you have pubs before college!

second, I think publications stays with you forever. It's always appropriate to list your publications, no matter when they're published.

source: people who applied for residency put their pubs during undergrad. So I assume the same rule applies.

 

[Catalystik]

I've done significant amount of research during high school that has resulted in 2 papers published in reputable, peer-reviewed journals. I've also delivered a few oral presentations at some conferences. Will this work help me in medical school admissions? Can I list this as an EC, even if I go somewhere far from home for undergrad? I hope that I can still use the research I've done right now to boost my app, so is there a way to make med schools know or is everything reset once I enroll at uni?

Publications are forever, as @DameJulie said.

As far as the research, generally, one should refrain from including such a HS experience in the AMCAS Activities section, unless it continues into the college years, ideally demonstrating growth, added responsibility, and further productivity. Do you plan to engage in further research after HS graduation?

 

[gurt567]

@Catalystik
@DameJulie

Yes, I plan on pursuing research in similar lines at my undergrad school. My research has revealed many surprising things and I hope to start a foundation, maybe even getting it endorsed by my undergrad school, that is built on the principles I've discovered.

Another thing is, I am currently shadowing a physician and saw an interesting case she is thinking of writing a case report on. Is it reasonable for a high schooler to get a name on a case report? Just assume she is fine with me being included, do you think I should go for it?

 

[Lawpy]

You can list any peer reviewed papers you get in your future applications, whether it is for med school, residency etc. Listing presentations at scientific meetings is also allowed.

If the physician lists you as an author on a case report, it's great and you can list it as well.

Just make sure if you're thinking about MD vs MD/PhD vs PhD down the line as you may get questions about it in interviews.