Question about undergrad research?

[MikeB14]

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Hi everyone,

Im in my second semester of junior year and i am taking 4 classes (2 bio, 2 gen ed) and also a bunch of volunteer work (2 ambulance, hospital, shadowing hopefully, animal shelter). I know I can handle this because I did the same thing last semester and got a 4.0.

I am also signed up for the kaplan mcat class which is the entire semester for 6 hours a week.

I am just getting started with research and already think I am making a mistake starting right now. The lady wants me in the lab every time I am not in class (and she is very strict). I know research is very important but it seems that by doing it right now I will be taking away from my mcat and regular class study time.

I know research is important, but is it worth it to start it right now? If i wait until june when my mcat will be done, i can start full time in the summer and all of my senior year (i am not applying to med school until after my senior year).

Some people are telling me that if i dont do it now though i am just slacking but i think it is better to focus more on the mcat studying right now and wait until that is over to start research. I am also planning on doing research and working on the ambulance the year after my undergrad is done and while i am waiting for my med school app to get processed. That will be all of senior year and the year after to do research and ECs.


Any advice on this? I am leaning towards dropping the research.

Thanks

 

[mtbtx]

Hi everyone,

Im in my second semester of junior year and i am taking 4 classes (2 bio, 2 gen ed) and also a bunch of volunteer work (2 ambulance, hospital, shadowing hopefully, animal shelter). I know I can handle this because I did the same thing last semester and got a 4.0.

I am also signed up for the kaplan mcat class which is the entire semester for 6 hours a week.

I am just getting started with research and already think I am making a mistake starting right now. The lady wants me in the lab every time I am not in class (and she is very strict). I know research is very important but it seems that by doing it right now I will be taking away from my mcat and regular class study time.

I know research is important, but is it worth it to start it right now? If i wait until june when my mcat will be done, i can start full time in the summer and all of my senior year (i am not applying to med school until after my senior year).

Some people are telling me that if i dont do it now though i am just slacking but i think it is better to focus more on the mcat studying right now and wait until that is over to start research. I am also planning on doing research and working on the ambulance the year after my undergrad is done and while i am waiting for my med school app to get processed. That will be all of senior year and the year after to do research and ECs.


Any advice on this? I am leaning towards dropping the research.

Thanks

I would wait, just MHO. Sounds like you'll be taking a full course load, be involved in a full EC load, AND be studying for the MCAT. I know how some PI's can be, so I would wait and see if you can find a more ideal situation when the time is right. Only get involved in a lab doing something that you are remotely interested in, and stay away from any place you get weird vibes from.

 

[RadOncDoc21]

I personally think you should focus on the MCAT. Research is a nice extra to have but MCAT scores, GPA, and rec letters are the most important to have on file.

-R

 

[Barcu]

I am just getting started with research and already think I am making a mistake starting right now. The lady wants me in the lab every time I am not in class (and she is very strict). I know research is very important but it seems that by doing it right now I will be taking away from my mcat and regular class study time.



Thanks

This is important that you realize this.

I am usually a big advocate to do research, but you have so much on your plate. Research will not make up for a drop in GPA or a less than desireable MCAT score.

With your gap year, you still have some time to do research, so definitely try and do that.

Plus, research progress can make great update letters to school during the app season.

 

[Catalystik]

I think you're fine to drop the research for now. In the summer you can give it your all with fewer distractions. Right now you have enough on your plate and you don't want to sacrifice your GPA and MCAT study.

Next time, establish some ground rules before you start in the lab about expectations for hours per week and some flexibility when you have a lot of tests.