Question Regarding Research

[new_dood_don't_be_rude]

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Hey, everyone! So I'm a rising Junior, and I've heard that lack of research experience isn't really a problem with most public institutions. However, I wanted to confirm this while I still have time. For reference, I currently have a 3.95 cGPA and 3.85 sGPA (no B's since Freshmen year), which includes A's in the organic sequence, Genetics, molecular biology, and every other class I've taken this past year. I'm also going to be a TA for organic chem and Genetics in the coming year. I work as a medical scribe 20 hours/week while taking about 17-18 credits/semester. I also started a college chapter of a non-profit geared towards sick children, serve as President, and raised about $5,000 (about 200 hours thus far), and I volunteer through the Red Cross as a military outreach individual (150 hours thus far). I also have 50 hours shadowing experience. I'm taking the MCAT in about six months. I was basically wondering if my lack of research experience will be made up for with other parts of my application. Any feedback is appreciated!

 

[new_dood_don't_be_rude]

Thanks for the reply! I've seen you post that survey link many times and read it, but I just wanted to confirm. I was digging through some other SDN threads, and I saw many posts basically saying you are doing yourself a disservice by not having any research, whether the institution is public or private.

 

[DameJulie]

Although many applicants have research experience, it isn't very emphasized in med school admission unless you are applying for MD/PhD. I have seen people getting into top MD schools without being in lab. You seemed pretty set on your ECs in terms of commitment and broadness, so I wouldn't worry about it.

To add on to gonnif's comment, another way you can see research importance to a school is to see them on MSAR, and see how many percentage of the students were accepted that had research experience.

 

[new_dood_don't_be_rude]

Thanks! Would it be worth it to buy MSAR a year before I apply, or would I need to buy the updated one next year as well.

 

[new_dood_don't_be_rude]

@gonnif I have one question. I just purchased MSAR today, and all four of my state public schools have an entering class in which 80-90% participated in research. I've read the survey you provided, but I am still uneasy by what I discovered. Should I try to add some research experience, or will my application be well rounded enough (when paired with a solid MCAT)?

 

[new_dood_don't_be_rude]

So basically research experience is something that accompanies most well-rounded applications, so its more like icing on the cake rather than a deciding factor.

 

[SpineResearcher]

@gonnif I'd like to ask about the way research is described in both the AAMC articles you posted, and the MSAR's "percentage of students who had research". Isn't this classification of "research" too broad? I believe this should be classified as "lab research" and then another classification should be "clinical research".

Engaging in clinical research is an entirely different process because of the requirement of IRB approval and normally the requirement to earn a certification in Human Research Ethics. It involves meeting with patients and talking about their healthcare/health issues(could be public health research, research involving a novel procedure etc), which could be considered the same as "health care experience". That was rated as one of the most important factors by the admissions committees. So I would argue that it depends on the type of research experience, as some types could seem much more appealing to adcoms, especially with publications involved.

Still, I only bring this up because research could actually make a big difference in someone's app. In the case of OP...I wouldn't worry about your app lacking prowess considering you get that solid MCAT score, because research is definitely not a requirement. IF you do find an opportunity to do something that seems meaningful to you and hints toward a publication, that may help you give the big name private schools one more reason to interview you and hear about your experience. Also, MSAR is definitely worth buying no matter what. For something that is around 20 dollars, it stores an unbelievable amount of information.

 

[SpineResearcher]

Anything can make a big difference in someone's application but most applicant believe research is far more important than clinical volunteering or community service and the best evidence from the schools themselves

Are you trying to say "most applicants believe research is far more important than clinical volunteering?" or do you mean the other way around? Because the page that you're citing is saying the opposite.
Also I know there's only one classification, I was just saying they should make another.

You can describe it in detail on the application but schools may not appreciate or value it has highly as it isnt as widespread with most applicants

You don't need to describe it in detail when you have first/second/third author publications and are able to defend yourself to prove that it is your work and your name wasn't just added on there. Getting published is enough to raise eyebrows, especially if its clinical medicine. It could definitely push adcoms to want to interview you and ask you about it. Also how would something that is unique (therefore not as widespread) not be valued highly or appreciated?

 

[SpineResearcher]

Since it isnt that widespread (clinical research) so that on a aggregate scale for AAMC doesnt track it and schools may not treat it any different than any other research experience. My experience has been that, except for research heavy schools, research experiences dont typically get you that interview on its own,

Okay that makes sense. And it definitely shouldn't get you an interview on its own. You'll probably need it to fit well with your app and have it add upon experiences you've already highlighted. But yes, you do say "except research heavy schools" and seeing that OP is a competitive applicant, he may want to improve his chances at Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Duke, Wash U and the likes.