Questions about LoR and Research

[Newtomedicine]

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Hi guys,

I am very new to the whole pre med thing.... and i have a couple of questions.
Sorry if they have been answered somewhere else in this forum.

1) All of my classes seem to be big (100-300 students). Thus, it seems very difficult for professors to actually get to know you and eventually write you a letter of recommendation for internships, summer research opportunities, etc. I don't go to my professor's office hour because it seems there is no reason to do so... If I have a question, I'd ask my friend or my TA. And it feels like going to the professors office hours to ask a question, isn't going to land you a rec. I have gotten an A in this class, but I bet the professor wouldn't know who I am. How would you approach the professors for LoRs? Or would you even?

2) How detrimental is it as a med school applicant if I have not done any research? (I'm NOT aiming for a top 20 med school, although i do go to a top 10 undergraduate school) <-- dunno if that matters

Thanks guys

 

[the duck]

Hi guys,

I am very new to the whole pre med thing.... and i have a couple of questions.
Sorry if they have been answered somewhere else in this forum.

1) All of my classes seem to be big (100-300 students). Thus, it seems very difficult for professors to actually get to know you and eventually write you a letter of recommendation for internships, summer research opportunities, etc. I don't go to my professor's office hour because it seems there is no reason to do so... If I have a question, I'd ask my friend or my TA. And it feels like going to the professors office hours to ask a question, isn't going to land you a rec. How would you approach the professors for LoRs? Or would you even?

2) How detrimental is it as a med school applicant if I have not done any research? (I'm NOT aiming for a top 20 med school, although i do go to a top 10 undergraduate school) <-- dunno if that matters

Thanks guys

1) upper div classes are usually smaller, allowing you to get to know your proffs better. However, I think the best way is to go to office hours, generally what I do is go with some moderately intelligent question about the course work, and then from there engage in talking about the proffs field, their research or other topics in the field. Basically just have a normal discussion about things, making the proff feel you are interesting in their field, even if you aren't. Rinse and Repeat. You'll start to form a relationship with them. Sometimes proffs hang around after class to talk to students, this can also be a good way to make contact.

 

[Newtomedicine]

I never though about labs. Thats a good idea. The person who teaches the lab is always somebody different from the lecture professor. But i believe he/she is a professor.

is it ok if i start research as a sophomore? is that too late?

 

[RedRobin]

1) Actually, I feel like my best letters came from those big classes. I went to every single office hours to ask questions and discuss materials learned in class with my professor. In the end, I think he made it a point that I stood out the most in the class of 200 people.

2) Do research only if you like it. Some schools are very research oriented and some are primary care oriented. In either case, not having research will not be so detrimental. I will have done three years of research by the time I graduate college and actually managed to squeeze out a publication but I don't know if it was really worth it. I interviewed at four schools and only one interviewer asked me about it.