Relevance of previous research

[[insertname]]

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Hi, all

As application time approaches, I have become increasingly concerned about my deficient research background in the area that I know I want to pursue in graduate school. The school I currently attend does not offer the major I would have liked to pursue (though I have compensated for that by taking related undergrad/graduate courses), so research opportunities in my area of interest do not exist. I have used my summers to pursue such research off-campus, but my research on campus is only tangentially related, at best. To those who are more knowledgable about MD/PhD admissions/have been on SDN longer than I, will this be a major issue or perhaps even a downfall, especially when I am compared to my competition? I normally wouldn't be worried, but a friend brought it up, and I think it's a valid point.

 

[radiology2014]

This will not matter for admissions. Either 1) don't bring up your newly-shifted interests in your application/interview, or 2) spin it in such a way that it is positive; for example, "my developing interest in field X has specifically attracted me to your school Y because you are one of the leading institutions in this new and exciting area". Once you are accepted you can always go back and schedule meetings with PIs in your new field at the second visit weekends to help you see which program will be the best fit.

What you are gauged on most for admissions purposes (here at least) is not the research setting (the particular field, lab, on/off campus location, etc.), but 1) your level of research productivity, 2) your level of independence, 3) evidence of long-term commitment, and 4) your PI's evaluation.