Research and schedule questions

[cortana431]

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Hi, I recently emailed 14 professors about openings in their lab for research and got 10 responses; 7 said no because they dont usually take freshman and dont have openings, 1 said no but told me to 'absolutely contact him next year' as a sophomore (im a freshman), 1 said to contact him early spring semester so he can develop a project for next semester and last one said Yes he can let me start next semester, however the research (he is the head of the physics department) is primarily theoretical and computational. Does anyone have experience with that sort of research and whether it is beneficial or I should wait/talk to the other professor who said 'maybe' to see if that research would be more hands on? Do medical schools prefer more
hands on and laboratory based research or is all that matters the time I put in and what I get out of it?

Or should I just do research in what interests me most, given the presented opportunities?

Also next semester I plan on taking 20 credits:

Chemistry II
Physics II,
Intro to Cell/Molecular Biology
Intro to Engineering (Basically a statics course, covering torque, static forces, matrices, etc)
Introduction to Literature

I have little doubt about handling this schedule because I'm confident in my abilities in the various subjects (especially physics and literature) and my work ethic, but would it be nearly impossible to find time to do research with this schedule? Should I postpone taking english? the way my schedule would be set up, I would be done by 4 on 4/5 days and have bio lab until 9 p.m 1/5 days

thank you

 

[CsHead]

I've got an idea for you.

Why not enjoy freshmen year? You'll have plenty of time later for this stuff.

 

[cortana431]

I am, I hang out a lot with my friends and go to parties on weekends sometimes, but I think i have a bit much free time. I dont have much activities right now.

 

[Osteoth]

Personally I think you should take focus on taking your pre-med courses and doing well in them, because you can always do research later if you want to or are interested in it, but you can never take back a bad grade.

 

[Aerus]

If you're that inclined on doing research Freshman year, I recommend finding a research program at a nearby Medical center/research facility. Do a look.

The fact that you're a freshman means you have almost 0 experience with college level science. You're not going to be able to accomplish much, at least in the eyes of the professors.

 

[MDwannabe09]

Are you trying to graduate early? Why take 20 units as a freshman, even if you have a great work ethic?

As others mentioned, you probably won't get much done in the lab just due to not having many science classes under your belt yet. I'm working in a genetics research lab and if I had tried to do what I'm doing now in lab two years ago, I think I would have had a lot harder time. Just from taking genetics and biochem and knowing the theory/points behind everything I do and use in lab has been amazingly helpful. Also, be aware that a lot of lower level interns end up washing a lot of lab dishes to start out with. Many labs and professors only accept upperclassman for a reason...

I think it's good for you to get experience, but it might not hurt to hold off until the summer to really "dive into" lab work. If you do insist on getting involved in research now, I'd cut back your units.

 

[sunshine02]

Is summer after freshman year a good time? If you want the possibility to be published as a first author, isn't it best to start early?