Research at University

[JimL]

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Right now I live in Philly and am a HS Junior. So, I've been doing research at UPenn with a professor since the summer after my freshman year. (so for a year and a half now). I love doing research, especially the Cellular and Molecular Imaging I am doing now (in UPenn's Biomed department). I also would really love to be a doctor, especially a radiologist, and pursue research at the same time in the future.

I am interested in a BA/MD program if possible. I know they are extremely competitive. How much weight do these programs put on research? Are there any programs in particular that really emphasize research that I could apply to. Also, I know I can get a good LOR from the Professor I work with, but what else will the research amt. to? I gained experience, but how else can I stand out in such a talented crowd pool? I have a year to do more reserach, and try to make it amt. to something tangible. Any suggestions?

Thanks. =D

EDIT: Sorry for not including stats. Just for reference, my other "stats" should be about average for these insane BA/MD programs.

SAT1: 2340 - 800M 760CR 780W
SAT2: Bio 800 Chem 800 MII 800 (Will take Lit. and Physics possibly)
EC: Leadership, volunteering, medical, academic awards, Varsity Tennis etc.

I just wanted to know about research in particular, not chancing or anything.

 

[EyEnStein 07]

I would say it helps...but theres probably little chance that you would be accepted with someone who put up much higher numbers than you.

So for example even with this research if you had an 85 average and a 1200 on the SATs (out of 1600) or an 1800/2400...you probably would not be so competitive. THis would help however if you threw up big numbers and your PI was able to write you a great recommendation.

Realize essays and EC's also matter, but numbers are just as important.

 

[JimL]

I would say it helps...but theres probably little chance that you would be accepted with someone who put up much higher numbers than you.

So for example even with this research if you had an 85 average and a 1200 on the SATs (out of 1600) or an 1800/2400...you probably would not be so competitive. THis would help however if you threw up big numbers and your PI was able to write you a great recommendation.

Realize essays and EC's also matter, but numbers are just as important.

Sorry for not including them. Added, but not looking for chancing. Just any research suggestions you can give me.

 

[EyEnStein 07]

It all ties in. Your SAT is stellar, i think you should keep up with the research (hopefully you have other EC's)...express your interest as researching in undergrad and in the future if you can.

I think you will get accepted to one as long as you apply to as many BS/MD's as you can. And yes, in your case research will look good especially if its something you can talk about in an essay or interview.

(btw, no need to waste your money on more SAT II's...3 is what most want, the max you should take, and the exact requirement for top schools)

 

[schrizto]

Based on my observations from CC (another forum similar to SDN but different focus) I would say the BS/MD program that puts the most emphasis on research is Northwestern HPME. Many of the students that have been accepted to HPME had significant research experience (papers published in high school, even). A lot of the students who were accepted to Brown PLME in contrast didn't seem to have the typical science research but they appeared to have written really good essays and were unique in some way.

Every school or program, however, will be impressed with research experience.

 

[BlitzSleep]

If I was in your situation I would just apply to UPenn and continue to do research there make high grades, do well on the mcat, and do a bunch of other EC's then apply to a school that offers an MD/PHD program

http://www.aamc.org/students/considering/research/mdphd/start.htm

 

[schrizto]

Hey, Schritzo...just curious...do you have the link(s) for these stats? I ask because I'm interested in BA/MD programs, but as you may know, I'm not particularly enthralled by research. I would want to aim for BA/MD or pre-med programs that don't necessarily emphasize or give great importance to research.

I've actually gotten PMs from other users about this so I'll PM you with what I wrote to them. Check your inbox.

 

[schrizto]

Hey, Schritzo...just curious...do you have the link(s) for these stats? I ask because I'm interested in BA/MD programs, but as you may know, I'm not particularly enthralled by research. I would want to aim for BA/MD or pre-med programs that don't necessarily emphasize or give great importance to research.

Also, there are some BS/MD programs that emphasize primary care... those tend to not care as much about research. You might want to read carefully what kind of applicant they're looking for on the program websites. At the "lower" BS/MD programs it may not even be that hard to get in because you don't have to be phenomenal... a 2100 SAT/good gpa, medical ECs (not necessarily with research) and convincing reasons for medicine often can get you in.

You're from New York, right? There are quite a few good programs in NY. The two that I can think of that either give preference to or limit their applicants to NY residents are Brooklyn College/SUNY Downstate's program and Sophie Davis.