Research or Not to Research

[deleted388502]

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Hi all,

so I started research week 2 of my freshman year. going into my junior year now and I changed labs my sophomore year. I honestly got little out of both experiences, but I hear so much about how much people love their research experiences, and I've found a new lab that seems promising for the fall.

My question is, is it worth it? I already work two part time jobs and I feel that's why research just became a bit of a drag for me..it was just two year of busy work, 10 hours a week, and felt like a waste of time. I feel like I was never able to do all the cool data analysis stuff most people do after paying their dues because I was in labs that used RAs as grunt work.

Without a research gig, I would have more time to be sane, no doubt. My question is if it's going to hurt me in med school admissions? I probably wouldn't ask my last two labs for recs, and I'd list them on my application but basically just ran participants and made questionnaires, went to lab meetings.

any insight is appreciated!

 

[jeghaber]

It depends on which schools you'd want to apply to; research powerhouses are going to prefer students who invision continuing research in their careers. Most other schools should be fine with your saying that you've tried and it wasn't your cup of tea. That being said, I personally would give it one more chance, perhaps at a lab that is known to give undergraduates more of a chance to contribute, so you can experience what "real" research is like before writing it off completely.

 

[indianjatt]

I would give it another shot if you still unsure whether you see yourself doing research in the future or not. For some, research is not stimulating and they don't foresee a future in it and that's also fine. These students tend to go to primary care power houses. If you still have an itch to learn and see research, I would try finding a lab that actually gives students the ability to work on a project. Don't expect to work on a project right away though- most labs want to know that you are serious and can be trusted first.

 

[1John418]

You say the new lab seems promising, so if you think that you will actually be able to get involved in the more interesting parts of research in that lab, I say go for it. If you're not sure that this would be the case, though, then I'd say maybe it's better for you to just give yourself that time back and focus it on resting and other things. You already have some research experience so that will make it clear to med schools that you did at least try it. We can't all fall in love with everything we do, though! The only schools that might want more in-depth involvement would probably be some of the top-20s, so if that's what you've got your eye on, then it might be more important that you stick it out. If not, though, I say you should use next year to try something new!

 

[Mr Avante]

Research is never worth it if you aren't 101% committed to it. Besides, it is an optional choice when it comes to the med school applications.

 

[survivordo]

I wasn't too impressed with my research experience either... it became interesting when I got asked about it on medical school and residency interviews though!

Survivor DO

 

[Mr Avante]

I wasn't too impressed with my research experience either... it became interesting when I got asked about it on medical school and residency interviews though!

Survivor DO

Was that research during undergraduate? I didn't know residencies were that interested 😱

 

[RedICEE]

With two years of research experience under your belt, I think it's safe to say you've probably satisfied that aspect of your application for most schools, assuming it isn't going to be your center-piece.

I would find a lab where I could get something to show for all my time before quitting however. From what I've heard, research is one of the easiest aspects of an applicant's application to spark up a lively conversation with during interviews. It would be nice to say that I did more than grunt work for two years.

Ultimately it's up to you though. If you can find something else in another field that interests you and allows you to take a bigger leadership role, then go for it. Two years of research shows you tried.

 

[deleted388502]

Thanks for all of your insight guys!

I think I'm really conflicted because when I started research, I was really excited about it. I wanted to learn, I wanted to get involved, but as time as gone on I feel like I've put in more time and hours than people around me, who are now getting publications and have great relationships with people in their labs, which I wholeheartedly tried to cultivate but it just never happened, for whatever reason - maybe I did something wrong, I don't know.

The labs I've worked in are both psychology labs. Lot of questionnaires, running participants, making copies, etc. This new lab is also a psychology lab, but it focuses on something more specific to what I'm interested in, which could be promising. At the same time, I also have the opportunity to start volunteering at a suicide hotline and join a large organization on campus that would make life a little bit more "fun" for me on campus. I currently have little volunteer experience and I don't think I could do research AND volunteer.

I'm just so conflicted at this point, lol. I want to give research another shot, but its another 10 hours a week that's going to make my life a drag and I will probably have to pay my dues there as well. And this suicide hotline thing sounds awesome. I currently work as a tour guide and medical scribe, am involved in various student groups on campus (cultural org, facilitation group, bioethics society), and have a 3.7. So I guess it wouldn't help or hurt me, but I don't know if it's worth killing myself to take another shot at it.

 

[Member67988]

If you have to decide between more research and the hotline, I would personally go toward the hotline. It seems like you're more interested in it and you already have the experience with research for your app. I also volunteer a hotline and it is definitely one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in undergrad. Its not for everyone because it can be extremely draining, but go ahead and see if you like it!