Research Question

[faith321]

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Hello,

I am a second year pre-med student, and I have done some research in the past but now over the summer,I wish to start on something more serious....do medical schools look at the type of research that is done for experience? For example, I have the opportunity to do research with the psychology department. I would prefer something in biology, but the options are just not coming up. What would you recommend?

Thank you!

 

[IslandStyle808]

It is usually easier to get a research opportunity as an undergrad if you do research with a professor that you had a class with. If you talk with class professors it should not just be about understanding the concepts of the class (ex. how does this cellular receptor work?) but also how the subject's application in the real world (ex. discussing about journal articles on cell biology), then the professor maybe more inclined to take you in for research.

If you have done this and are unsuccessful, then try to email as many professors as you can about research opportunities (make sure you do a background search of the professors and look at their publications). When you get to speak with one, make sure you show your interest in the subject and ask questions about their publications (they love this). Just don't go in there without preparing to talk about the research that professor is doing (they want to know you have an interest that type of research).

Medical schools will look more at what you get out of the experience. You don't need to worry to much about whether it has to be clear cut basic science (such as biology and chemistry). I believe psychology fine but someone may need to chime in on this (if it is neuroscience, then you are good to go).

Hope things go well for you in your research hunt. 👍

 

[Guero]

Hello,

I am a second year pre-med student, and I have done some research in the past but now over the summer,I wish to start on something more serious....do medical schools look at the type of research that is done for experience? For example, I have the opportunity to do research with the psychology department. I would prefer something in biology, but the options are just not coming up. What would you recommend?

Thank you!

It doesn't necessarily need to be in the life sciences; but they do tend to look better. I'm not sure psychology will be very relevant alone unless you supplement it with something more relevant later after getting some experience. You can also look into public health and epidemiology research. But I do echo what the poster above me said, in that it depends on what you get out of the experience (i.e., leadership experience, independence in your efforts, and publications all count a lot).

GL