Research questions(current sophomore)

[riseNshine]

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Hey everyone!

I've been lurking around on SDN for quite a while and finally made an account. Thank you everyone for such useful posts.

Just a few questions about research. I'll be starting my sophomore year soon and I'm currently looking for research opportunities. But, I was wondering if the type of research matters, for instance...would schools prefer a student who does brain mapping (sitting at computer and delineating regions of the brain) or research where you're for instance, actually transecting plasmids into culture cells and working directly with the sample.

Also, for the top medical schools, I know research is vital and it seems that most people on SDN have at least 3 years experience. Am I already at a disadvantage if I start researching this year and continue well on into senior year. I'm not planning to take a year off so at the time of applications, I'll probably have two years.

Thank you so much everyone. Really appreciate the help.

 

[deleted325463]

Most med schools want to see that you've pursued "scholarly" activities, which means some sort of research. The important thing is that you enjoy the field, learn a lot, and have something to say about it in your essays/interview.

And I'm pretty sure most people on SDN do NOT have more than 3 years of research experience when applying. I sure don't. Besides, most students begin some time sophomore/junior year, so you're fine.

 

[riseNshine]

thanks for the response....also, how is clinical research viewed?

 

[DrYoda]

J But, I was wondering if the type of research matters, for instance...would schools prefer a student who does brain mapping (sitting at computer and delineating regions of the brain) or research where you're for instance, actually transecting plasmids into culture cells and working directly with the sample.

What it's in doesn't really matter, pick something you think you'll like.

Also, for the top medical schools, I know research is vital and it seems that most people on SDN have at least 3 years experience. Am I already at a disadvantage if I start researching this year and continue well on into senior year. I'm not planning to take a year off so at the time of applications, I'll probably have two years.

I don't think two years puts you at a disadvantage. I'd call that a significant amount for an MD applicant (MD/PhD might be a different animal, I'm not familiar with their standards).

thanks for the response....also, how is clinical research viewed?

It's viewed well, like before choose what you're more interested in doing.