Research..to continue or not to continue?

[Petieaz]

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I signed up for research this summer and my professor wants me to do more this fall. I put on my application for dental school that I was researching this summer and fall, but it is taking up too much of my time and I need to work more hours.

Anybody know how big of a problem it would be if I finished out the summer and didn't do fall research? I know a lot of schools don't really even care about the research experiences, but I don't want to have something on my app that is no longer correct either...

Thanks.

 

[doc toothache]

You are not planning on getting an lor from the prof, right?

 

[Petieaz]

He already wrote it and sent it.

 

[grandslamsam]

He already wrote it and sent it.

Since your professor would like you to perform more research in the fall AND he wrote a letter for you...it might seem rude if you decide to quit entirely. This is what I would do... Explain your situation, that you still want to make a commitment to research; however, you need to work more hours (presumably to support yourself or your reasons are your own). As a result, ask if you could work less hours in the lab. This might make you feel comfortable stating that you are taking part in research in the fall.

While it may be true that some schools might not care about research, it can only add to your application by showing your commitment to something other than school. Overall, you need to to what's best for you. Hope this helped.

 

[Teeths]

I signed up for research this summer and my professor wants me to do more this fall. I put on my application for dental school that I was researching this summer and fall, but it is taking up too much of my time and I need to work more hours.

Anybody know how big of a problem it would be if I finished out the summer and didn't do fall research? I know a lot of schools don't really even care about the research experiences, but I don't want to have something on my app that is no longer correct either...

Thanks.

I don't think it'd be a big deal. If you can put your efforts into something you find more beneficial I'd definitely do it since the majority of dental schools don't care about research anyhow. Also, as long as you finished out the summer commitment, it's not like you're just dropping something all of a sudden. Don't sweat it. If anyone were to ask you about it at an interview, you can explain exactly what you're saying here that you needed to focus on other things.

Good luck!

 

[Petieaz]

My professor was really good about cutting my hours down. I have still been able to do research, but it's been more flexible. Good call🙂

 

[ktran17]

Glad things worked out for you. I talked to my PI about my interviews and he understood completely. =)