Research vs MCAT?!

[Nerdeka]

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I'm a graduating senior.. Plan to do a year of postbaccs Starting late August and I graduate mid-June so I have two months to study full time. I know my schedule will allow me to continue studying into the school year because I'm doing mostly retakes at a way easier school.

But my post-doc mentioned me doing research over the summer and I'm torn. They don't know I'm premed (LOL) and it looks like this will be unpaid (no grants for seniors) unless the PI wants to pay me. But this would take away my only "chunk" of completely free time in the next year.

What should I do????

 

[sparklingwater]

Since you already have research experience, I would definitely study for the MCAT. Even 1 additional point on the MCAT is worth more than the marginal benefit of another 2 months of research. Also, does your PI really expect you to do unpaid research after you graduate? Even if he didn't know you are premed, wouldn't he assume you would be getting a job?

If you want a letter of recommendation from him, he should probably know you are premed though. I would simply tell him you are considering medical school and are going to do a post-bacc to complete the premed requirements. If you are doing the post-bacc at a different institution, just say you will be moving to another city and thank him for the experience (maybe give him a card/small gift).

 

[Cookiess]

I would use the summer to study for the MCAT. The MCAT is a crucial part of the application and it may help to have two months of focused MCAT study time. Doing research for an additional two months won't be likely to significantly impact your application as much as doing well on the MCAT would. Plus it would be unpaid research after graduation.

 

[Nerdeka]

Guys, they're gonna pay me.. Still not sure if i should do it. I hate this because my post-doc/PI initiated this all themselves, they clearly want me to succeed..