Research vs. Science Classes?

[Perseverar]

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My worry in applying to med schools is that I am not a science major (Psych/Spanish/Abnormal Child Psych triple instead). I have taken all of the pre-req classes and some neurophysiology classes and I am taking micro and genetics this summer.

I was wondering if my research experience will help offset that. I have been in this lab for two years (this is with a new professor, very established at scripps, and I actually helped him start the lab at my university) about 20-30 hours a week and will be working full-time next year. I have 100+ hours of surgery (with some pretty complex/sensitive procedures and I have trained other undergrads on surgery), lots of histology work, lots of physio background, drug formulation etc. and I'm in the process of being published as a first author in a neuro journal. Will this help, or is it viewed as something completely different?

 

[Xcited392]

I was wondering if my research experience will help offset that.

Offset what? The fact that your a psych major?

You are not at a disadvantage because you didn't major in a science. In fact, at some schools, you might have a slight edge because it might seem you are well-rounded. You do not need to take a bunch of science electives--just take whatever class that interests you.

On a side note, your research experience so far appears to be really excellent. Good job!

You didn't mention any volunteering or clinical work. Have you taken care of those? Otherwise, it sounds like you're building a pretty solid application.

 

[Perseverar]

Okay, thanks! I do have clinical experience, I just wanted to make sure that my science background was okay.

And yeah, I love my lab and research project! I was so fortunate to get in my prof's lab from the beginning- I got to have so much say in how the lab was set up, since there were no grad students.

 

[bravofleet4]

in your case, i think research benefits you much more immensely than a few upper-division biology classes. if you weren't getting published, didn't have your own project, and were just washing dishes, then i would say take more science courses. the truth of the matter is you're probably contributing more to science than the majority of pre-meds...