Research?

[Tobtolip]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi All,

I was just curious, I've been told by fellow pre-meds that if I want to be competitive that I should do research. Is this true? To tell you the truth, I participated in "research" my freshmen year which baisically translated to cleaning mice cages for 2-3 hours. I mean, I dont mind doing grunt work like that but I'd like to learn something or get some sort of real experience. So again, do I have to do research considering how much I despise it =P

If so, considering I'm a computer science/math major, are there any lab positions available to someone like me where I can truly learn something? Any suggestions on obtaining one? ("PS there is really no research positions available in CS/Math departments for undergrads, I've checked =P")

 

[oldman]

there is never a requirement to do anything. research is just something that can help add to your list of activities to impress the adcoms.

 

[Taty]

AHHHHH..because of my CS/B.A.->IS/MS program I cannot get in Sloan KEttering Lab🙁 BUT I WILL TRY ANYWAY!!!!

Yes research looks good on your application, It is not a requirement,but I would love to do it just to learn more 🙂

 

[vyc]

you should be able to find a lab willing to give you more responsibilities than cleaning animal cages. make sure you are clear about what you want to do with your research time. tell them you want your own project or at least clear goals and responsibilities.

 

[Nuclearrabbit]

Having some research exposure is beneficial for several reasons.

Research is the impetus for medical discoveries.
It's good to have exposure to something that plays such a critical role in developing more medical therapuetics.

The principal investigators that you do research for will end up being excellent referees on your letter of recommendations. They will get to know you alot better than a person who they only interact in a big lecture. They can also give you advice on your career.

The fact is: Medical schools like it, and you want to go to medical school....so....

Do it!

 

[Taty]

vyc, u absolutly right u wrote what I wanted to add to my reply!!!

 

[SMW]

You do not have to do research to be competitive. I had zero research experience on my application and got invited to 13 interviews, have 5 acceptances, one to a top 10 school, and 4 waitlists. Do what you're interested in, not what you think the med schools are interested in!

 

[none]

The importance of researh depends on the particular medical school, but cleaning mice cages isn't research and you shouldn't be in a lab which requires only that of you. That said, freshman year was probably too early to start and that's why your responsibilities were what they were. Try again now that you have some more bio experience behind you.