Research

[kelleyc]

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Hey everyone. Quick question: i've got this semester left before applying to dental school and i wonder if research makes a big difference or not. i would do it just because i'd like to but my schedule is already packed with full-time course load (2 sciences + cal II) and a job and dental volunteering. is it worth it?

 

[mountaineerdent]

Hey everyone. Quick question: i've got this semester left before applying to dental school and i wonder if research makes a big difference or not. i would do it just because i'd like to but my schedule is already packed with full-time course load (2 sciences + cal II) and a job and dental volunteering. is it worth it?

It depends on the school.

I know at West Virginia University it would not mean squat.

 

[SuperC]

Whether or not it "means" something to the school(s), it does show that you are "truly" interested in dentisty. You took the time out of your day to go beyond the "average" student. Not to mention that of the knowledge that you will gain from the work.

Furthermore, it places you in a good light with adcoms.... why? Becuase what do you think that they do.... RESEARCH! It may give you something in common with the professors.

Lastly, if you are considering a career in acadamia (which adcoms LOVE) it will give you a leg up on the competition.

I vote yes... it is worth it.

-C

 

[mountaineerdent]

Whether or not it "means" something to the school(s), it does show that you are "truly" interested in dentisty. You took the time out of your day to go beyond the "average" student. Not to mention that of the knowledge that you will gain from the work.

Furthermore, it places you in a good light with adcoms.... why? Becuase what do you think that they do.... RESEARCH! It may give you something in common with the professors.

Lastly, if you are considering a career in acadamia (which adcoms LOVE) it will give you a leg up on the competition.

I vote yes... it is worth it.

-C

LOSER

 

[SuperC]

Ouch... I probably won't be able to sleep tonight now that I know that I am a looser.

But well put... You must be real smart.

-C

 

[speedy3816]

dude... who is this person 'mountaneerdent' ??? this person has posted all over this forum nothing but criticism and immaturity, read some of his/her other posts! ...someone seems like they have a vandetta towards SDN/moderators

anyways, this other nice person 'kellyc' just had a very legit question... the last things he/she needs is someone acting like an a**hole towards them. thank you 'SuperC' for providing helpful info b/c it pertained to me as well 👍

speedy

 

[i cant tell you]

Mountaineerdent, obviously ur the loser to call someone who is giving very good advice to this person.

Your post only talked about if it means anything to West Virginia University...but what about the other universities???

Its pathetic that you would go through the trouble of replying to "SuperC"'s message just to call him a loser.

I call that being a true LOSER

 

[Toothinator]

If you don't have great stats it will help alot. Either way if you can fit it into your schedule DO IT. Look how competative it is this year, who knows what next year will bring. Good Luck!

 

[MolarMamma]

Ouch... I probably won't be able to sleep tonight now that I know that I am a looser.

But well put... You must be real smart.

-C

Hehe, you're funny!

 

[richard01]

I'm thinking about doing research in the Psychology department (which is also my major). Would this help my application? It is through our Center for HIV educational studies and training. Thanks.

 

[Dental DL]

one semester of research is not going to help your application at all. you gotta put in some serious time and get published in order to impress the adcoms. if you're just a little lab monkey cleaning glassware or counting beans, do something better with your time!

 

[VClovesteeth05]

one semester of research is not going to help your application at all. you gotta put in some serious time and get published in order to impress the adcoms. if you're just a little lab monkey cleaning glassware or counting beans, do something better with your time!

This is slightly untrue. You do not have to get published by any means for your research experience to look good. Working in a lab as a dishwasher is not research. I've done two summer programs for research at the University of Rochester and did a Senior Research Thesis and now work as a lab technician (where I do not have anything to do with dirty dishes). At all my interviews my interviewers were very impressed with my research experience. Do I think it really helped me get an interview? I am not sure, I have other things like extra currics, not bad DATs, good GPA from a good college. I think doing research (and only if you are actually interested in doing it) just helps show you are interested in science. Only one of my summer experiences had anything to do with dentistry, the importance of the research is what you gained from it--working in a team, interpretting results, etc etc.

On the other hand I know a girl from my college with a better GPA than mine, applied the second day the app was available and had no problem getting interviews/acceptances. She has done absolutely no research and really doesn't care about ever doing it.

So, if you want to do research do it, if you don't, don't sweat it. Just make sure your app is strong with extra curriculars.

 

[kelleyc]

This is slightly untrue. You do not have to get published by any means for your research experience to look good. Working in a lab as a dishwasher is not research. I've done two summer programs for research at the University of Rochester and did a Senior Research Thesis and now work as a lab technician (where I do not have anything to do with dirty dishes). At all my interviews my interviewers were very impressed with my research experience. Do I think it really helped me get an interview? I am not sure, I have other things like extra currics, not bad DATs, good GPA from a good college...

Thanks alot for the advice, I just thought it would make me look better on the one hand and on the other I am coming off a couple of bad semesters (genetics and ochem 1 killed me) but came back with a couple a's in upper division chem and physics and a 28 on the ochem section of the dat. I kind of want to seal the deal this semester with a couple more a's but i don't know if the extra afternoon per week might jeopardize it. the other thing is it really wouldn't be related to dentistry in particular. i don't know...

 

[HermeytheElf]

Thanks alot for the advice, I just thought it would make me look better on the one hand and on the other I am coming off a couple of bad semesters (genetics and ochem 1 killed me) but came back with a couple a's in upper division chem and physics and a 28 on the ochem section of the dat. I kind of want to seal the deal this semester with a couple more a's but i don't know if the extra afternoon per week might jeopardize it. the other thing is it really wouldn't be related to dentistry in particular. i don't know...

Unless you're interested one a really research oriented dental school, such as Harvard, then you don't need it. If I were in your position, I would work hard at acing this semester...that will help show the adcoms that you can do well under a difficult course load. Research is a nice addition to any application, but honestly admissions is mostly a numbers game so don't sacrifice your GPA just to get a little lab time in. Other than that, keep shadowing and make sure you have solid LORs and a good personal statement. Definitely sounds like you're on the right track and excellent job on the DAT!