Research

[qdent]

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Hey guys, I needed some advice. I've been on these forums for a long time, just haven't posted. Now that I'm getting closer to applying, I'm getting a little worried. I got selected to participate in research at a dental school as an undergrad position. The position includes surveying patients and taking part in studies. My main job will be to survey and I may or may not help with working with actual data. Is this a legit research position that would be good to talk about with schools? I could potentially hold this position for some time and help with many projects until I graduate. Is this something I should do just for a semester, or is this something I should hold as long as I can? The reason i ask is because most research positions I see you guys doing is in the lab. Any response helps. Thanks!

 

[wizi]

Yes, research is something you should do as an undergrad. Its like adding salt, sugar to your food.
Whatever research you do, it will help you. Chances are they are not going to ask you in the interview lol.

If you have time, try to publish a research paper or something. That would be the best.

 

[duckdds]

I don't know how much schools really value taking surveys as research experience. I think a lot of schools that like applicants with science research actually did bench-work and designed experiments.
It depends on how much time you have to devote to that. If it's a lot, then it probably isn't worth it and I would rather volunteer someplace. If it's only a couple hrs a week then it certainly won't hurt

Just my $0.02

 

[qdent]

It'll be 1 day per week, and how much time I put in depends on how many people are scheduled. I was thinking any research position at a dental school would look good. I'm sure it'll help my chances at that dental school. Do you guys think I should just build on other EC's and research wise I'll be okay? I only have around 10 hours of shadowing, in pre-dental club, and another club that does volunteering. My GPA is below average, but I'll be applying summer of 2013 after graduation, so all my attention will be going to raising my grades. Any advice helps!

 

[wizi]

It'll be 1 day per week, and how much time I put in depends on how many people are scheduled. I was thinking any research position at a dental school would look good. I'm sure it'll help my chances at that dental school. Do you guys think I should just build on other EC's and research wise I'll be okay? I only have around 10 hours of shadowing, in pre-dental club, and another club that does volunteering. My GPA is below average, but I'll be applying summer of 2013 after graduation, so all my attention will be going to raising my grades. Any advice helps!

If your GPA is below average, you need:

1. Bitch slap the DAT.
2. Good ECs. 10 hours of shadowing is not enough. Aim for 40+. Do more 1-day volunteer events (around 3).
3. Upward trend. Try to get all As next semester (easier said than done right?)
4. APPLY IN JUNE.