Senior graduating in summer. No research.

[TooMuchPressure]

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I have no interest in research but I can't say I didn't like it without trying it. However I really believe I wouldn't enjoy it. I tried getting into a researh lab my junior year after emailing 20-30 professors but most responded with being full or you need to be top 5 in my class to get in. I didn't try hard enough but the primary reason was I didn't want it badly enough. My question is should I try really hard to get some research exposure in the summer even though it doesn't interest me?

 

[aalamruad]

I have no interest in research but I can't say I didn't like it without trying it. However I really believe I wouldn't enjoy it. I tried getting into a researh lab my junior year after emailing 20-30 professors but most responded with being full or you need to be top 5 in my class to get in. I didn't try hard enough but the primary reason was I didn't want it badly enough. My question is should I try really hard to get some research exposure in the summer even though it doesn't interest me?

Research powerhouse schools and MD/PhD programs aren't for everyone, and that's fine. Just know what your long-term goals are in terms of education level (and perhaps future field/specialty, which is at the very least slightly correlated with school choice), and jump through the necessary hoops if that's what you need to do to get where you want to be.

 

[DingoPingo]

I have no interest in research but I can't say I didn't like it without trying it. However I really believe I wouldn't enjoy it. I tried getting into a researh lab my junior year after emailing 20-30 professors but most responded with being full or you need to be top 5 in my class to get in. I didn't try hard enough but the primary reason was I didn't want it badly enough. My question is should I try really hard to get some research exposure in the summer even though it doesn't interest me?

You don't need to be worried about not wanting to do research, but you should be worried that people will ask you why. Your post doesn't really say why.

 

[songl4a]

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[Cookiess]

I know students who got into US MD schools without research, but I would say it wouldn't hurt just to try it out. You may end up liking or you may confirm your initial impression of not liking research, but you won't know until you give it a shot.

I would not recommend emailing 20-30 random professors to ask if they had research positions. I would pick a topic that interests you and look up professors who are conducting experiments that you find to be an interesting way of doing research on your topic of interest. Think about whether you'd enjoy basic science bench research or clinical research more. Read about the current experiments the lab is working on and scan over recent publications. When you email then, mention that you've read some of their recent publications as a way to demonstrate your interest in their lab. Even then, some research labs may be full and you may have to email 10-20 professors before someone replies and gives you an opportunity.

 

[Lawpy]

Look at the MSAR for schools that you're interested in. Truth is, at a majority of MD schools, you will see 70%+ of the matriculating class with research. As will all things, your app depends on a variety of factors, so perhaps a lack of research can be made up for by stellar stats, ECs, etc.,

MSAR statistics are inflated because many applicants categorize lab maintenance (i.e. dishwashing) or course projects as research. Research experiences and productivity aren't a big deal for schools outside the Top 25/30 or so. Best bet is for OP to focus heavily on service-focused schools, low yield MD schools and primary care schools.

I have no interest in research but I can't say I didn't like it without trying it. However I really believe I wouldn't enjoy it. I tried getting into a researh lab my junior year after emailing 20-30 professors but most responded with being full or you need to be top 5 in my class to get in. I didn't try hard enough but the primary reason was I didn't want it badly enough. My question is should I try really hard to get some research exposure in the summer even though it doesn't interest me?

If you were emailing basic science/wet lab research professors, i wouldn't bother. Perhaps look into clinical research at nearby academic medical centers, health policy research, social science research, outcomes and epidemiology research etc.

 

[TooMuchPressure]

I know students who got into US MD schools without research, but I would say it wouldn't hurt just to try it out. You may end up liking or you may confirm your initial impression of not liking research, but you won't know until you give it a shot.

I would not recommend emailing 20-30 random professors to ask if they had research positions. I would pick a topic that interests you and look up professors who are conducting experiments that you find to be an interesting way of doing research on your topic of interest. Think about whether you'd enjoy basic science bench research or clinical research more. Read about the current experiments the lab is working on and scan over recent publications. When you email then, mention that you've read some of their recent publications as a way to demonstrate your interest in their lab. Even then, some research labs may be full and you may have to email 10-20 professors before someone replies and gives you an opportunity.

Thanks for the input, I will look into it. Personally I don't know what kind of research I would enjoy, I am just looking for some type of exposure.

If you were emailing basic science/wet lab research professors, i wouldn't bother. Perhaps look into clinical research at nearby academic medical centers, health policy research, social science research, outcomes and epidemiology research etc.

Thank you I will look into it.

MSAR statistics are inflated because many applicants categorize lab maintenance (i.e. dishwashing) or course projects as research.

I wouldn't mind doing that if it counts as research to be honest 😀

 

[alpinism]

Just try it out for a summer in a field that you find interesting. You can also do clinical research instead of traditional bench research.