Should I apply to a SURP?

[dantheman.976]

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I am a junior premed student who currently has no clinical or research experience outside of lab courses for school (switched to premed my sophomore year so am a bit behind, planning on taking 2 gap years after college). I'm starting to apply to about 20 different summer undergraduate research programs for summer 2026 but am now wondering if I should focus more on clinical experience instead, as I know SURPs are very selective and my stats aren't that great. I currently have a 3.78 cGPA, 3.94 sGPA, about 20 hours of shadowing and am just starting to volunteer in a hospital this semester.

What do you guys think are my chances of getting into at least 1 SURP for this summer? Should I continue to apply to them or would I likely be wasting my time?

 

[Moko]

I am a junior premed student who currently has no clinical or research experience outside of lab courses for school (switched to premed my sophomore year so am a bit behind, planning on taking 2 gap years after college). I'm starting to apply to about 20 different summer undergraduate research programs for summer 2026 but am now wondering if I should focus more on clinical experience instead, as I know SURPs are very selective and my stats aren't that great. I currently have a 3.78 cGPA, 3.94 sGPA, about 20 hours of shadowing and am just starting to volunteer in a hospital this semester.

What do you guys think are my chances of getting into at least 1 SURP for this summer? Should I continue to apply to them or would I likely be wasting my time?

Depends on your goals. The majority of matriculants have at least some research experience (outside of lab courses), so not having it would stand out for the wrong reasons at schools that also have a research focus. If you are aiming for such schools, then a SURP will be particularly beneficial as you are lacking in both research and clinical exposure at this time. You can always volunteer on the side during the summer, and then continue gaining clinical experience during your senior year.

Personally, even if you are not interested in getting into a 'research-heavy' school, having some research exposure is still beneficial as it helps round out an application and provides greater insight into the research that you will be relying on throughout medical school and beyond. Just my thoughts.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I am a junior premed student who currently has no clinical or research experience outside of lab courses for school (switched to premed my sophomore year so am a bit behind, planning on taking 2 gap years after college). I'm starting to apply to about 20 different summer undergraduate research programs for summer 2026 but am now wondering if I should focus more on clinical experience instead, as I know SURPs are very selective and my stats aren't that great. I currently have a 3.78 cGPA, 3.94 sGPA, about 20 hours of shadowing and am just starting to volunteer in a hospital this semester.

What do you guys think are my chances of getting into at least 1 SURP for this summer? Should I continue to apply to them or would I likely be wasting my time?

Chances depend on how strong your science professor letter is in supporting your application for summer research.

 

[premed_1234]

I am a junior premed student who currently has no clinical or research experience outside of lab courses for school (switched to premed my sophomore year so am a bit behind, planning on taking 2 gap years after college). I'm starting to apply to about 20 different summer undergraduate research programs for summer 2026 but am now wondering if I should focus more on clinical experience instead, as I know SURPs are very selective and my stats aren't that great. I currently have a 3.78 cGPA, 3.94 sGPA, about 20 hours of shadowing and am just starting to volunteer in a hospital this semester.

What do you guys think are my chances of getting into at least 1 SURP for this summer? Should I continue to apply to them or would I likely be wasting my time?

I'm a current MD applicant so my advice doesn't mean much, but I did a similar program a couple years back. In general, I'd recommend it if you're genuinely interested — I had a great summer at a new school/city, my PI was amazing and continues to keep in touch/support me years later, and one of my II's is actually at that school.

I don't think your stats will keep you out. The biggest hurdle will be explaining why you want a SURP/summer research experience as a pre-med with no research experience. Some programs are more open-minded about giving students their first extracurricular research opportunity and/or taking people interested in the MD/PhD route, but the vast majority aren't too friendly toward pure MD/DO applicants. Just make sure to read each program's website so you aren't wasting your time.

I will say, the best research experience in terms of productivity is likely something you can do more long-term, like at your home institution or as a long-term research technician. You'll also need to get clinical experience/shadowing eventually (not having these will sink you "more" than not doing a SURP imo).

 

[premed272727]

I am a junior premed student who currently has no clinical or research experience outside of lab courses for school (switched to premed my sophomore year so am a bit behind, planning on taking 2 gap years after college). I'm starting to apply to about 20 different summer undergraduate research programs for summer 2026 but am now wondering if I should focus more on clinical experience instead, as I know SURPs are very selective and my stats aren't that great. I currently have a 3.78 cGPA, 3.94 sGPA, about 20 hours of shadowing and am just starting to volunteer in a hospital this semester.

What do you guys think are my chances of getting into at least 1 SURP for this summer? Should I continue to apply to them or would I likely be wasting my time?

I can't answer what the absolute best course of action is for your application-wise, but as someone who did SURP's for the last 2 summers I have had an absolute blast at both. I have a pub in submission from the first, and 2 strong rec letters which ended up on my application. Additionally, you can very easily acquire shadowing hours during these programs as they are either built in, or very easy to find opportunities by networking. Especially because you plan to take 2 gap years, this is kind of a limited time opportunity to travel for a summer, make some money, get some great research experience, and make strong connections at an institution away from your home school which may translate to an advantage come application time. Again, no idea if it makes you a strong med school applicant but from a purely personal perspective I can't recommend enough.

 

[AJ25]

and my stats aren't that great. I currently have a 3.78 cGPA, 3.94 sGPA,

What do you think is the reason for your stats not being that great?