Should I do research?

[SheepAndOwl]

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How much is research experience valued in terms of getting interviews/getting accepted?
I have an opportunity to do a research next semester but I'm worried that it will disturb my focus on classes. I'm a junior and I feel like next semester will be pretty busy with anatomy+lab, physics, and orgo2+lab.
But, I'm afraid having no research experience on my resume will make me a weak applicant.

Any opinion will be appreciated!!

 

[DSchoolorBust202X]

Research is definitely not a requirement. I think it would only help if you enjoyed the topic and completed a lot of hours in it. Otherwise, I don’t think it makes much difference.

 

[deleted678432]

I landed 6/9 interviews with 0 research hours. This includes research-heavy programs like Michigan and UCSF. It can only help you in my opinion, but won't hurt you if you don't have any.

 

[miamimami]

I've been asked about my research at a few interviews. Don't really know how much weight it holds. What I do know is that doing research you don't enjoy will suck the life outta ya.

 

[dent_wannabe]

I think schools would definitely like to see you try research, but they won't hold it against you if you don't get any research experience or end up not liking it.

 

[2jz]

Only participate in research if you find it engaging and rewarding. If you decide to do research, make sure you can competently speak about why you did what you did. If all you know is that you were told to move small volumes of liquid from one tube to another then heat them up, research will hurt you. Make sure you fully understand your PI's purpose for the project. Then make sure you can explain that purpose in an interview.

 

[macsak]

How much is research experience valued in terms of getting interviews/getting accepted?
I have an opportunity to do a research next semester but I'm worried that it will disturb my focus on classes. I'm a junior and I feel like next semester will be pretty busy with anatomy+lab, physics, and orgo2+lab.
But, I'm afraid having no research experience on my resume will make me a weak applicant.

Any opinion will be appreciated!!

that's a pretty rough semester, do you have electives too?
I wouldn't recommend it just because you think it will help your applications
you don't want to hurt your GPA if you do research

 

[averageasian]

I interviewed pretty much everywhere besides UCs and Columbia with zero research experience. Do things that interest you and make you stand out research doesnt have to be on that list. For me, i like teaching Organic Chemistry (was Head TA junior and senior year for 800 students) and that made me stand out.

 

[dentalsud]

It can only help you but on the other hand if you don't have it, it should not harm you long as you have other extracurriculars such as volunteering

 

[Faefly]

If you are passionate about research, do it.
If not, then why bother? it kinda takes a lot of time and requires a lot of commitments which can be well-spent on other important stuff like your GPA and your volunteer work.

 

[Nachatta]

Only if you're interested, like what everyone else said. No point in making yourself work 10-20 hours a week to do something you hate

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

It’s only worth it if it leads to publishing a paper too.

 

[CccccsI]

I am not a big fan of research and have zero research experience. I am still able to receive multiple interviews this cycle. Like everyone else said, do research if you find it enjoyable. Otherwise, just spend the time doing things that you like and strengthening your EC.

 

[weaselodeath]

At Pitt there are scholarships you can get that factor in your potential usefulness to the research programs there. That includes the Dean’s scholarship which is pretty damn hefty. I don’t know if it’s the same at other schools but I suspect it probably is.

 

[at17]

Research definitely can only help you, but it is not necessary at all. I have never done research and got interviewed at 4/6 places I applied to including UPenn and Pitt which are more research heavy.