Should I even do research?

[babytomato]

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I met a professor at a dental school who was willing to work with me on some research. I was just planning on working on research with a professor at my university next summer, but this is different because I have to come up with my own topic, do all the tests myself, and create my own literature review poster. It seems like he's just going to view it once I'm done and then I'll present it at some conference. I know it'll look nice on my resume, but honestly I'm not sure if I can do it well by myself.

If I have a 4.0 GPa and 20+ DAT, I'm afraid I won't have anything besides that that will help me stand out. I do play piano and volunteer a lot. Do you think doing the research will help that much?

 

[shwayne]

Research is becoming more important on applications, it will definitely make you more competitive and unique.

 

[blablabla1]

From experience, only do research if you truly want to do it. I did it for a year to improve my app and did not enjoy very much of it. I'm glad I got some experience, but I do wish I could've used that time to get involved in other leadership positions and volunteer in the community.

Do what you enjoy, but keep yourself busy and productive. Dental schools want to see applicants who have interests outside of book studying.

 

[fit2]

Or it will make you generic. Everyone I know that applies to med/dental wants research...how about doing something different? Something meaningful but different? I have research because I really enjoyed ochem...I couldn't imagine doing biochem research it doesn't seem that interesting. I did research during the semester so I only have like 200 hours. But I have business internships: management and finance...I really wanted to get an exposure to the business world and understand how companies work better and learn from real world experience. I don't think this choice makes me an unfavorable applicant. Choose what you're interested in

 

[babytomato]

Thank you, guys! I think I'd enjoy working with a professor at my school, but I've been stressing out so much about whether or not I should work with this professor at dental school because I don't think I'd actually enjoy doing it! Just don't know if my leadership and tutoring roles will help me stand out too much. Seems like most applicants have that kind of stuff on their application.

 

[babytomato]

Or it will make you generic. Everyone I know that applies to med/dental wants research...how about doing something different? Something meaningful but different? I have research because I really enjoyed ochem...I couldn't imagine doing biochem research it doesn't seem that interesting. I did research during the semester so I only have like 200 hours. But I have business internships: management and finance...I really wanted to get an exposure to the business world and understand how companies work better and learn from real world experience. I don't think this choice makes me an unfavorable applicant. Choose what you're interested in

Business intership does sound interesting. I don't have much knowledge about business right now. Did you take a business class prior to your internship?

 

[fit2]

Yeah I'm a double major in biochem and business. I hadn't taken a lot of classes before my first one but for finance I beliege some accounting and finance classes would be very useful. Are you a junior this upcoming year? Dental school recommend some business classes like management or accounting (because they're useful later on). So you could take 1-2 classes and maybe apply for internships. Also see if you know anyone from family or friends that work at a bunsiness or own one...to help you with chances of getting one.
I love my finance internships becuase I'm learning a lot. Right now I'm working in the finance department doing budgeting for projects and also with accounts payable departments to index and pay invoices that the company gets

 

[babytomato]

Yeah I'm a double major in biochem and business. I hadn't taken a lot of classes before my first one but for finance I beliege some accounting and finance classes would be very useful. Are you a junior this upcoming year? Dental school recommend some business classes like management or accounting (because they're useful later on). So you could take 1-2 classes and maybe apply for internships. Also see if you know anyone from family or friends that work at a bunsiness or own one...to help you with chances of getting one.
I love my finance internships becuase I'm learning a lot. Right now I'm working in the finance department doing budgeting for projects and also with accounts payable departments to index and pay invoices that the company gets

Glad you're enjoying your internships! I'm a rising sophomore and plan on taking business or finance junior year. If I do an internship for that, it'll probably be during summer after junior year.

 

[fit2]

Glad you're enjoying your internships! I'm a rising sophomore and plan on taking business or finance junior year. If I do an internship for that, it'll probably be during summer after junior year.

Finance is the best subject in business IMO. I'm investing my own money now which is kinda cool. I was always a little negous before but it's so easy

 

[baseball0079]

I had no interest in doing research, so I chose not to. I got into dental school just fine. As long as you have other extracurriculars, shadowing hours, and community service (you've already nailed the grades aspect) you should be golden.

 

[redhotchiligochu]

I had zero hours of research and still got accepted. Sure, it'll help your apps but really only for schools that are interested in that stuff e.g. UCSF, UCLA, etc.

Do it if you're interested but I think it's much better to get more experience in dentistry e.g. shadowing, working part time as an assistant, etc.