Should I take a year off to do research?

[_T_]

---

Members don't see this ad.

..

 

[Gfunk6]

I think you should be okay without taking a year off for research.

 

[thesauce]

Hey everyone..

I know everyone hates this type of topics but I need some input so here goes..

I'm an MS3 from a non-top 50 school.. I'm an okay student.. High-passed a bunch of classes.. honored one (microbio).. I did pretty decent on Step 1 with a 246. I also did dosimetry related research between 1st and 2nd yr which resulted in a first author pub in the Red Journal.

I'm involved in another project that most likely won't result in any big pub.. but my question is.. should I take a yr off to do research or are these two experiences adequate to get me a decent spot? Any other advice since 4th yr is rapidly approaching?

Thanks!

If your goal is to attain a "decent" spot (and there's nothing wrong with that), I don't think taking a year off is necessary in your case.

If you're looking to go to a top program or a specific program, a research year (especially in that department) can be a big boost to your application.

And if you're actually interested in research, a research year can be a great training opportunity and (dare I say) enjoyable.

Good luck!

 

[_T_]

Thanks for the advice guys.. so am I correct in thinking that most people that match at big name places have taken a year off or is that not necessarily true? If I do a research elective at one of these places would it help at all?

Thx again?

 

[Gfunk6]

Not true. You can match at top places without doing a PhD or taking year off for research. But those that do generally come from top medical schools and/or have more than one high impact publication. A research elective may help.

 

[_T_]

Thanks for the advice.. wish me luck 🙂