Should I take it?

[TexasSurgeon]

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Hey guys, thanks in advance.

So here's the situation. I'm currently going to apply for SURF at my university. I'm not sure if I'll get in, but I had an interview with a professor today and it went very well. I've never researched with him but he is willing to set me up and sponsor me for SURF. Assuming I get in, this would be a fantastic experience. He told me that he wants a student that is willing to commit to more than just one summer, which makes sense. So I have two things to worry about:

Assuming I don't get in, I would still have to be in the lab during the summer (I would assume). His research seems very interesting and he seems to like me. So if I accept his offer, even if I don't get into SURF I would still need to be in the lab. However, I'm not sure if this will happen, because a friend of mine told me I have a very competitive GPA for the application process.

Now the other thing is this: Over time, he told me that it would be approximately a 10 hour/week deal. So assuming I take 15 hours of classes in the Fall of 2013, I would basically have a 25 hours workload. Albeit, research work of 10 hours probably isn't as stressful, but it is time that I would devote to academics. I would start off slowly and the hours in the lab would gradually increase.

What do you guys think of this? Would you take a position at a lab that would involve such a huge time commitment? I'm currently a second semester sophomore undergrad. The research could potentially lead to some very strong publications. Is it even possible to do 15 hours of classes and 10 hours of research at the same time?

If I get into SURF, it would basically be a 45 hour workweek of research. I need to increase my shadowing experience. Would it be possible to shadow and do SURF? SURF lasts about 10 weeks where I am, but like I said, I would be expected to continue for the next 2 years.

Thanks a lot for the help guys.

 

[MedPR]

Unless you have a 4.0, a realistic shot at a 95%+ MCAT, and an interest in MSTP at a top program, your need for significant research will be almost non-existent.

Get good grades, do well on the MCAT, and have fun in college. Relax.

 

[Neuronette]

If you do not yet have any basic research exp an are aiming for top schools, its def a good idea to get some exp in undergrad.
I also have a competitive gpa, taking full courseload including orgo 2, physics, orgo lab, and I also do research 10+ hrs. Academics comes first and I try to manage my time efficiently but it isn't easy.... Tbh

 

[eleveneleven]

Hey guys, thanks in advance.

So here's the situation. I'm currently going to apply for SURF at my university. I'm not sure if I'll get in, but I had an interview with a professor today and it went very well. I've never researched with him but he is willing to set me up and sponsor me for SURF. Assuming I get in, this would be a fantastic experience. He told me that he wants a student that is willing to commit to more than just one summer, which makes sense. So I have two things to worry about:

Assuming I don't get in, I would still have to be in the lab during the summer (I would assume). His research seems very interesting and he seems to like me. So if I accept his offer, even if I don't get into SURF I would still need to be in the lab. However, I'm not sure if this will happen, because a friend of mine told me I have a very competitive GPA for the application process.

Now the other thing is this: Over time, he told me that it would be approximately a 10 hour/week deal. So assuming I take 15 hours of classes in the Fall of 2013, I would basically have a 25 hours workload. Albeit, research work of 10 hours probably isn't as stressful, but it is time that I would devote to academics. I would start off slowly and the hours in the lab would gradually increase.

What do you guys think of this? Would you take a position at a lab that would involve such a huge time commitment? I'm currently a second semester sophomore undergrad. The research could potentially lead to some very strong publications. Is it even possible to do 15 hours of classes and 10 hours of research at the same time?

If I get into SURF, it would basically be a 45 hour workweek of research. I need to increase my shadowing experience. Would it be possible to shadow and do SURF? SURF lasts about 10 weeks where I am, but like I said, I would be expected to continue for the next 2 years.

Thanks a lot for the help guys.

I would definitely take it. 45 hours/week during the summer is definitely manageable, and shadowing is pretty easy to squeeze in at any point, whether it's during the summer or later down the line. And 10 hours per week I would say is a pretty average research commitment for during the semester-I don't think you'd really be able to find a research position for much less time.

 

[TexasSurgeon]

You guys are really helpful! As much as I want to do research, I'm kind of agreeing with MedPR at the moment. I'm not sure if hours of slaving in research will have any real benefit for me other than a research publication. I just really can't decide if it is worth the time doing research when I can spend it doing shadowing or volunteering or other things... Ugh any more suggestions?


EDIT- I decided to take the offer!

EDIT 2: Was accepted into SURF. 😀