summer '09 plans for junior...

[BarberofSeville]

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hey guys,

I'm a junior right now, and I plan on applying to med schools next summer. i'm a cali resident, and i'd really like to stay in-state for med school. my dream schools (ucsf, ucla, ucsd, and stanford) all have summer research programs, and i feel that working in these programs might get me good connections and kind of get my foot into the door into these med schools. this really is just speculation on my part though. alternatively, i can go back to the lab that i've been working in for 1+ years, and my understanding is that continuity is something that is seen as a good thing by md/phd committees. what do you guys think would be the better choice? my PI at my lab was quite pleased with my work this past summer, and offered to write me a strong LOR whereever i applied, so i dont think i necessarily have anything "more" to prove to my PI to get a good LOR; i'd just be working there because I enjoy the research.

 

[dmblue]

hey guys,

I'm a junior right now, and I plan on applying to med schools next summer. i'm a cali resident, and i'd really like to stay in-state for med school. my dream schools (ucsf, ucla, ucsd, and stanford) all have summer research programs, and i feel that working in these programs might get me good connections and kind of get my foot into the door into these med schools. this really is just speculation on my part though. alternatively, i can go back to the lab that i've been working in for 1+ years, and my understanding is that continuity is something that is seen as a good thing by md/phd committees. what do you guys think would be the better choice? my PI at my lab was quite pleased with my work this past summer, and offered to write me a strong LOR whereever i applied, so i dont think i necessarily have anything "more" to prove to my PI to get a good LOR; i'd just be working there because I enjoy the research.

Tough decision. I would stay in your lab since you have only been there for 1+ years. Those summer programs are tough to get into from my experience. I am 1/6 for summer programs, and the 1 was only because I went to them after being rejected and asked them about their decision. After looking at my app, they didn't know why I was rejected and promptly accepted me lol. I wish that worked with MSTP programs.

 

[ClarinetGeek]

I would recommend sticking with the same lab. You will likely get more accomplished there because you will have familiarity with the lab and have more time than the 6-8 weeks the program runs for. Plus I am a big fan of continuity. Personally, I view the summer research programs as an opportunity for individual who do not have the opportunity to conduct research at their home institutions. I do agree with you though that the summer programs do offer an opportunity to introduce yourself to the MSTP; however, this is only the case if the program is run by the MSTP and not a grad program. With our summer MSTP program, it provides you an opportunity to not only get familiar with the facilities, city, university, and students...but also the program coordinator and program director...which certainly can't hurt with admissions. Good luck with you decision. If you are interested in summer programs, apply to a few but make sure you still keep the door open on your old lab.