Summer Programs... Makes you more competitive for top school?

[jtran001]

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From a friend:
Hey guys, does participating in a summer program make an applicant more competitive for medical schools, especially the top? I am currently applying for funding to run my own research... and it would be under a PI's guidance of course, but this means i would not be able to participate in a summer program. However, I was wondering which one would make me more competitive?

I am currently applying for:

SMDEP
Some research internships

or

Run my own research under a PI's guidance

 

[BABSstudent]

I may sound stupid, but what do you mean by a summer program? Like classes, study abroad, work, research, etc.

 

[NigelVermooth]

Assuming you mean summer research programs, I do not believe these would be that these would be viewed as more valuable than your own research with a PI. I would advise that you go with whichever you believe would allow you to accomplish more (ie. result in presentations, publications, and/or a good long term association with a PI).

 

[jtran001]

I may sound stupid, but what do you mean by a summer program? Like classes, study abroad, work, research, etc.

What I meant was a summer research program for 10 weeks at some random schools. Do you think those have THAT much value in them?

and to the 2nd responder, I kind of feel that way but I just want to make sure that what I am doing is the right choice. I was also going to take the time to double major because i'd have time to take some classes. Would that be more competitive?

 

[Lollygag]

What I meant was a summer research program for 10 weeks at some random schools. Do you think those have THAT much value in them?

and to the 2nd responder, I kind of feel that way but I just want to make sure that what I am doing is the right choice. I was also going to take the time to double major because i'd have time to take some classes. Would that be more competitive?

I think it's kind of obvious that running your own research/project would look better than doing research under someone else.

As another poster said, do what would result in more poster presentations or publications. It's unlikely that you will get that in a 10 week program

 

[Si Se Puede]

Double majors provide absolutely no advantage as has been said by LizzyM. It doesn't matter where you do your summer research; each is valued upon what you get out of it. I would stick to your current PI/lab. You could, however, "broaden your horizons" by applying to summer programs if you live under a rock 😀

 

[IncognitoGuy]

See here:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=13460192&postcount=21

 

[cuculici1]

Top schools like to see applicants that were actively involved in the process of scientific research. What this means is that you either design the project yourself or contribute to the actual drafting of a abstract, poster, or paper. Generally, competitive summer research programs (SURF, REU, etc.) give you the opportunity to do this full time for 10 weeks and produce something of value at the end. I did an REU the summer before my senior year and had the opportunity to continue work on the project during my senior year and potentially present findings at national conferences and make a thesis out of it. That being said, you can get the same thing out of research at your home institution as well, so I wouldn't say that you're at a disadvantage if you don't get in to one of these programs.

 

[cuculici1]

I think it's kind of obvious that running your own research/project would look better than doing research under someone else.

As another poster said, do what would result in more poster presentations or publications. It's unlikely that you will get that in a 10 week program

Most of these programs require that you produce a poster and a paper by the end of the 10 week period. Now that paper may not be published necessarily, but it is a start and definitely something worth noting. Plus you often have the opportunity to continue research with the same PI after the program and potentially publish the paper and present your findings at national conferences. It is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door in academic research.