Turning down research scholarship?

[shendiaox]

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Hi! Advice is really appreciated!!

I'm an incoming dental student, and I received a offer for my school's summer research scholarship. So much time has passed between when I first applied to the scholarship and when they notified me, that I have already made plans for the summer.

I have feeling really stressed about starting something before school starts. Is it stupid to turn down the scholarship? I really don't want to burn out before school starts. I also don't want to strain relationship as I have already identified a research mentor.

Thanks for you help!

 

[PreDent11]

Hi! Advice is really appreciated!!

I'm an incoming dental student, and I received a offer for my school's summer research scholarship. So much time has passed between when I first applied to the scholarship and when they notified me, that I have already made plans for the summer.

I have feeling really stressed about starting something before school starts. Is it stupid to turn down the scholarship? I really don't want to burn out before school starts. I also don't want to strain relationship as I have already identified a research mentor.

Thanks for you help!

I'm slightly biased, because I also received an offer for a summer research scholarship at my school (Colorado) which I accepted and am REALLY excited about. However, you need to do what's best for you, and if you don't think giving up your summer to do research is in your best interest, then DON'T DO IT! You absolutely do not want to be burned out when you start an in extremely intense 4 year professional program! I have to admit, I am a little nervous about this, since I just graduated from undergrad about a week and a half ago and will be starting my research within the next week or so. I'm not giving myself much of a break AT ALL before starting dental school so I'm a bit concerned about burnout.

However, in my opinion the benefits of doing this research program far outweigh the downfalls. I'll get the chance to learn more about the dental field before starting school (I'm doing biomaterials research which will be helpful when I have to take dental materials my first year). It will also give me a chance to earn a little extra money before entering a four year period with no income. Plus this kind of thing looks great on resumes!

If I were you, I would just make a pro/con list. What is your research program like, and what would be the benefits for you? Also, are you hoping to specialize? I'm planning to do general dentistry (and am doing research because I enjoy it), but if you're planning to specialize this could be an amazing boost to your application, and some specialty programs even require research.

I hope this helps. In the end it's your decision though. The best advice I can give you is to do what's best for you. Don't worry too much about straining relationships. If you decide that doing this program is not in your best interest, then politely decline. Hopefully your mentor will understand and respect your decision. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

 

[Doc Smile]

Hi! Advice is really appreciated!!

I'm an incoming dental student, and I received a offer for my school's summer research scholarship. So much time has passed between when I first applied to the scholarship and when they notified me, that I have already made plans for the summer.

I have feeling really stressed about starting something before school starts. Is it stupid to turn down the scholarship? I really don't want to burn out before school starts. I also don't want to strain relationship as I have already identified a research mentor.

Thanks for you help!

You will have enough debt in dental school, do it.

 

[DrReo]

Hi! Advice is really appreciated!!

I'm an incoming dental student, and I received a offer for my school's summer research scholarship. So much time has passed between when I first applied to the scholarship and when they notified me, that I have already made plans for the summer.

I have feeling really stressed about starting something before school starts. Is it stupid to turn down the scholarship? I really don't want to burn out before school starts. I also don't want to strain relationship as I have already identified a research mentor.

Thanks for you help!

Is the already identified research mentor (AIRM) a faculty member at the same dental school? If you're interested in specializing, doing the research at your dental school would be helpful for going to dental conferences (AADR, etc.).