What about applying without any research experience?

[SusGob711]

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I've found a lot of great information on what is recommended as far as research experience goes but I was wondering if it's possible to get in without any. We have a couple summer programs that I could do if I decided it was going to be detrimental to not have it but...what do you guys think?

I work as a CNA, I am involved in a non-medical/personal hobby volunteer program, I am a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, I will have shadowed pretty extensively, and I will hopefully have quite a few clinical volunteering hours by the time I apply. Research really doesn't interest me but I don't want to be lacking an 'unofficial admission requirement' even if it is just to make my application look prettier.

 

[J ROD]

As long as you dont apply to research heavy schools, you will be fine.

I did none and it was never mentioned. I turned down several opportunities too because I rather do clinical work.

 

[tremulousNeedle]

I've found a lot of great information on what is recommended as far as research experience goes but I was wondering if it's possible to get in without any. We have a couple summer programs that I could do if I decided it was going to be detrimental to not have it but...what do you guys think?

I work as a CNA, I am involved in a non-medical/personal hobby volunteer program, I am a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, I will have shadowed pretty extensively, and I will hopefully have quite a few clinical volunteering hours by the time I apply. Research really doesn't interest me but I don't want to be lacking an 'unofficial admission requirement' even if it is just to make my application look prettier.

I started medical school in 2006. I had no research experience on my application. However, my application was heavy with a lot of clinical work experience and healthcare education experience. It is possible.

-senior medical student / admissions committee interviewer

 

[FuSoYa]

I think adcoms want to see some reason and passion behind what you're doing, not just filling in space b/c we think it looks good on an application. There are a lot of people who get into med school with minimal or no research experience, but that "hole" is filled with other activitie (i.e. clinical work).

I'll throw my name into the example bucket too. Zero research. But lots of clinical work, overseas work, and personal, non-medical-related hobbies.

Do things because you genuinely love doing it, not because you want to impress someone else. This is where the personal statement comes into play too. Using those "personal" experiences to convey your passion and reasons for pursuing medicine. And like J DUB, the lack of research was never brought up at interviews or anywhere else; even at "research" schools.

 

[naijaboi]

Research is not required even for research heavy schools. My friend interviewed at HMS and UCSF with zero research experience. I met several students during my interviews at research heavy schools with zero research experience. Do what you are passionate about and what you can have the greatest impact on based on your interests and talents. It looks much better than filling in the blanks.

 

[Morsetlis]

Be a 30%-er.

 

[mordounhas]

I didn't do any research as an undergraduate, and you can certainly get into many medical schools without it. Having done some in medical school though, I wish I had given it some more thought as an undergraduate. I was under the impression that I'd be nothing more than a glorified beaker cleaner (which may very well have been the case) but had a suitable project come along, I think I would have enjoyed it. I wouldn't do it just to check off a box, but if you happen to hear of an opportunity that intrigues you, I'd give it consideration.

 

[NickNaylor]

If it doesn't interest you, don't do it. You'll more than likely hate it. I really enjoy research, but spending hours and hours in the lab can be a beating at times. In my experience, it's been a great thing to talk about, but mostly because I like talking about and sharing the work that I did. If you don't have some sort of passion for it, it probably won't be as meaningful for you.

 

[randombetch]

Research is not required even for research heavy schools. My friend interviewed at HMS and UCSF with zero research experience. I met several students during my interviews at research heavy schools with zero research experience. Do what you are passionate about and what you can have the greatest impact on based on your interests and talents. It looks much better than filling in the blanks.

92-95% of the entering classes for Harvard and UCSF have research experience. You have to be pretty damn amazing to get in without any.

Also, there's a difference between getting an interview and getting an acceptance. I bet the lack of research will really stick out during the interview, when they usually ask you about what research experiences you've had.

 

[Yips]

It's possible to get in without any research but if you are going to be applying to research-heavy schools, then it is in your best interest to have some sort of research experience on your application. Some schools ask you to elaborate on your research experience on their secondary application while some schools ask you to list any publications you may have.