What counts as “research productivity” for MD/PhD apps?

[deleted1191256]

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I swear most programs describe wanting “productive and sustained” research. Does anyone have a definition for what that means?

I’m in a position where I can only get posters by the time I apply because my lab is experiencing funding cuts really hard.

 

[RunningMSN]

In general, it means you have been engaged in research for a protracted amount of time (usually several years), and took ownership of your project(s) such that you can talk about what you did, why you did it, and why its important in a critical and meaningful way. Papers are a bonus, but admissions committees recognize that undergraduate publications can also be a matter of luck. Many students successfully matriculate without any papers. Poster presentations, especially at larger conferences outside your home institution, are also a sign of productive research.

 

[VaultArmitage]

I'll echo above. If you've been in a lab for two years and have absolutely nothing (posters, papers, submitted abstracts, etc.) we may wonder what you were doing that whole time.

 

[mdphdhopefully]

the other two responses ^ are great. I'll just add that on the application, your research productivity is mainly evidenced in your PI's LOR, followed by your "significant research experience" essay and finally by your interviews

 

[deleted1191256]

In general, it means you have been engaged in research for a protracted amount of time (usually several years), and took ownership of your project(s) such that you can talk about what you did, why you did it, and why its important in a critical and meaningful way. Papers are a bonus, but admissions committees recognize that undergraduate publications can also be a matter of luck. Many students successfully matriculate without any papers. Poster presentations, especially at larger conferences outside your home institution, are also a sign of productive research.

Applied to a regional bio conference that comes with a public abstract. Would not have done so otherwise, thanks for the tip!