What is 2 years of research?

[iansinke]

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Hi all,

I'm currently entering my second year of Electrical & Biomedical Engineering. I didn't manage to get a research position this summer (instead, I'm doing course development for a computer science professor -- a great reference, but not research). Hopefully over the next two summers I'll be able to do research full time.

My question is: is two summers of full-time research what's considered "two years of research experience" when applying to MD/Ph.D.? Or would that just be one year or less, because you know 4 months + 4 months = 8 months < 1 year.

Also, will the fact that I'm in Engineering (particularly Biomed eng) be an asset on my application?

I'm at a Canadian school (McMaster University) but I am an American citizen.

 

[red doctober]

Hi all,

I'm currently entering my second year of Electrical & Biomedical Engineering. I didn't manage to get a research position this summer (instead, I'm doing course development for a computer science professor -- a great reference, but not research). Hopefully over the next two summers I'll be able to do research full time.

My question is: is two summers of full-time research what's considered "two years of research experience" when applying to MD/Ph.D.? Or would that just be one year or less, because you know 4 months + 4 months = 8 months < 1 year.

Also, will the fact that I'm in Engineering (particularly Biomed eng) be an asset on my application?

I'm at a Canadian school (McMaster University) but I am an American citizen.

Most likely would be considered one year. I've seen some programs require a minimum of either one full school year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) or two summers. Otherwise, what would be probably more important than a quantification of the duration would be the significance of the research as well as how involved you are in the research process.

 

[Neuronix]

Everyone will look at this differently. I look at a full-time summer like a half year part-time. It's not really enough experience, though some people are successful with four strong summers.

 

[iansinke]

It's not really enough experience, though some people are successful with four strong summers.

If it wouldn't be enough for MSTP, would I still have a chance at non-MSTP (I'm thinking of something like RWJMS/Rutgers)?

Do a lot of people do a Masters between undergrad and MD/PhD?

 

[Neuronix]

If it wouldn't be enough for MSTP, would I still have a chance at non-MSTP (I'm thinking of something like RWJMS/Rutgers)?

Yes.

Do a lot of people do a Masters between undergrad and MD/PhD?

Some do. I don't recommend it for a variety of reasons. If you want to take time off after undergrad, your best bet is to just take the year or two and sign up with a lab as a tech full-time.

 

[K31]

Everyone will look at this differently. I look at a full-time summer like a half year part-time. It's not really enough experience, though some people are successful with four strong summers.

I don't think I've ever seen a successful candidate who has only done summer research. Summers are great in that there is lots of time to spend in the lab, but the longitudinal experience that is gained by doing research during the year is valuable experience that really can't be replicated with intensive summer experiences.

 

[iansinke]

OK, thanks for all the input!