Which research position?

[TigerLilies]

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Which of these research positions would you choose? Would med schools favor one over the other?

1. Minimal time commitment. Very laid back lab atmosphere but not strong guidance. The prof basically wants students to "free style" or do research independently. It is not that organized. You can come and go from lab as you please.

2. Intensive time commitment. The prof is very organized and has detailed instructions for everything. More of a strict atmosphere. Wants a set amount of hours (a lot of hours) each week in lab.

 

[Bluntman]

Unfortunately, the best bet would seem to be an imagined 3rd professor, whose expectations lie somewhere in the middle of the other two. Any chance you could ask around and try to find other opportunities that are better structured than the first, but not as over-controlling as the second? Good luck!

 

[TigerLilies]

Unfortunately, the best bet would seem to be an imagined 3rd professor, whose expectations lie somewhere in the middle of the other two. Any chance you could ask around and try to find other opportunities that are better structured than the first, but not as over-controlling as the second? Good luck!

If a middle-area could not be reached, which would be preferable? What are med schools looking for in research?

Thanks!

 

[Bluntman]

If a middle-area could not be reached, which would be preferable? What are med schools looking for in research?

Thanks!

I see. In that case, the first opportunity would definitely be preferable for a couple reasons: First, you can make what you want of it...so if you get into the research you could spend a ton of time on it, or on the other hand, if school is getting busy it sounds like you could easily cut back your time in the lab. Not to mention it sounds as if you'll have more leeway in picking a project that you like. Secondly, med schools place the most weight on independent projects, where you will act as a leader in proposing/planning/carrying out investigations. After all, it doesn't mean much to just follow someone else's protocols and be a pipet/gel/pcr/miniprep/tome/etc. slave. I mean hell, we all learned how to make gels as kids already thanks to Bill Cosby and jello. The only drawback of the first option lies in this very same independence. It'll take a lot of commitment on your part, between school and everything else in your life, to turn the experience into a meaningful one...since without someone on your ass like the second prof., it'll be easy to slack off. Anyway, hope this helps. 🙂