What is your research proving to adcoms?

[medmiscer]

I volunteered in a lab in the summer before 1st year and again in the summer after 1st year, and to be completely honestly, I didn't like it.

 

I was wondering what sort of traits adcoms believe that students get out of participating in research? I'm not doing research this year because it's not something I enjoy doing. Will this hurt my application when I apply?

[1337]

I think research effectively demonstrates: scientific and intellectual curiosity, openness to continuing learning, ability to work with others, oral/written communication skills, initiative, performance, and reliability.

 

In doing research, you also contribute meaningfully and purposefully for the scientific/medical community.

[Cerena]

All of the points 1337 said were right on. Also, I agree with you, med. Research can be horrible and dreadfully boring... if you don't like the project! I hated biochem research *shudder* but loved my ochem and clinical research to death.

 

Adcoms should definitely be able to overlook the fact you don't have tons of research experience. It's not a requirement by any means. But you still need to show that you have some of the skills 1337 mentioned which you can gain from other ECs.

[medmiscer]

Thanks for the responses guys

 

Yeah, the prof I worked with for the past two summers pretty much said that I work for him (NSERC) if I wanted, but I ended up declining.

 

I'm planning on studying for the MCAT this summer (I've never been this scared of a test before lol) and I'm working a few days a week doing something that I actually love. Hopefully everything works out.

 

I feel that scientific and intellectual curiosity, openness to continuing learning, written communication skills could also be demonstrated through the MCAT, right?

[thehumanmacbook]

Remember that research is very valuable sometimes to gain clinical experience. So that when you can talk about it, you've got some exposure outside from a volunteer. That's my take on it...but the research I do is on tech applications, which is interesting to me but woefully boring to others.

 

Remember guys, to <3 the MCAT.

[medmiscer]

Remember that research is very valuable sometimes to gain clinical experience. So that when you can talk about it, you've got some exposure outside from a volunteer. That's my take on it...but the research I do is on tech applications, which is interesting to me but woefully boring to others.

 

Remember guys, to <3 the MCAT.

 

Thank you!