I’ve been working in a lab over the summer and me and my P.I both expect that my research will take me far beyond the summer into the school year, and a paper could be published from my work (I’m pre med btw). I really want to continue with my research, both out of interest and the potential result (a paper), but do you think I’ll have the time to be spending a few hours every school day on research? I’d hate to turn this opportunity down but of course, grades have to come first. Now I’m at a Canadian university so you guys probably aren’t familiar with my specific course load, but do you think that I’ll be able to manage research with the general 2nd year pre med courses? Thanks.
You should go for it. Many students do research throughout the school year and PIs are usually very understanding and flexible (e.g. you don’t have to go in during the week when you have 5 midterms). I did research throughout my sophomore year and found it helpful to dedicate one day I could spend completely at the lab (no classes) and several afternoons. That being said, expect research to proceed more slowly since you aren’t doing it full-time anymore.
Different people need to spend different amounts of time to be successful in the same course so only you can determine if you have the time. But if at all possible, I’d continue with the research.
What would be the downside if you said you wanted to keep doing the research but then found out it takes too much time?
Of course you can. Many, many undergrads spend a few hours a week doing research and also do other things.