<p>I never heard about high-school molecular biology research until this year. How do people get into it? What level of biology do you have to have studied to participate? Are these experiences based on personal initiatives or do you attend accelerated courses?</p>
<p>I'm sorry if my questions are naive... i'm just very curious to know how this all works.</p>
<p>And finally: as a future hopeful pre-med who has been involved in one international science competition ( got 2nd place) and has done no research, do I stand a chance against people who have?</p>
<p>thank you!</p>
<p>bio research depends upon your highschool you currently attend. in my school, i currently take bio reseach [as an aspiring pre-med as well] but i see no point to it. just because you have done some sort of research doesn't mean you stack better chances than those who don't. i think getting 2nd place in an int. sci competition is more respected than bioresearch. i got into bioresearch because i guess i had good grades in science and math so my guidance counseler suggested it to me. there is an advantage however, since research opens you to so many options. because of bio research in my school i'm able to participate in INTEL, an int. sci fair competition. This does not mean that i'll get into a better college or future medschool. do good in school and have strong ECs ..that's going to get you somewhere.</p>
<p>I'm doing basically independent research at the NIH and I haven't taken a biology course until this year.</p>
<p>Olympiad people are more successful than research types. So for starters, you're in good company (did you get 2nd at IBO by any chance?). Second, it's all about family connections and your high school program at this level. Do what you can, learn important lab techniques and statistical methods, and use the skillset to apply for interesting labs during your undergrad year, which I assume will be at an elite institution, so you're fine.</p>
<p>Shalashaska: Nope, not IBO. It was a competition held by Imperial College London.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for the encouraging/insightful advice! You clarified a lot for me.</p>