<p>So, I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I've been talking to profs about doing research in their lab for this next year. I am a biology major and biochemistry minor. I would really like to be in the neuroscience lab, but I was all but guaranteed a spot for this spring in one of the Biochemistry Labs and in the Chemistry REU program this summer.
My questions are:
1. Would it look bad to prospective med schools to have bounced around between two or more labs/faculty advisors?
2. Does this kind of thing create problems when asking for recommendations?
3. Is it okay to work in the chemistry department for awhile (spring, summer, possibly fall) and then switch to the neuroscience lab when openings become available??
What are you guys' thoughts??</p>
<p>i'm curious to hear responses too...how would you explain to the adcom people? i'm in my 2nd lab (and last...i plan to stay in this one till i graduate. my first lab was terrible! and all i did was grunt work even if i asked for more)</p>
<p>but i don't think it should hurt our chances...</p>
<p>You're fine. It takes time to find the right fit in research. Adcoms shouldn't expect you to magically stumble upon your dream position on the first try.</p>
<p>It's legitimate to leave a lab because you realize you don't love the work you're doing. It's legitimate to leave because even after paying your glassware-cleaning-dues, you aren't being given any opportunities. It's legitimate to leave because you find a position you're more interested in. These are probably all better options than hanging around a lab and pipetting for 4 years just so you can throw the word "research" onto your app.</p>
<p>Find a job you enjoy and dedicate yourself to it. If you do that, good letters of rec, substantial research, and good experience will take care of themselves.</p>