<p>I'm an upcoming college freshman (95% set on medical school) still trying to decide on a major (I know it's still a bit early and that I should explore, but I don't want to waste time or energy taking a bunch of introductory courses if I can avoid it). My goal is to get accepted to a top 20 medical school. My question is about mostly about research.</p>
<p>I know for a fact that people are able to do very well in medical school admissions majoring in a social science, but I'm really confused on how these students do research. </p>
<p>Do they do research in their major? Do medical schools like that? I'm inclined to believe that they don't, since it doesn't relate to science or medicine.</p>
<p>Do they do research in a science? If so, how are they able to do well in their research, win scholarships for it/get funded, win research awards, get published, etc if they are spending the majority of their energy studying a non-life science? I realize they would still be taking pre-med requirements, but isn't that too basic to really be able to make valuable contributions to scientific research?</p>
<p>My other concern about doing research in a science while majoring in a non-science is how that research would conflict with the independent research often required to get honors in their non-science degree. Just kind of confused/conflicted about it all. </p>
<p>I'm looking to major in either mathematics or economics, but I kind of want to major in clinical biology (I did biological research for 2 years in high school).</p>
<p>I would love insight/advice from current or past premed students who majored in the humanities or social sciences, but I would really appreciate any thoughts at all! </p>
<p>Sorry, typo. What I meant to say was: “I’m looking to major in either mathematics or economics, but I kind of want to do research in clinical biology (I did biological research for 2 years in high school).”</p>
<p>You should major in what you are interested<br>
Your research has nothing to do with your major. The research internship is easier to get into at your college. You should figure out the person(s) in charge of certain labs and contact them. D. did that in her sophomore year via email. She got position after breif interview where primary focus was her interest in Music (apparently has nothing to do with the Medical Research, I just mentioned it to state that interview is nothing that you need to prepare for). D. was NOT required to do any independent research for her Honors. D’s research internship lasted for 3 years during school year and she d poster presentation at the end. Overall it was a very positive experience. D. was a science major though. But the Medical Research internship at UG level does not need any background (having statistics is a plus for your own sake as many procedures are based on statistics so you will understand them better, but it is not a requirement). You will be trained in what you need to do there. As an UG you will not “really be able to make valuable contributions to scientific research”, but your contribution will be still of value, do not worry about this part. It seems to be contradiction, but if they take Undergrads, than it is NOT your worry if you are as valuable as some Graduate students or other researchers.</p>
<p>What do you mean by “clinical” biology? Do you mean research that’s involved with human subjects?</p>
<p>First, for any biological research, which you probably already know, you must be involved with a laboratory on your campus or elsewhere in order to do research that could actually get published. The machines uses for molecular biology and genetics are so incredibly expensive ($100,000+), and professors have the best connections with journals.</p>
<p>You have to remember that, the research done in high tech genetics, immunology and biochemistry labs uses techniques far beyond the curriculum of an undergraduate biology major. Therefore, must of what you will need to learn will be learned from the graduate student you work with in your lab. </p>
<p>Now in regards to the issue of honors research conflicting with bio research, you would have to contact your advisor in your major department and Ask, it’s different for every school. One idea I had though is that, for mathematics, many modeling techniques are used in genomic experiments and gene therapy, so if you did a project involving the two subjects maybe you could hit two birds with one stone?</p>
<p>Getting in a lab is difficult as a freshmen, but if you have 2 years of research experience, that’s going to really help you a ton. The best way is to look up faculty directories by interest and go visit the ones that interest you most to talk about what they do and possibly being an apprentice.</p>
<p>Thank you both! I understand it a lot better now.</p>
<p>"in order to do research that could actually get published. ’ - Not a requirement at all. Very many do not get published and it is OK.
“The machines uses for molecular biology and genetics are so incredibly expensive ($100,000+), and professors have the best connections with journals.” - This may be the case at specific lab and others may not use any expensive machines and connection with journals is none of the undergrad’s concern.
I would strongly advise against getting in a lab as a freshman. You will have different priorities in your freshman year. You have plenty of time and much better chances (if you are still interested) to do it in your sophomore year. 3 years of research is plenty and in fact many do not do it for as long (my D. had 3 years, starting in her sohpomore year. She had 2 summers of previous (paid position) lab experience which was very much connected to her research in UG although it was at the different lab.). I also do not believe that you will have many choices, grab any open postion that will be offerred, they stay open for very short time, do not miss opportunity.<br>
Best wishes for your upcoming college freshman year! Your first priority is to establish yourself as a top caliber college student. Get those As, then see where you are with the rest of the requirements to accomplish your goal.</p>