<p>if i am thinking of applying to grad school, and i haven't done any research as an undergrad, is looking for postbac positions a good idea? </p>
<p>also, is research necessary for grad school applications? </p>
<p>help a brotha out!</p>
<p>Research is definitely a huge plus, though if you've had workplace experience within your field that can also be good enough.</p>
<p>I suppose it might depend a bit on which area you're looking in, too.</p>
<p>which area?: i am thinking of toxicology.</p>
<p>yes, if you are going into the sciences, research experience (and LORs from research supervisors) is singularly THE most important thing considered. I know a lot of people who have done/are doing a year as a lab tech following undergrad in order to build up their lab experience before applying to Ph.D. programs</p>
<p>I looked into this option after I graduated last May. I decided not to do it and one of the reasons was the lack of opportunities. From looking into the postbac positions briefly, it seemed like every possible position was reserved for minorities or women. So much for equality!</p>
<p>Not sure what category of jobs fall under "postbac research," but in the ads I've seen for lab techs, they don't seem to have any preferences. A number of lab techs do substantial research (as opposed to being strict "buffer boys/girls"), like the one in our lab -- she does some ordering and equipment maintenance, but otherwise her day-to-day work is just like that of a normal grad student.</p>
<p>After I graduate in May I plan to volunteer at a psych research lab back home in the University of Houston (that is if my interview goes well).</p>
<p>Thing is, like I said, it's volunteer since they don't pay...and I'm gonna need money. So does anyone know what kind of research/experience I can do to boost up my credentials that will pay outside of a college? I've found it a bit difficult in the psychology area to find something like that...maybe I'm not thinking outside the box...</p>
<p>You should consider the postbac program at the NIH. You can do 1 or 2 years and there is a stipend, ~26K a year. It's a great program to get some extra research experience before going to graduate school, and a lot of people who stay 2 years end up publishing.</p>
<p>aevertts,
i looked at the nih program, and from what i gathered by exploring the website, was that it's primarily for biomedical research.
which leads me to another question: should i only look for postbac research opportunities in which i aim to get my masters in? or does any type of scientific research look good, no matter what subject area it's in.</p>
<p>I am doing bostbac research in the ECE department since I graduated in the fall and all the companies I looked into for my specific interests wanted grad students. I get paid enough to cover living expenses and I'm getting a lot of exposure to grad life (published my first paper, talked at my first conference, LONG weird hours!). It is a very positive experience, plus the recommendation when I ask for one will be great.</p>