<p>Hey guys. I really want to go into the pre-med concentration offered at Columbia College, and I was wondering about a few things. </p>
<p>I want to really increase my chances of getting into good medical schools so I've been thinking about the opportunities I should take. For example, I'm really interested in biochemistry so I want to do research in this field, and show medical schools that I'm an active researcher in a health-related field. Also, I plan to volunteer at St. Luke's hospital during my sophomore year. And of course, I will try by hardest to do well in the Core Curriculum. I heard the the first-year should focus mostly on the curriculum anyway.</p>
<p>So my question regarding research, is it easy to find professors who are willing to let students work in his/her lab? I actually conducted an earth science research in high school which was really successful, but will my research experience regardless of the field, help me in finding a good research opportunity in the biochemistry field? I prepared an abstract and resume of my high school research, and an interest letter in advance. Do you think this is the correct approach?
I guess the same question would apply for volunteering at the hospital too.</p>
<p>Overall, I guess I'm curious about the level of success I would have in going into the pre-med concentration at Columbia. I know that I'll "cross the bridge when I get to it." But I just want to know in advance on what my plans should be.</p>
<p>THANKS SO MUCH FOR ANY HELP!</p>
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So my question regarding research, is it easy to find professors who are willing to let students work in his/her lab? I actually conducted an earth science research in high school which was really successful, but will my research experience regardless of the field, help me in finding a good research opportunity in the biochemistry field? I prepared an abstract and resume of my high school research, and an interest letter in advance.
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<p>Did I advise you on this before? I wouldn't be so formal with the professors; they're busy (or sometimes lazy) and might not want to read all that material. I think a shorter email is probably better than a more formal letter, but it can't hurt to attach your resume/papers.</p>
<p>oh yea you DID talk to me about this! I'm sorry! </p>
<p>but do you think that I should wait until after my first-year to approach professors, or should I try early? I don't want to make the same mistake i did in high school of not starting research early... Thanks.</p>
<p>If you want to do it as a first year, then do it. There's also the SURF program, where you get paid a little bit to do research over the summer in the life sciences area:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/ug/surf/%5B/url%5D">http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/ug/surf/</a></p>
<p>Thanks. I actually have that link saved somewhere. But is it generally hard to get into these programs? The same question applies to St. Luke too i guess.</p>
<p>As for first-year research, I guess I'll find out during orientation or something. Thanks for your help!</p>