<p>I'm currently a freshman planning on majoring in a social science, possibly public policy and int'l health care, but I've been having trouble finding research opportunities in the hard sciences without being a declared science major or an engineer. I would very much like to do scientific research if opportunity permits, but I'm not sure if I really want to become a bio or chem major just for that. So here are my questions:</p>
<p>When med school ask for research experience are they primarily looking for scientific research or would research projects in the social sciences perhaps qualify as research experience as well?</p>
<p>Is research such a major component in med school admissions for me to even consider forgoing a major in something that I feel more passionate about to major in a science?</p>
<p>I understand that the top medical schools value research experience more so than state schools, would a lack of scientific research experience reduce my chances at these schools?</p>
<p>1.) We know for sure that research projects in the social sciences are much, much better than no research. We're not sure whether they're equivalent to science research. There are strong arguments to go on both sides.</p>
<p>2.) No. Don't do that. Majoring in something that interests you is more important than science research. That much we can definitely tell you.</p>
<p>3.) Again, we don't know. Keep in mind that by "top schools" you mean "top research schools." Obviously they value research a lot. We're just not sure what the difference between SS research and NS research is. Again -- the difference might be zero to "noticeable." There are arguments all over the continuum.</p>
<p>I see. BDM I vaguely remember you saying you were an econ major (correct me if I'm wrong), did you start out as an econ major knowing you'd be applying to med school, or if it's something that came up later on in college, when did you decide? Did you personally have any difficulty finding scientific research opportunities as an econ major?</p>
<p>1.) Yes, econ.
2.) Premed all the way; declared econ major halfway through soph year.
3.) Nope. I started in my lab before I declared the econ major and just kept at it over the years.</p>