<p>So I am in somewhat of a dilemma right now with a research opportunity that came up from my GSI... Im not sure how hard it is to obtain such a position, but Im assuming I should be considered lucky to even have the GSI letting me come in and participate in their project (on fatty acid synthesis). Im also afraid that my grades may suffer slightly due to the commitment (9-12 hrs/week), which Im assuming isnt too bad... I know Im gonna have to give up some more social life also... Course load right now is 14 units: Math 1b, chem 3a, nutri sci 10, and decal (premed 101), but I also get an extra 2 or 3 units from doing research with them. Any suggestions or advice?</p>
<p>sounds like a good lead, esp if it's related to something in your major. a lot of times research is a great key point to grad school applications, and it definitely helps if you can get started early. i guess it really is all a matter of balancing time. ultimately to invest time in something else (ie. research), you'll have to give up time from elsewhere, whether it be studying, socializing, or sleeping. in any case, good luck!</p>
<p>I've never quite understood why premeds in general do research. Focus on your grades, I say. If you want MD/PhD then maybe...or perhaps just PhD. Whatever you do, don't let research drag down your GPA to undesirable levels (below 3.5)</p>
<p>I think research experience is almost a must if you want to get into the top medical schools because they just focus a lot on research -.- (that's why they are ranked top).</p>
<p>I am doing research too and I spend a lot of time in the lab (20 hr+/week). I took chem 1a, math 1b, an English class and a freshmen seminar last semester and it worked out fine for me. I would say never sacrifice your grades for research because your research experience is not going to save you if you have a bad GPA. However... to be honest, I would expect people who get into top tier med schools to be able to handle a normal class load + research and still do well in their classes.</p>
<p>conducting the research will open more doors for you later on. although you are taking weeder courses, if you keep on top of your stuff the time commitment won't be a problem. the worst you can do is fall behind in classes because of some other commitment.</p>
<p>The research (at least my experience) seems to be under my GSI, even though a professor leads the whole project... he mentioned that he will write a good rec letter if it comes to needing one... but my question is wouldnt it be better to have the professor write one? Or is this a minor detail i shouldnt worry about? How long to ppl usually stay with one research group? Im thinking about taking this opportunity temporarily, and perhaps find one (if one does show up) of greater interest to me sophomore year...</p>
<p>usually what happens is that the grade student writes the recommendation but the professor would sign it.
there are labs that have like 50-60 people and there's no way that the PI can get to know each undergrad well.</p>
<p>I would do the research, and see how it feels. Keep in mind to get into a good medical school, you need a 3.7+ and also be able to handle extracurriculars like research.</p>
<p>You need the research, GPA and MCAT combo to get into med school.</p>
<p>Turned it down... I happened to talk to someone that worked under the same lab and had a horrible experience... I thought I would look around more and see what other research is out there, maybe shadow in the meantime.</p>