<p>HEy, i was just wondering. how important do u think research is for admission to medical school. People always make a big deal out of it. One of my friends even decide to take of a year and apply later so she could do research. But I emailed some of the medical schools and they told me that research isn't mandatory. They told me not to worry about it. So what's the real deal?</p>
<p>Research is not mandatory, but I'm shocked that some medical schools would tell you "not to worry about it". I suppose it depends on where you are applying.</p>
<p>Johns Hopkins, UCSF, schools of that caliber often have upwards of 90% of their undergrads coming in with research experience, meaning that students without it are competing for less than 10% of the spots. That's not a pool you want to place yourself in!</p>
<p>Research might not me mandatory, however, the volunteer work it is. Depends on you how you want to use those hours. If you want your application to look good, well research is a good start.</p>
<p>Does the research need to be in a biology-related field? Can it be research in psychology (a major in which I plan to major)?</p>
<p>Or could it be in some other field such as engineering, and psychology? (let's not limit the question)</p>
<p>I'm not quite sure.</p>
<p>Let me explain. Colleges are interested in research for a few reasons. Some of these reasons are most applicable in biomedical research, while some of them apply to research in general. I am not sure how important each reason is.</p>
<p>First, research demonstrates special interest and competence in the sciences. Second, you are working to solve problems of human suffering, showing compassion. Here, working in a biomedical field would show a special calling to sickness and disease. Third, you are demonstrating intellectual inquisitiveness. Fourth, you are becoming familiar with the investigative process, which is a crucial component of being at the cutting edge of medicine.</p>
<p>You can see that for most of these questions, any research at all will help satisfy some of the things med schools are looking for, but biomedical research will probably be especially strong.</p>
<p>Perhaps most importantly, you know that this is the type of research your interviewers and adcoms will value, while the value of research into, say, art history will not necessarily be universally recognized. You can always explain this to your interviewer and get a reasonably positive reception.</p>
<p>Still, I'm not sure.</p>
<p>Would it look weird to my interviewer if I majored in psychology while I do research in biomedical topics? Could I say that I find both psychology and biology intellectually stimulating but I like to lean toward biology because it has its obvious connection to helping others?</p>
<p>And any other advice from more people would also be appreciated.</p>
<p>Not at all weird. I'm an econ major who spent all three summers researching cancer genetics.</p>
<p>I highly doubt you'll need to explain why you did biomed research, but if you must, then just tell them that you found a particular project which really interested you. (After all, psychology helps people, too.)</p>
<p>Where is a good place to start doing some research in college: sciences department, med school, university hospital...?</p>
<p>Wherever you think you can find somebody interested!</p>
<p>An extremely good way to get started with research is applying to summer programs. Not only are you getting experience necessary to compete for positions within your university but also you are showing dedication and passion for science (Definitely something you want to do if you are applying to medical school). There are many opportunities for research in science through internships with groups like Pfizer. Also, many individual colleges have programs that will pay for your lodging, food, and personal expenses. Syracuse University and Penn have great website listings of summer programs. Also, you should explore your own university, especially if you attend a research university. You would be suprised by the number of opportunities for research that exist.</p>