The Benefits Of Research

Never underestimate how important it is to get involved in some sort of research position as an undergraduate. Top-tier medical schools are looking for their applicants to have put their name on a publication, or at least to have shown some interest in the research process. It shows you’re willing and able to go beyond basic book learning and have tried to be creative and proactive in affecting the medical world. Additionally, helping a professor with research is one of the best ways to form a relationship and land yourself a shining letter of recommendation.

This leads to a couple of questions though – what sort of research are we talking about, and how does a college student go about getting themselves involved?

Basic science research tends to be the easiest type to get involved in. However, clinical trials or chart reviews can be useful, if they’re available. No matter what kind of research it is, you are certain to learn valuable skills and form valuable relationships. Take an interest in the big picture of what you’re doing. Don’t just do your little part. Try to understand what the lab is doing as a whole, that way you’ll be able to give a better account of your work in a medical school interview.

Most universities are actively engaged in research, so if you go to the science counselor at your school, they should be able to locate where positions are available. With any luck, you might even find a position with one of your own professors! Even better, many big universities have medical schools and you might find a volunteer summer position there!

Additionally, check whether there is some sort of pre-med advisory council at your school. These can assist pre-med students with locating available research positions by putting them in touch with people in different departments, like Chemistry or Biology, which might be looking for research assistants.

Another way is to go through individuals in your own community. Doctors are often tied into the medical research community. So, for example, you can ask your physician to see whether he knows anyone who is actively involved in research or is looking for some assistance with their research, even if its just on a volunteer level.

Basically what it comes down to is that is that medical schools want to see students who have actively pursued learning, and students who have done something above and beyond studying, going to class, and getting good grades. Medical school requires learning through a whole range of channels, and so the top schools want to see applicants who have made a serious effort to be independent learners. So no matter what kind of research is available, take the initiative and get involved!