6 answers
Nivethitha
Student
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
1
Question
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Is research in your undergraduate required for medical schools?
#medicine
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6 answers
Samantha Escamilla
Masters Student
1
Answer
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hey Nivethitha,
When you are first deciding you want to choose a medical path that leads to MD it is important you understand what is required for a good application to stand out.
For example a good GPA is a great start for getting the attention of admission counselors and an impressive MCAT score is also highly recommended. Most medical schools look at GPA and MCAT scores first before anything else they see. Why is this? It's because when a student's GPA or MCAT score are not within an acceptable range, then it highly predicts how well the student will be able to handle the rigorous coursework of medical school. But a high GPA and good MCAT score are not the only things medical schools are looking for. Other factors come into play that can help boost your application and make you a competitive student. For example, extracurriculars, leadership positions, volunteer work, shadowing a doctor, clinical experience, research, publications. So if those numbers of your GPA and MCAT are not within range of the prospective schools you want to apply to, undergraduate research would be helpful and it can give you more of a better chance of being accepted, given the circumstances that you have met all other factors such as leadership positions, volunteer work etc.
When you are first deciding you want to choose a medical path that leads to MD it is important you understand what is required for a good application to stand out.
For example a good GPA is a great start for getting the attention of admission counselors and an impressive MCAT score is also highly recommended. Most medical schools look at GPA and MCAT scores first before anything else they see. Why is this? It's because when a student's GPA or MCAT score are not within an acceptable range, then it highly predicts how well the student will be able to handle the rigorous coursework of medical school. But a high GPA and good MCAT score are not the only things medical schools are looking for. Other factors come into play that can help boost your application and make you a competitive student. For example, extracurriculars, leadership positions, volunteer work, shadowing a doctor, clinical experience, research, publications. So if those numbers of your GPA and MCAT are not within range of the prospective schools you want to apply to, undergraduate research would be helpful and it can give you more of a better chance of being accepted, given the circumstances that you have met all other factors such as leadership positions, volunteer work etc.
Thank you :)
Nivethitha
Yasemin G.
Aspiring physician
635
Answers
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Nivethitha, great question! I agree with the comments as well. Now research isn't completely mandatory for medical school, some medical schools may favor it more than others . Be sure to search different medical schools and see what their mission and curriculum is. Research can definitely help your application though as it can allow more experience in lab work and build a relationship with your professor where later on you can obtain a recommendation letter for medical school. If you are definitely passionate about a certain topic and can get research experience in it I would go for it! It will also help keep your application stellar as well; however be sure to maintain a high GPA 3.7+ and score well on the MCAT! These are definitely important parts of your application!
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
Jarron Roy
Undergraduate Research Assistant
8
Answers
Champaign, Illinois
Updated
Jarron’s Answer
Research is a very common activity among premed students; however, its not required. If you have an interest in any academic subject that you want to pursue, I would highly recommend doing research (research in the humanities & social sciences counts as well as research in STEM). If you are not passionate for research, then there is no pressure either! As long as you fill your time with some sort of strong activities, you can stand out on your application!
Dan Nguyen, DO
Psychiatrist
105
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Emphasis on GPA and MCAT scores first. Most places use a computer program to filter lower scores out, those that make it through are the one's that are actually read and analyzed by the school. That is where research would come in or any other extra-curricular activity.
Thank you :)
Nivethitha
Richard A.
physician
2153
Answers
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Not required but it may help on your application. The committee likes to see evidence of dedication to learning and the sciences. It can be icing on the cake; but make sure it doesn't take too much time away from studying. You need good grades and a high MCAT score to be accepted.
Estelle Archer
Gynecologist
1322
Answers
United States
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
I agree with the others. I would like to add that doing research is not mandatory but sometimes allows you to get to know faculty better in preparation for recommendation letters. GPA, MCAT scores, and strong recommendation letters are paramount.