How to Find Research Opportunities

So why is research important? Medical school admission committees like seeing research experience on your application because it shows your strong interest and background in science. Some research experience, combined with a fair amount of volunteering and clinical experience, provides all of the extracurricular activity you will really need to impress med schools. 

So how do you actually go about finding research opportunities?

Well, the biggest and most important thing I can stress is that you must be proactive in your search for research opportunities. They will not fall in your lap. In the same way it can take some work to find a job, it will most likely take some work to get into research. You must seek out this opportunity and do all you can to get it. 

For starters, if you are looking to do research in a particular field or discipline, the best place to check is the website for that department. Find listings for chemistry or physics professors and search for postings about research on the website. Many times they will post things on their website to inform students about a research opportunity. If you can't find anything posted directly on the website, email the professors and ask them if they need any help with their research or if they know someone who does. Just trying these things can usually get you a spot helping to perform research but in certain cases you may need a little more help.

Ask your friends and classmates if they know of any professors that need help with research. It isn't uncommon for one of your fellow classmates to also be doing research, so they might be able to help you land a job. If they can't, see an adviser about it. Usually they will be able to get you in touch with someone who can give you the information you need. 

 Finding a good opportunity for research can be work but it is definitely worth it.

These will be the main ways of getting into research if you are at a large university. However, there are more unconventional students that still need to find a way to get research experience. 

For example, what if you are at a community college or small liberal arts college that doesn't have much in the way of research?

There may be more work required for these particular students than those enrolled in larger universities. But it is still very possible to get your research experience. If you are located near a large university, then this is the best place you can look. Many colleges have outreach programs that allow students like you to help in research although you aren't a student. The downside is that this may mean you have to sacrifice a summer rather than have the opportunity to perform research during the academic semester. This complicates things but of course it is still possible.

Many students don't know when it is the right time to search for these research opportunities. They either wait too long or ask too early and get discouraged when they are turned down. My advice is to begin seeking these opportunities as early as possible. Many professors do not even accept seniors because the energy he/she exerts into training them is wasted when they leave several months later. It is not uncommon, however, for professors to turn down freshmen because they consider them too inexperienced. This isn't a big deal and you shouldn't be discouraged if this happens. If nothing else, this professor now knows your name and will be more likely to accept your help in the future. Keep trying until you finally get that position you want. 

It is important for you to keep your grades high if you want to get involved with research. Professors set their own rules about who is allowed to participate in their research, which can mean some very strict policies. Some professors are more lenient, of course, but some only accept help from those with a 3.8 or higher!

The last topic I want to talk about when it comes to research is money. This is something that varies from school to school and professor to professor. Some of these professors are willing to pay you for good, hard work that contributes significantly to their research. But don't be surprised if a particular professor doesn't have the funding or isn't willing to pay you. I believe that the experience you gain from doing research and the boost your application receive make up for the fact that you will not get compensated for your work. 

Good luck finding research opportunities at your school or in your area! I hope my advice helps you to earn that spot and impress those admission committees.