Whether or not to extend my study abroad time (very difficult decision)

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I’m currently studying abroad in Germany and I’m the middle of deciding whether or not to extend my stay from a single semester to a full year. My biggest reservation about staying for a year is that I would miss out on a number of research opportunities in the US next summer. If I were to make the extension, I would be in Germany until the middle of July, which would pretty much take me out of the game for most summer research/internship positions, considering most of them begin in late May/early June.</p>

<p>However, I’m currently (somewhat unofficially) part of a neuroscience research project with a professor and several PhD students at the University where I’m studying, which I could most likely continue doing if I were to stay for the second semester. My only qualm about that is that the research I’m doing is not part of an official program/internship, like a lot of the famous research programs in the US (Amgen etc.). However, I know that I’m able to receive credit hours for the research, which would be shown on my transcript.</p>

<p>Another smaller reservation I have about making the extension (and I really do not mean to come off as lofty by mentioning this) is that I study at a fairly well-regarded school in the US (top 5 LAC), and the US university that puts on the German study abroad program that I’m currently part of isn’t exactly an academic powerhouse (think, for example, Amherst vs. University of Central Florida). However, the German university where I take half of my classes (through this study abroad program) is considered one of the best in the world, and next semester I could take almost all of my classes there.</p>

<p>The decision is especially tough because I really am having the time of my life here in Germany and the thought of missing out on the personal growth that would come with staying here for a second semester is somewhat upsetting. However, doing what’s best for my academic future and for increasing my chances of being accepted into medical school is also extremely important to me.</p>

<p>Side note: I’m finished with all of my pre-med courses besides biochemistry, which I could of course take senior year (next year) if I were to make the extension.</p>

<p>So, to summarize, my two major qualms are 1) missing out on an official research position next summer, and 2) studying through a university that isn’t as academically well-regarded as the school where I normally study. Any input is sincerely appreciated.</p>

2

<p>Only you can make this decision; however–</p>

<p>1) Prestigious summer internships have acceptance rates that range from 3% (Amgen) to 15% (NIH) so there are no guarantees you’ll be accepted into one. (And no, the name of undergrad–no matter how highly ranked-- won’t help you land one of those internships. Research mentors are often looking for specific coursework and/or lab skills when choosing a summer intern.)</p>

<p>2) Medical schools aren’t going to care a great deal about where you did your coursework so long as the coursework is from an accredited institution and will appear on your US transcript. (AMCAS will not accept foreign transcripts.)</p>

<p>Please read pp. 52-3 in AMCAS Instruction Manual</p>

<p><a href=“https://www.aamc.org/students/download/182162/data/amcas_instruction_manual.pdf”>https://www.aamc.org/students/download/182162/data/amcas_instruction_manual.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>3) Will you be able to get LOR from the German professor whose research project you’re “somewhat unofficially” part of? (I don’t understand how you can somewhat unofficial --either you’re a volunteer and working on the project or you’re not.) Adcomms will expect a LOR from a research mentor if you have spent substantial time working on a project. (And I would call a full year substantial.)</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the input. By “somewhat unofficial” I mean that I independently contacted several neuroscience professors, sent a CV, and I asked if they would be interested in a part-time volunteer. One showed interest, and since then I have been working with her and one of her PhD students, researching literature for them and occasionally observing experiments (which usually entails fMRI scans). I would certainly expect that I could get a LOR from the professor with whom I’m working.</p>

4

<p>Minor literature review and the occasion observation does amount to research.</p>

<p>Research involves hands-on activities with actual lab responsibilities. Your situation doesn’t fit that description.</p>

5

<p>Once you begin the treadmill of med school, residency, and practicing, it is more difficult to have the kind of adventure you are having now. I would tend to say, go for it, just address the need to have research experience somehow & probably plan for a glide year between graduating and matriculating med school so you can apply with all your US based university upper division classes showing on your transcript</p>