Undergraduate Research for Premeds

It is always a good thing to have undergraduate research on one’s record. However, it is not required. Some medical schools like to see research experience on one’s record. Other medical schools are ambivalent. Although it is a positive thing to have on one’s record, it is NOT a negative thing to NOT have it on one’s record.  You should check medical school websites to see how any one particular medical school feels about the importance of undergraduate research.

Undergraduate research comes in several forms:

  • There are URES 197 projects. URES 197 is a course in which a student conducts individual or group activities as a part of a faculty member’s research project. This guided experience is open to all students. This includes first- and second-year students, who meet the qualifications set by the faculty member in charge of the project. Students serve as apprentices who conduct important tasks with the faculty member on their project, and learn about the process and products of the research as a result.
  • There are usually research opportunities in one’s major that can run over several semesters. Contact your major advisor to learn more about these.
  • There are also summer opportunities offered by UMW and many other universities. One offered by UMW is the Irene Piscopo-Rodgers Summer Science Institute. Contact your major advisor to learn more about these.

Honors Programs

Many majors offer Departmental Honors Programs. Honors program’s are always very good things to have on one’s record. The successful completion of an Honors program, leading to a certificate at graduation, is a very significant academic accomplishment and should be pursued if one is eligible. Contact your major advisor to learn more about these.

Links to more information for UMW premedical students: