Lesson 1 of 10
In Progress

Under the Microscope with Medical School MythBusting: Research Edition

HSAFP Executive Team December 11, 2024
A woman looking at a slide with a three objective lens microscope.

Part of our work at HSAFP is to debunk misinformation about the journey to becoming a physician. One way we will do this is to introduce and refute medical school myths. So, let’s start this month by exploring why the following statement is false:

We can use the Association for the American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to bust this myth. And, later on, we will explore some research resources and alternatives that you can use now and in the future.

The AAMC’s “How to Get Research Experience” article points out that some medical schools require applicants to have some research experience, but it does not need to be science-based research.

Does research experience have to be in a wet lab?

No! Research can be performed in any field or subject. We’ve had successful applicants with research in classics, sociology, history, and policy, as well as applicants with research in biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience. Medical schools value all types of research. Research can take place in a scientific lab that requires advanced devices and procedures to obtain data for analysis. Research can also take place in the humanities or social sciences where participant interviews or surveys are needed to obtain an individual's life perspective. The clinical research field is constantly investigating patient outcomes and how to improve care through clinical trials or analysis of patient data. As a premedical student, consider what question you want to investigate further. Do you want to learn more about how health inequities impact disadvantaged communities in your area, or perhaps you want to know more about the protein channels involved in memory cognition?



The term “research” for pre-medical students might evoke grand images of your hard work in the lab, succeeding in life-saving, Nobel Prize-winning–like insulin!–scientific innovations.

However, research is actually a general term.

All disciplines, not just science-based fields, use research: business, sociology, and even history and language studies. At some universities, especially those that prioritize research, students can find professors in various fields working on research projects that involve student assistants. You can seek out these opportunities to work on your communication, writing, research and analysis skills.

A large percentage of accepted medical school applicants, the AAMC also stated, “have some form of academic or clinical research at the time they apply. Competence in research has become increasingly important in the medical field to improve patient care outcomes.”


As you will find in the lessons ahead, it is an excellent idea for you to gain some type of research experience long before you apply to medical school.

If you cannot find research opportunities but do want similar experiences, there are many options for you, including even more alternatives to research later on in this course, that draw on the AAMC 17 Premed Competencies.


The AAMC Official Logo

The AAMC is a powerful resource:

  • As you know, HSAFP uses the AAMC 17 Premed Competencies to guide our monthly curriculum. These pre-med competencies guide 100+ U.S. medical school admissions committees’ decision to accept applicants.

  • The AAMC administers the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, which most U.S. and Canadian medical schools require applicants to take.

  • The AAMC oversees the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Most medical schools use the AMCAS system for students to apply to their schools; only 13 MD medical schools do not use AMCAS in the United States (12 of these schools are in Texas and use the TMDSAS application service). 

We know, the acronyms are a lot. You will know them well by the time you apply to medical school!


The High School Alliance of Future Physicians logo, including the phrase: "Aspiring Physicians, Inspired Futures."