What would look better volunteering or research?

[Josh70]

So I might have chance to do some more research but really isn't very related to biochemistry or molecular biology. It would be based on ecology and watching some flight patterns of birds but I figure any kind of scientific research would be great. I am also a pharmacy technician and know a local free health care clinic I could volunteer at. I am wondering what other people think would look better on graduate school application to like a PhD program in something like molecular biology if the research even though not directly related or if doing volunteer work would be better to try and purse.

I am leaning towards more research but want to hear from some other people. Thanks for any advice.

[ktel]

I think research experience looks a lot better than volunteer experience. Even if it's unrelated it shows your aptitude and research ability, which is super important for your application.

[Josh70]

Ah ok thanks I thought that would be a much better option as well just didn't know if maybe schools wanted like a little bit of community service or anything like that.

[singlecell]

Agreed... research would be better. Volunteering is important for medical school applicants (I have heard) but not really for biological sciences grad school applicants.

[Josh70]

Ya that's probably why my advisor suggested doing the volunteer work. He is also the advisor for people applying to things like medical, pharmacy , and dental school, so I guess that is important for them.