Socioeconomic disparities in research participation among plastic surgery residency applicants have been investigated. The study found that 40.7% of respondents participated in an extended research experience (ERE), with the most common reason being to strengthen their application. However, a greater percentage of applicants from Northeastern medical schools participated in EREs, suggesting geographic bias. Applicants whose parents had advanced degrees were more likely to participate, indicating socioeconomic bias. There were no significant differences in debt burden between those who participated in EREs and those who did not. The study highlights potential biases in access to EREs, which may affect applicant diversity. As most plastic surgeons practice in non-academic settings, applicants and plastic surgeons should consider the financial and socioeconomic implications of ERE participation before engaging in or recommending them. The growing emphasis on research productivity in the residency match may have unintended consequences for diversity. The study underscores the need for equitable access to research opportunities and the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in the selection process. The findings suggest that ERE participation may be more common among applicants from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, potentially leading to a less diverse applicant pool. Plastic surgeons and applicants should be aware of these biases and consider the alignment of research productivity with long-term career goals when deciding to participate in EREs. The study also emphasizes the importance of promoting equitable access to research experiences and implementing holistic review processes to enhance diversity in the field.Socioeconomic disparities in research participation among plastic surgery residency applicants have been investigated. The study found that 40.7% of respondents participated in an extended research experience (ERE), with the most common reason being to strengthen their application. However, a greater percentage of applicants from Northeastern medical schools participated in EREs, suggesting geographic bias. Applicants whose parents had advanced degrees were more likely to participate, indicating socioeconomic bias. There were no significant differences in debt burden between those who participated in EREs and those who did not. The study highlights potential biases in access to EREs, which may affect applicant diversity. As most plastic surgeons practice in non-academic settings, applicants and plastic surgeons should consider the financial and socioeconomic implications of ERE participation before engaging in or recommending them. The growing emphasis on research productivity in the residency match may have unintended consequences for diversity. The study underscores the need for equitable access to research opportunities and the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in the selection process. The findings suggest that ERE participation may be more common among applicants from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, potentially leading to a less diverse applicant pool. Plastic surgeons and applicants should be aware of these biases and consider the alignment of research productivity with long-term career goals when deciding to participate in EREs. The study also emphasizes the importance of promoting equitable access to research experiences and implementing holistic review processes to enhance diversity in the field.