Research Year Review

Hi,
It appears that the number of people doing a research year prior to graduation is increasing each application cycle. For those who did a research year can you give a review on your research experience. Please include the number of publications, # of presentations, clinical exposure, influence research mentor had on application process (Strong letter of rec, made phone calls to get interviews, ect), Pros, Cons, and if you matched at the institution where you did research. This information will help others understand the impact of the research year and if it something they want to pursue. Thank you.