Citations in Research Experience Essay?

[EvoMed]

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I'm verified, and finalizing my last essay to submit primary to my chosen schools. There are a few times in my "research experience" essay that it feels like a citation would be appropriate (i reference relevant work in the field). Is including citations a reasonable thing to do?

 

[JoaoMoutinho]

I personally wouldn't (and didn't). From my understanding the purpose of the essay is to describe your experience and involvement with the research that you did so that adcoms can see that you did work and understood what you were doing. I think a tiny bit of background is appropriate to give context to your project for readers who will not be familiar with your area of research, but I wouldn't go any deeper than that. The focus should be on your research and your role in your project rather than writing a whole paper.

If any of the program leadership on here disagree with me, please feel free to correct me.