Help with describing research activity for AMCAS

[Saturnine]

I recently scored a full-time job as a research assistant at the local university's hospital, and I begin June 13th. However, I did not do any research in my undergraduate years so I have no experience in working in a lab beyond my required coursework. While I plan to take in a few days' worth of work before I write the description on my app, I would like to have some idea what should be included about this activity. I imagine I should explain the goals of the lab, but what additional information should I include?

Thanks!

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[tigress]

All I put for my research was the name of the institution and the PI, when I was there, and the subject the lab studied. I also included the name of my abstract and poster, but you won't be able to do that since it will be so soon after starting. If you know specifically what project you are working on you might just say something like "I am working on such-and-such for so-and-so reason." Don't go into too much detail or write too much, it's not necessary. Interviewers will probably ask you about it, and you can talk about it in detail at that point (and you'll know more then, too!).

 

[Saturnine]

Thanks tigress 👍

 

[nicholonious]

All I put for my research was the name of the institution and the PI, when I was there, and the subject the lab studied. I also included the name of my abstract and poster, but you won't be able to do that since it will be so soon after starting. If you know specifically what project you are working on you might just say something like "I am working on such-and-such for so-and-so reason." Don't go into too much detail or write too much, it's not necessary. Interviewers will probably ask you about it, and you can talk about it in detail at that point (and you'll know more then, too!).

Tigress, another source told me to go a bit into why and how one was involved with an activity. They said NOT to write it like a resume/job description. Is there truth in this advice or is it not to be followed?

 

[sdnstud]

Describe what you do in the lab and how it relates to the overall goal of the study. I think it is important to put an emphasis on your lab responsibilities.