Insecure about research experience when applying

[jjtex]

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Hi all,

I have very strong grades and MCAT so I'm not terribly worried about that aspect of my application, and my letters of recommendation should be good as well. I'm a little worried about my research as, while I have a lot of it (1600 hours+), I'm worried it isn't as complex as most schools might want. I know the methodology and results like the back of my hand and can talk at length about the experience. I was also involved in almost every part of the process from the beginning through end and am listed as an author on the paper. Basically, what I'm trying to figure out is what Adcoms look for in your research.

 

[debateg]

Don't worry. Adcoms are looking to see that you actually want to do MD/PhD, you can communicate well, you are not a psychopath, and that you have what it takes to be a scientist. As such, you need to be able to articulate

1) Why you want to do MD/PhD
2) A brief summary of your research, starting with some background (including significance), transitioning to hypothesis, the basic methods, the results, and the conclusion. I'd keep the pitch to about 2-3 mins at most.
3) General knowledge about your field in case someone asks you

If you have that, you're set. Write down the answers to 1 and 2 and be able to regurgitate them with a smile. You should know 3 just from reading topical papers. If you get a question you don't know the answer to, admit it and show off what you do know.

No one cares how complex your research is. Most of your interviewers will not be in your field, so it will likely seem complex to them.

Good luck.

 

[jjtex]

Thanks so much for the quick reply.

That's very good to hear. I'm very familiar with my field and interview very well, so I'm a lot less worried now.