No research?

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For those of you that didn't do any research, how did you handle the "Please describe any research, self-study, independent work you have done." type questions on the secondaries?

I feel guilty just stating that I have not done any research. Is there anything creative that you used to make use of that question? Is it frowned upon to simply answer that question with a simple sentence saying you haven't done anything of the sort?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dara678]

Have you done any research project in another major? Have you worked for a prof? Have you done an independent study class where you figured out your own syllabus? A senior thesis? I'm sure if you look hard enough, you could find some research type project ... I bet even a trip or something you took could qualify. Don't think of research as just white lab coats and pristine lab benches.

For that question, I put down an honors thesis I'm working on for my English major 🙂.

 

[SMW]

I didn't do any research, left all such questions blank, and was never asked about it at 12 interviews.

 

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Unfortunately, I was your typical undergrad - just wanted to get out of college and start working (majored in CS during the dot-com era). Now, I'm really kicking myself for not having done a senior thesis. Oh well, maybe I'll be fortunate enough to have an experience similar to SMW.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Amy B]

I also left this section blank. I was asked at one interview and simply stated it was something I wanted to do, but never had the time due to school, clinical volunteering, academic EC, Teaching Organic Chem lab and family. This received a head nod and a smile and then we moved on in the interview.

Just don't ever say.... "I'm not really interested in research." They really don't want to hear that and in fact frown on answers like that. And that is straight out of a admissions director's mouth when asked about what to say if this comes up during an interview.

 

[ambulancedriver]

that must be the loyola secondary you are asking about. I am struggling with the same question.

you must have done something independently? an honors project or something beyond minimum class requirements? I think that should count (at least I am hoping so). good luck.

 

[coredump]

Originally posted by umairfoo
that must be the loyola secondary you are asking about. I am struggling with the same question.

you must have done something independently? an honors project or something beyond minimum class requirements? I think that should count (at least I am hoping so). good luck.

ha ha, yep...that's from the Loyola secondary (well, I hope it is...I haven't actually received the secondary yet).

Honestly, I didn't have much of an opportunity (or desire) for independent work in undergrad. I just wanted to get out and start working. Looking back, I wish I had done some research project. It would have given me insight into the profession, AND I could have put it down on these %#@! secondaries. 🙂 I did do a long-term project my senior year for one of my classes. Although it might not qualify as research, I still might be able to draw some parallels.

 

[dramaqueen]

Don't fret
I know plenty of people who got in to school w/o any research experience