Research Essays on Secondaries

[rishi]

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So I wrote my amcas research essay as though I was writing a paper. It took the entire space to discuss the important projects I worked on for the past four years in the only lab I've worked in. Now, the U of Cincinnati secondary asks for another essay on my research and I have no idea what to say. Should I just shorten my amcas essay? Or should I talk about what I've learnt and why I want to pursue a career in research? What did those of you who submitted your secondaries say in response to these types of questions?

 

[SpeakLittleB]

I'd highlighted the main points and showcase skills in the thought process rather than having the main point be the experiments and results for the second essay

 

[rishi]

Did anyone else respond differently?

 

[RxnMan]

They should say on the form whether they're looking for a resume-type answer (what have you done) or a thoughtful one (why did you do what you did).

With the former, if you've done multiple projects, then I'd do Intro, methods, results, and conclusion format, with ONE SENTENCE for each of those sections. Nobody cares about all of the details - just give a good idea of why this interviewer or application reviewer should care about you.

With the latter, you summed it up pretty well with:

Or should I talk about what I've learnt and why I want to pursue a career in research?

 

[Mr. Tee]

Just shorten/recycle the AMCAS research essay.

 

[RxnMan]

Just shorten/recycle the AMCAS research essay.

This is one thing I wouldn't do - the application screeners already have this info. They wouldn't ask for it again, so don't waste their time.

 

[Mr. Tee]

This is one thing I wouldn't do - the application screeners already have this info. They wouldn't ask for it again, so don't waste their time.

It didn't seem to hurt me nor other people (from last cycle even).