Research interest- Diversity

[mmonte4]

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Hello all. I am growing more and more concerned about my current situation. As some of you may already know, I applied to six schools this past year and didnt get an interview. I feel like my main problem was my low GRE score of 1080.

I am concerned about another potential problem. I began volunteering as an RA in Jan. of 2005 (began a project on facial symmetry and individual difference variables). Unfortunately, my mentor moved out of state that October and I was forced to switch labs (had to abandon the project). I ended up working with another professor and he was great- helped me to get out 4 posters!!! His concentration was anxiety/specific phobia. I graduated in Dec 2005 and planned to continue working with him. Well, apparently he didnt have anything for me to do this semester, spring 2006 (as he is busy trying to secure his clinical liscense). So I started to volunteer for another professor. I have been helping out with her NIH funded project on Hurricane Katrina, but I will have to stop that soon because I have to start working(real job). I am most likely going to begin work as a research associate at a local Biomedical Research Center. Ill be doing obesity research under 2 clinical psychologists (finally getting paid!).
My concern is that all of this is going to come across as a lack of focus- this is the furthest thing from the truth. All of my switching was out of necessity. I have liked all the research I have done and would love to continue in any of those areas as a graduate student.
I would like to know your thoughts on my situation.

 

[joetro]

I don't think it's a problem. I worked in three different labs, and I think it was a real strength for me to get to see how different kinds of labs worked. That being said, my experiences were either for multiple summers or years, so it just depends on the length of time you got to spend with each lab. You might not get super high quality recs, but then again you might, especially with your posters.

I think the larger issue is if any of your research experiences are in the area you want to specialize in for graduate school. I just don't think it's enough to have research experience; things are so tight it needs to be in something you want to do in grad school, with someone in that area who people know, IMO.

Good luck.

 

[Psyclops]

NO, you shoul market this as a strength. Invariably we have to make choices at some point based on pragmatics or funding. Professors understand this. You won't be punished for moving around due to unforseen circumstances, if anything you should have the ability to say with greater certainty than other students that you know what your interests are come application time. You've worked in many labs, in varied areas, and you know what drives you. It can be seen as a lack of focus, or it can be seen as a broad background in different areas. Make sure the schools you apply to see it as the latter.

 

[Mell-Dogg]

NO, you shoul market this as a strength. Invariably we have to make choices at some point based on pragmatics or funding. Professors understand this. You won't be punished for moving around due to unforseen circumstances, if anything you should have the ability to say with greater certainty than other students that you know what your interests are come application time. You've worked in many labs, in varied areas, and you know what drives you. It can be seen as a lack of focus, or it can be seen as a broad background in different areas. Make sure the schools you apply to see it as the latter.

Exactly, and I would put this spin on your experiences in your personal statement. To introduce the portion explaining your research experience, you could say something like, "I decided to pursue my interests in XXX and YYY after gaining a variety of research experiences at my undergraduate institution."

I'm sure you can come up with something better than that, but definitely emphasize the strengths afforded to you by your varied experiences. Good luck!!

 

[mmonte4]

thanks for all the replies!

I am feeling SO much better now.