Revealing unpublished results in research experience essay?

[musik2468]

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Most of the research I have done is currently unpublished, so it would be nearly impossible for me to go into adequate depth in my Significant Research Experiences essay without revealing results that have not yet been published. However, all of these results have been featured on posters, so the greater scientific world has technically already been exposed to them.

How have other people dealt with this issue? I'm sure it is quite common.

 

[hopefuldoc97239]

Most of the research I have done is currently unpublished, so it would be nearly impossible for me to go into adequate depth in my Significant Research Experiences essay without revealing results that have not yet been published. However, all of these results have been featured on posters, so the greater scientific world has technically already been exposed to them.

How have other people dealt with this issue? I'm sure it is quite common.

Are you worried about being scooped? I don't know the best way to handle this for med school applications, but I've been in this position for scholarship applications. Basically what I've done is to try to focus on presenting the research topic, the specific hypotheses, and the methods I've employed. That's usually enough to show what you're up to.

But if the info has been shown on posters, then I'm not sure what you're trying to keep secret. I say that this is the time to put all your cards on the table. Wouldn't you rather go to medical school than anything else?

 

[bd4727]

You should discuss with your PI and give him a copy of what you plan to submit. Technically, this is not your work at all but his (or whoever has the grant), so it really isn't your call.

That being said, I think 98% of PIs are not concerned about getting scooped in general, and certainly not in a medical school application essay. But you still need to get approval.

 

[snobored18]

Most of the research I have done is currently unpublished, so it would be nearly impossible for me to go into adequate depth in my Significant Research Experiences essay without revealing results that have not yet been published. However, all of these results have been featured on posters, so the greater scientific world has technically already been exposed to them.

How have other people dealt with this issue? I'm sure it is quite common.

Present the 1000 foot view of your work (general idea, application to medicine, why you love the questions being posed) most people who will read this will 1) be outside your specific field and thus won't understand or frankly care about the detailed results no matter how well you describe it 2) at most places your research letters are what committee members will focus on, most won't even read your essay.

 

[K31]

For an application, the process and the experience you gained is more important than the results of the research. Any interviewer is going to know that it takes a long time to get research to a publishable point, and won't hold it against you.

 

[Ombret]

Unless you are in a high-pressure field and your direct competitor works at the institution you are interviewing at, don't worry about it. Everyone has bigger fish to fry than stealing some kid's candy, to mix a couple of metaphors.

 

[texasguy]

nobody on an admissions committee is going to read your research experience section with such scrutiny that they will scoop your PI - discuss your research in depth or else it will seem like YOU are the one that doesn't have a good grasp of the work...

 

[erikreinertsen]

nobody on an admissions committee is going to read your research experience section with such scrutiny that they will scoop your PI - discuss your research in depth or else it will seem like YOU are the one that doesn't have a good grasp of the work...

Agreed. While you shouldn't reveal glaring proprietary details, a general idea of your contributions is important.