Summer research essays

Started by dnase
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D

dnase

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I am applying to some summer research programs with relatively a lot (4-5 yrs) of research experience. Some ask me to write essays on why I want to participate in their research program, and honestly, I just like research. I don't find that to be a compelling reason as something like, "I did one summer of research, and really liked it, so I want to come back and try something new," because at this point, I should already know what research is like. Would that be held against me? And is there any way of getting around this in an essay/personal statement?

Or should I spend my summer doing something else, like clinical-based stuff?

Thanks for your help!
 
dnase said:
I am applying to some summer research programs with relatively a lot (4-5 yrs) of research experience. Some ask me to write essays on why I want to participate in their research program, and honestly, I just like research. I don't find that to be a compelling reason as something like, "I did one summer of research, and really liked it, so I want to come back and try something new," because at this point, I should already know what research is like. Would that be held against me? And is there any way of getting around this in an essay/personal statement?

Or should I spend my summer doing something else, like clinical-based stuff?

Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

If you have 4-5 yrs of research already i would prob recommend getting in more clinical exposure if you havent already.
You have enough research experience for many research focused med schools, and it will be good to rack up some hours for clinical experience for those primary care schools out there. Just to be balanced.
 
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Honestly I dont know how much the essay matters at that point...I have ~3 years of research and I am just banking on my publications/posters and recs to get me the job I told them why the program and why I would make a good candidate...!

Good Luck ! :luck:

P.S. : I think this forum is getting pretty useless at one point in time it used to be about these kind of questions...
 
Are there any clinical exposure programs? Or how exactly do you get clinical exposure? Does shadowing count? Thanks.
 
dnase said:
Are there any clinical exposure programs? Or how exactly do you get clinical exposure? Does shadowing count? Thanks.
Click to expand...


Yea, shadowing does count. Clinical can come as a volunteer or a shadow - you see the clincial aspect of medicine
 
"Why do you want to go here" = "why you should take me and I'm awesome"
Phrase it in a way that shows "why you want to go there"
 
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