talking about research in the interview

[orphn]

for those who have had interviews,

how much were you questioned about your research experience?? i'm kind of worried that if the interviewer is asking me questions about my research experience, i won't demonstrate the level of understanding which is expected. i only researched for 2 years (stopped my jr year because i wanted to focus more on volunteering) and while i could explain our lab's interest and my personal project, i don't know if i could have a fluent conversation with a Ph.D in that area

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[RunningDiva]

for those who have had interviews,

how much were you questioned about your research experience?? i'm kind of worried that if the interviewer is asking me questions about my research experience, i won't demonstrate the level of understanding which is expected. i only researched for 2 years (stopped my jr year because i wanted to focus more on volunteering) and while i could explain our lab's interest and my personal project, i don't know if i could have a fluent conversation with a Ph.D in that area

That's probably ok since you aren't a PhD! I think of this as being similar to the ethics interview questions - unless you have major experience or some indepth academic knowledge of medical ethics/law, then you aren't expected to know all the fine details or legality of the situation. They are looking for a coherent, thought out, intelligent appraisal. Its a great way for them to assess critical thinking skills and common sense.

I was asked a lot about my research. You obviously need to know your responsibilities in the research and it is helpful to be able to intelligently discuss why this research is important to do and possible general implications of the research. For example, if you're working with a specific protein - why should we care about this protein, how will the research change medicine in the future, etc. Knowing this shows that you were engaged with the research vs just some activity you did to fill a EC spot on app. And of course, if you don't know an answer to a question, just say you don't know! Don't make stuff up - not so attractive as an applicant.

 

[illegallysmooth]

Surprisingly, I wasn't asked specific questions about my research at all. I was even interviewed by an allergist/immunologist and my research is in the field of immunology. The only thing an interviewer would expect you to be able to explain is your project and how it fit into the larger scope of the lab. As long as you demonstrate an understanding, you'll be fine.

 

[Zona Pellucida]

I was asked about my research in every single interview I have had. Be prepared... it is most likely coming at you too. Just have a basic understanding of the goal of your project and let them know your role in attempting to achieve this goal.

Good luck!

 

[naijaboi]

If you have spent more than a year in research, you will be asked about it. Make sure you know your project, hypothesis, results and implications of the results. But I would be brief and concise in describing my research, but rather try to divert to discussing more personal aspects of yourself. It is so much more personal.

 

[Morsetlis]

I was as prepared as a doctorandus trying to defend his dissertation*. I love talking about my research.

*exaggeration, but you get the point

 

[surftheiop]

I did research in industry, so if i get stumped ......

"Trade Secret!" 😀

 

[BBender716]

It's nice because I had done research in economics, so I got asked about it everywhere, but by talking it up and understanding it.


Interviewers went from to

 

[BlueElmo]

I had to explain a summary of my research and what we studied and investigated. I didn't had to go into detail, but you should fell comfortable talking about your research experiences.

 

[sonofva]

at a few interviews they actually said they were "very interested" in my research, and expected me to go into detail for like 10 minutes. fortunately i had just done a presentation to the chem department so i was prepared.

point is, if you put it on your application it is fair game. if you are unsure of any part of your work, now would be the time to talk with your PI.

 

[Catalystik]

At some schools you won't be asked at all. And at others, they mayl select your interviewer because they have a background in the area you investigated. If you acted as a lab tech, assisting in some else's work, you won't be expected to know much. But if you have presented yourself as having your own project, you'd be expected to have an in-depth understanding of every aspect. If you are applying to one of the research giants, you'd better prepare for the latter expectation.

 

[RB93]

.

 

[flip26]

At some schools you won't be asked at all. And at others, they may select your interviewer because they have a background in the area you investigated. If you acted as a lab tech, assisting in some else's work, you won't be expected to know much. But if you have presented yourself as having your own project, you'd be expected to have an in-depth understanding of every aspect. If you are applying to one of the research giants, you'd better prepare for the latter expectation.

I think this is exactly right.

My research experience was significant, but it was totally non-medical research. Therefore, nobody really asked me about the nitty gritty, but they were interested in the experience and how it shaped me.

 

[flip26]

Related to this question, I worked in a research lab ~6 yrs ago for a little less than a year (I'm a non-trad) and didn't do much besides run PCRs, DNA extractions, etc. I could talk about the general research area of the lab, but I certainly am not planning on representing my experience as more than this. I've had other research experiences since then, and one reason I left this lab was because there wasn't really the opportunity for my own project.

Would it better to leave this off entirely, or would this level of knowledge (the tasks and I did and the general research area of the lab) be sufficient (as I'm going to be very clear on the description what my duties were)?

List it and just don't over sell it and you will be fine.

You want to get that "research" box checked off, and you can legitimately do so with this experience.

 

[JustinG]

You will be questioned thoroughly, especially at top research schools. they want to know that you actually did and learned something.

 

[brooklynblunder]

at MD interviews - describe your research ( i do a 2 - 4 min quick story). simple questions

at MD/PhD interviews - its all about your research so, i start with a 10/15 minute story. and the type of question that i've been asked are: if you were to write a F31, what would your 3 specific aims be. As a person with MD degree, why would it be clinically relevant? basic science questions on my project

see if your group has lab meetings and attend them if you can, they are pretty solid

 

[harvman11]

I applied MD/PhD, so most of my interviews at each school were literally 20-25 minutes of talking about my research. However, we also generally had to interview with someone from the MD admissions committee as well, and while they generally would ask about, it was a minor part of the conversation and they just seemed to want to know what I did and what the "bigger picture" (clinical relevance) of my work was.

Maybe they just thought that since we had already explained our research so much in the previous 5 interviews that morning we didn't want to talk about it, but from my experience the adcoms for MD-only didn't focus too much on your research, as long as you know the basics of your work you'll probably be fine.

 

[RB93]

List it and just don't over sell it and you will be fine.

You want to get that "research" box checked off, and you can legitimately do so with this experience.

Thanks for the feedback Flip, that sounds right to me also!