What Research should I engage in to help me improve the chance of getting into ?

[MissPenguin]

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What Research should I engage in to help me improve the chance of getting into Clinical PHD Program?

I am really interested in mental disorders. I would like to go for my PHD. I am currently engaged in a research that deals with children with health problem (any relation to clinical?). By doing an extra RA, will it help improve my chance of getting into Clinical PHD program?

What type of research should I engage in to help me improve my chance of getting into Clinical PHD program? Please be specific.

Thank you very much. 🙂

 

[CounselingGirl]

The best thing you can do is write an honor's thesis.

Any research, however, increases your chances.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

You'll need to be more specific with what you want to study within the field. Someone may want to study "Depression", but even that is vague. "Depression as it relates to post-surgery recovery" could work, or something more general like, "Depression as it relates to medical conditions."

"Fit" is paramount in getting into a good program. Getting experience in that area or a related area is very helpful. You'll need research experience in something, or you are pretty much dead in the water because there are too many other applicants with more experience and a better idea of what they want to study.

 

[MissPenguin]

The best thing you can do is write an honor's thesis.

Any research, however, increases your chances.

I am currently in one research, is it a good idea to have another one? For honor's thesis, can you briefly describe what it is? Thank you.😉

 

[MissPenguin]

You'll need to be more specific with what you want to study within the field. Someone may want to study "Depression", but even that is vague. "Depression as it relates to post-surgery recovery" could work, or something more general like, "Depression as it relates to medical conditions."

"Fit" is paramount in getting into a good program. Getting experience in that area or a related area is very helpful. You'll need research experience in something, or you are pretty much dead in the water because there are too many other applicants with more experience and a better idea of what they want to study.

I am currently a sophomore in 1 research lab. Anyway, So, I should be specific? I am really interested in this type of research about ethanol injects in rats, it has nothing to do with clinical psy., correct? So, I should not do it? Thank you. 😉

 

[Schooled]

As an undergrad, I feel that you should focus more on the "experience" part rather than the "research" part. What I mean by that is that a lot of times applicants focus on what they did rather than what they learned. I'll be honest with you, its very difficult to impress faculty with what anything an undergrad does in a lab.

For example, did you learn about specific assessment batteries or inventories? Perhaps you learned about what it takes to create an inventory. Maybe you learned about coding, creating a code book, and how difficult it can be to be consistent. Perhaps you learned about the IRB and rigorous process of being approved. Even if the entire time what you actually did was enter 1, 2, 3, or 4 into a computer, it's important that you learn something from your experience.

Additionally, like T4C said, fit is also important. Research and getting a PhD is a soul sucking endeavor. It's important to show that, to you, it doesn't matter because you're really into the field. 🙂

 

[VeggieDelight]

As an undergrad, I feel that you should focus more on the "experience" part rather than the "research" part. What I mean by that is that a lot of times applicants focus on what they did rather than what they learned. I'll be honest with you, its very difficult to impress faculty with what anything an undergrad does in a lab.

For example, did you learn about specific assessment batteries or inventories? Perhaps you learned about what it takes to create an inventory. Maybe you learned about coding, creating a code book, and how difficult it can be to be consistent. Perhaps you learned about the IRB and rigorous process of being approved. Even if the entire time what you actually did was enter 1, 2, 3, or 4 into a computer, it's important that you learn something from your experience.

Additionally, like T4C said, fit is also important. Research and getting a PhD is a soul sucking endeavor. It's important to show that, to you, it doesn't matter because you're really into the field. 🙂

++1. I know everyone's situation is different, but my undergrad advisors actually advised AGAINST doing an honors thesis during our graduate school info sessions. Though it was an option, they said the time might be better spent getting quality experience under an established researcher. A quality thesis can go a long way, but they feared that often times, the product was less valuable than doing research under a major grant in a faculty member's lab and maybe even getting published with them. As the above poster said, it's about what you learn (though you should also be doing), and at the undergrad stage, it's hard to learn on your own if you have little direction. Again, this is not advice everyone should or should not follow- just what I was told. I also came from a top tier research university with many opportunities for RA positions. You have to check the resources of your institution and decide what would be most fruitful for you.

I am currently a sophomore in 1 research lab. Anyway, So, I should be specific? I am really interested in this type of research about ethanol injects in rats, it has nothing to do with clinical psy., correct? So, I should not do it? Thank you.

Not necessarily. You are still a sophomore so that gives you some time. Actually, the most I learned from any undergrad research experience was during my time in a rat lab (the summer before my senior year). I soon decided it wasn't what I wanted to do, but I am glad I did it. I think it also makes you more attractive as an applicant to have varied research experiences. Even if it's something you discover isn't your cup of tea, it only makes your desire to do clinical research even stronger, and that can be emphasized in your SoP. That being said, if you get a clinical research opportunity that sounds good, go for it.

 

[Schooled]

A quality thesis can go a long way, but they feared that often times, the product was less valuable than doing research under a major grant in a faculty member's lab and maybe even getting published with them. As the above poster said, it's about what you learn (though you should also be doing), and at the undergrad stage, it's hard to learn on your own if you have little direction.

I agree with your post Veggie! I just want to clarify for the benefit of the OP and other applicants.

It seems to me that most undergrad roles in research is.. well lack luster. I think this is normal. I spent too many hours with a pipette in hand. On another project, I just ran audio equipment, and on another I coded every minute of a 30 conversation with a 1, 2, 3, or 4. Nothing fancy, but I learned a lot and I had a lot of ideas. I expressed all that, in one way or another, to in personal statements and interviews. My feeling is that they were impressed with what I had learned, even if what I did was really grunt work.

My point is not to be disparaged if you don't get a position where you get a publication and a patent out of it. I think those are rare, and you kind of have to get lucky. The experience is what you make of it. Ask a lot of questions, take opportunities to learn about what everyone (grad students, other undergrads, the head of the lab, your professor, the janitor) does to contribute to the project.

On the other hand, there are experiments where no one will be helpful. My friend once worked in a biolab where no one really talked to him or taught much. He tried, but even the professor was difficult to talk to. That was probably not a good place to get good experience, and to be sure, he left after a month or so.

In short, it's not about finding good research experiences, it's about creating good ones. If you can land a position where you will be an active part of the design team, get your name on publication and a patent, be taught all these lab techniques... do it. Take it and never let go until you graduate! However, if you find yourself doing grunt work, there's still a lot you can learn about the research process that will be valuable to you when you apply.