Will this hurt me?

[dyang]

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🙁 🙁
When preparing my answer to Research Interests, I was very very specific, stating that I would like to continue my research in Neurosciences. I mentioned a couple of directions in Neurosciences.
I thought being specific about my research interests could help me a bit. But now I am very concerned that it might hurt me badly.
The reason is very simple ? not all faculty members in the MD/PHD program are specialized in Neurosciences. Even among a few members whose specialty happens to be Neurosciences, they may not be interested in the two directions I mentioned in my statement.
I should have broadened my interests so that I could have more options. Now I narrowed my options to a very limited few.
What should I do? Please help me with your advice. Thanks a lot.

 

[surge]

Hey dyang,

you have absolutely nothing to worry about. While I can tell you I shared your concerns myself, as you will see, these things are not as big of a deal at most schools.
Yes, it's good to have a vision, but most MD/PhD committee members know that most of us are not only still open, but in fact searching for the right direction we want to pursue. They are looking for potential.
The only problem is if you are absolutely set on doing one particular thing, and there happens to be no one doing the work you're interested in at a particular school - but in this case, the question would arise why you would want to go to this specific school in the first place.
I would say people are about evenly split between knowing what they want to do and having no idea. Even those that think they know (which I'm one of, BTW) often change their mind. It's OK, and I don't think it plays a major role in the acceptance process, regardless of where on that spectrum your personal conviction may fall.

 

[dyang]

Thanks a lot, Surge.
I hope what you said will work in my case, of course in your case, too. However, I still worry about my situation. Here is an analogy. Most painters who are looking for canvas to paint on would prefer a blank one for sure, though there might be a few, very few, could choose one with some pre-painted colors or shapes. In this sense a blank canvas has a far better chance to be chosen.
😱

 

[surge]

Originally posted by dyang
Thanks a lot, Surge.
I hope what you said will work in my case, of course in your case, too.

It did work in my case. That's why I have every confidence it will work in your case, too.
Just stick with it, and don't mold your interests to fit the school. Defend your passion, and it will mean a lot.

 

[dyang]

Thanks a lot, Surge.
By now, the only thing I can do is to hope for the best...

 

[CaNEM]

For one thing, throwing a few research specifics into your app shows that you're knowledgeable about the topic, which is not a bad thing. It seemed to work well for me, sparking a number of questions in the interviews. Just make sure that when you get to that interview stage, you acknowledge that although your interests are focused and strong, it's always possibly that something else might catch your attention once you start the program.

 

[dyang]

Thanks a lot, CaNem.
If I am lucky, I will prepare my interview for sure.

 

[Sonya]

I think specifics are good (read: excellent), because it shows you have an idea about where you want to go.

However, if the entire schools sorely lacks research in that area, then you may want to be less specific.

However, do NOT imply you are confident about where you want to go if you are not confident. Basically, if you say you're sure about it, you should be able to defend it.

Sonya