Research Documentation for Grad School Apps

[mg0stisha]

Hello all,

I am a freshman at a meduim-sized Wisconsin University and have had the opportunity to partake in my first research while on campus. That being said, I am wondering what i should write down about this research as far as putting it onto Grad School apps in the future.

Thanks, and any help is appreciated!

 

[Choppy]

For most undergraduate research experiences the most important part is what you learn from it. Ideal documentation would include:
- a record of the different tasks assigned to you
- a quick summary of the project itself
- details of the project and your roll within the bigger scheme
- a record of any skills you pick up in order to advance the project (ie. programming languages, machine shop experience/qualifications, etc.)
- a record of any publications, including conference abstracts and local presentations
- up to date contact information for people involved in the project
- a record of any awards you were granted to partake in the project, or those earned as a result of the project
- EDIT: it may also be wise to include tasks you specifically COMPLETE within the project, not just those 'worked on' - this may come in handy if you ever find yourself in a position arguing your relative contribution to a particular project (not that you ever want to get into that)

All of this will help come time for graduate school applications. In ~ 4 years, it will help tremendously if you can email the professor who mentored you in your first year and include this kind of summary to jog his or her memory (if that happens to be one of the people you're hitting up for a reference).

 

[Mene]

Hello there,

First of all, congratulations on your first research experience! That is a great achievement and will definitely be valuable for your future academic pursuits.

When it comes to documenting your research for graduate school applications, there are a few key things you should focus on. Firstly, make sure to provide a clear and concise description of your research project, including the objectives, methods, and results. This will give the admissions committee a good understanding of what you worked on and the skills you gained.

It is also important to highlight any significant contributions or achievements you made during your research, such as presenting at a conference or publishing a paper. This will demonstrate your dedication and potential as a researcher.

Additionally, you can mention any relevant coursework or skills you acquired that were beneficial for your research project. This will show your academic background and how it relates to your research interests.

Lastly, be sure to include any letters of recommendation from your research supervisor or mentors. These letters can provide valuable insights into your work ethic, skills, and potential for success in graduate school.

Overall, make sure to showcase your research experience in a clear and organized manner, and don't be afraid to highlight your accomplishments and strengths. Good luck with your future applications!