<p>Hi,
I'm a senior in chemical engineering. I started my research since early sophomore, and I have taken part in two research groups. My first research experience wasn't that good. T_T
I found out later on that such research didn't match up my interest, so I decided to switch to other research without finishing the first project. And now I really enjoy the research I'm doing right now, and that's what I wanna do in grad school. Will my first research experience look bad for admissions? I mean, should I even mention it in the personal statement? should I ask my first research advisor for rec letter?</p>
<p>As far as I understand it, it’s a red flag for there to be no letter from one of your research advisors (unless you have three other research advisors you’ve worked with longer). This is because the lack of a letter can indicate you had a falling out with the professor over attitude or quality of work. Unless this is the case and you did not leave on good terms, you should still get a letter from this advisor. It’s quite common to leave labs in undergraduate because you realize your interests have changed and you’re a better fit for another one. It’s also fine (and expected) to mention your change in interest in the personal statement.</p>
<p>thanks so much, luce373. your comment is very helpful to me.
I guess my case is quite different b/c I heard my previous advisor and my current advisor didn’t go along well in the department. and I haven’t talked to my first advisor for a while. I can tell that he was a little disappointed that I left the lab without finishing my stuff. so, I actually don’t know what to do.</p>