<p>I'm applying to a bunch of graduate biochem programs, as well as fellowships like the NSF, and I was wondering if I should mention all of my research experiences, good and bad. I know it's generally better to have more research experience, but what if you didn't get much out of one of those experiences?</p>
<p>I ask, because technically, I've worked in three different labs. Two of these experiences were great, and I really learned a lot. However, my first lab experience was pretty awful. The grad student who supervised me didn't seem to like me, and she seemed annoyed when I tried to ask questions about what we were doing. She never even really explained to me what her project was and how what I was doing contributed to that even though I tried to ask. The PI was hardly ever around, and I don't think he would recognize me now if I looked him straight in the face. I suppose it was partially my fault for not making sure the lab was a good fit before joining, but, at the time, I didn't know any better. </p>
<p>Not surprisingly, I didn't ask for a rec letter from the PI, but I do have letters from my other two PI's and one of my professors. Would it look strange for me to include this bad experience in my application if I didn't get a letter out of it and I don't talk about it at all in my statement of purpose? Should I just pretend it didn't happen and leave it out?</p>
<p>Definitely list it on your CV, just don’t go into detail about it in your essay. If it was your first experience in a lab then you can’t expect a whole lot. But it is still experience. If the subject wasn’t something you are overly interested in (which since you never seemed to learn the point of the thing) then there’s not reason to talk about that experience in the essay. That will give you more room to write about the more meaningful experiences. </p>
<p>Many undergrads expect their first research experiences to be cutting-edge and very involved. Sometimes you just end up photo-copying papers and making up participant packages. Schools know this. Don’t dwell on it.</p>
<p>I would include it as NovaLynnx describes. The grad student didn’t want to help train the newbie. More her problem than yours - glad the less-than-ideal experience did not deter you for good. It was ungenerous of her,considering everyone has to start somewhere. Fine to just list it and just focus on the more recent work.</p>
<p>You don’t need a rec letter from every single research project. I know I didn’t. Try writing it and see if you can put a positive spin on the project; if you can’t then leave it out.</p>
<p>I would be impressed by someone who had a terrible first lab experience, but continued to do research rather than drop out of that path. That shows your determination for research. You’re going to hit some really bumpy roads in grad school, but it’s your determination and drive that will let you get past those bumps.</p>