<p>How close does your research experience have to be to the research you say you're interested in for grad school? Like, can you research primate behavior at a zoo as an undergraduate, then apply for a PhD program in Environmental Science and Policy?</p>
<p>Another question: is it okay to get research experience primarily after I graduate?</p>
<p>The research does NOT have to be closely related. Generally, they just want to see that you have the interest, drive, motivation, passion, etc. to pursue a topic... and you will learn valuable skills about HOW to do research that can be transferable regardless of the research topic.</p>
<p>Yes, it is perfectly fine if the research was pursued after graduation...
in fact, one strategy to improve your application, especially if you have a weakness (below ave grades or poor scores or if none of your professors knows you well enough to write a good letter) is to take a couple years after graduation to pursue research... your research supervisor will be able to write an excellent letter... moreso than a professor with whom you only had a class.</p>
<p>Unless you want to be in a really competitive school or program, you don't actually need any research experience. Any research experience is a plus though.</p>
<p>I would likely apply to a competitive program -maybe even a top program.</p>
<p>As I said and as harvard<em>and</em>berkeley has more elegantly pointed out, any serious research experience will do. Professors understand that most students are only starting to develop research interests, and it is perfectly normal to explore different fields (as long as you stay focused long enough to finish your projects).</p>
<p>you should definitely get involved in research in your discipline now. its publish or perish in academia, and the sooner you realize this and act upon it, the better you will be prepared for your grad school hunts, and for the job search afterward.</p>