Hi!
I am currently a high school senior and I am really interested in applying for an RA position. However, the website says that it requires a “half-page explanation of research interest”… What is that exactly and what format should it be in?
Also, what is a statement of interest? Sorry for asking so many questions but please help!
I think it is asking you to explain WHY you want a Research position. What interests have you already demonstrated by volunteering or taking classes or making visits to places? Like volunteering at a hospital or taking anatomy class, things that would relate to your desired future career. Were you inspired to do cancer research when a relative got the disease? Have you shadowed a doctor in a hospital, or an EMT in a ride along in am ambulance? Are you a biology or chemistry whiz kid who has won science competitions? Or are you a computer science geek that loves that angle of using computer programs to analyze data?
I would think about saying things about yourself that tell a compelling story. Things that give them a sense of your personality, your passion, and how you have shown interest in the subject matter you might research. I would keep things positive (don’t dwell on the details of a relative who died from a disease, or a struggle you had coping with a loss of someone) and end with a sentence or two that asks for the position.
Have someone you trust who is good with writing (English teacher maybe) look over your statement before you turn it in. You want to make sure there are no typos or grammar mistakes, and that the flow of the sentences tells a coherent story.
Good luck!
Thank you so much! Now I have a general idea of what I would write!
While I don’t specifically ask for research statements, when I hire research assistants I want to see in their cover letter why they want to work on my project and what they hope to get out of their time working with me.
YMMV.
Research statements also serve to explain what you want to research. For example, if you are interested in post-transcriptional regulators, you should talk about that. It also is a good way for a professor to see if your research interests align with his or hers. It you are interested in post-transcriptional regulations then perhaps a lab looking a neurotransmitters is not the best place for you.
Don’t just put: “Gimme ur jobz cause i wanna pad my resume and go to med skool”. Actually go into detail about what it is.
Thanks to all of you guys’ comment. I did not get the opportunity but learned about the application process so it is worth it:)