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What makes including research proposal in application bad?

Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 4:44 am
by jchys
I read some posts that mention this, isn't it better to be specific rather than being vague on what your interests are?
Can someone share some thoughts?

Re: What makes including research proposal in application bad?

Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 2:03 pm
by noojens
Depends. It's okay not to know what you want to specialize in after 4 years of undergrad, especially if you don't have a lot of research experience yet. Honestly, most people don't.

If you do write about a very specific topic, it'll look good iff:
1) you demonstrate a solid understanding of the field;
2) you propose a novel or at least interesting project; and
3) the school you're applying to has researchers with funding in that area.

That's my take, anyway. :)

Re: What makes including research proposal in application bad?

Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 7:20 pm
by signminus
This could also work against you, though. For instance, if you state a narrow field of interest on your application, and all the researchers in this area at the school in question happen not to be taking new students, then there's a good chance you'll be SOL. It's good to check into these things before getting to specific about your interests.