Do you include all your research experience in SOP?

[ssynny]

Hi all,

 

I was just wondering if I should include all of my research experiences in my SOP. My first position in college was for two years with a neuroscience lab (outside of my field). I had two positions after that in earth science (my field). I really don't intend to do anything again with neuro, but did learn some nice basic lab skills. Still, is it worth mentioning? 

 

Thanks!

[Applemiu]

I would just mention it briefly (two or three sentences). The more research experience, the better, but then I would not go into the details.

[GeoDUDE!]

I tied my relevant research experience into the narrative of problems I wanted to solve:

 

"I enjoy solving these types of problems because they are complex, for example, when i was researching X I had to solve Y and Z to resolve X." 

[neuronsbeyondneurons2]

i think it's important to spend a little extra time discussing one lab experience and then briefly work the others in. i think they want to see some maturity in thought/closeness to a project but obviously you shouldn't just list stuff for the sake of it. i spent one paragraph in detail about the project i have been working on and how i got from a to b. then i just mentioned the other research in a more general sense and made some conclusions about what i've learned from those experiences/want from a phd program.

 

hope this helps.

[ToomuchLes]

I agree with everyone. Dont go too in-depth, but mention your research in 2-3 sentences. If you have alot of research under your belt, then pick the one that either A) is pertinent to your area of research for grad school, or you can speak highly of. 

[ssynny]

Thanks for the advice everyone! It was very helpful