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?
What makes including research proposal in application bad?
Re: What makes including research proposal in application bad?
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.
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?
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.