There are 3 questions (200-300 words) that are asked. Two of them are required and the third one is optional (but I decided to do the 3rd one to make my application look a little better). Here is what I have thus far:
1. How would the Summer Research Program experience help you to meet you educational goals?
My main aspiration in life is to become a physician assistant. Anything biology related has always peaked my interest since my high school years. When I first heard of this research program, it caught my attention immediately because it was exactly what I have been searching for. I believe that this program would benefit me immensely. It is a well known fact that many graduate programs (physician assistant programs, in this case) require some form of a hands on experience be it with patient care at a hospital/clinic or gaining experience within a biological research group. Experience is an essential part of education that one acquires outside the four walls of a classroom. I thrive on learning and being exposed to different fields in biology. This research program is a wonderful opportunity that would help me gain experience and teach me new information that I may not otherwise learn anywhere else. The various experiments and projects that would be done in the course of this program would give me the opportunity to strengthen my knowledge, skills and understanding of experimental procedures. What is also great about this research program is that it is not confined to only one certain field. In fact, it offers different biological territories that I have never really considered before. If I were to participate in this program, I would be interacting with new people that are interested in the same area that I am. But then again, I would also be meeting new people who have different interests that may affirm my future career or I could possibly consider a different discipline in biology. I would also have the privilege of working with experienced mentors which gives me the chance to tap into their pool of knowledge and experience which will enrich me academically. The Nebraska Summer Research Program would make a lasting positive impact in my field of work with the skills I have harnessed upon the completion of this research program. In the long run, this program would also give me the necessary background that would help my adapt better and faster once I enter the workplace. Although these goals display the educational benefits of this research program, that is merely one aspect of how this research would better myself. Therefore, I believe that the invaluable experience that I would have gained upon the completion of this program is one that will last for a lifetime.
* Let me know if it flows or if I should add or remove anything.
The second one is where I'm stuck. How should I begin answering this question? And what are some good qualities that I can suggest?
2. Please describe your previous research experiences and personal strengths that would benefit a research team.
Thanks
For the first one, you mention that "Anything biology related has always peaked my interest". I think it would look a lot better if you supported that with, say, high school projects, books you've read, or just some solid experience that would cement your passion for biology.
Also, why don't you elaborate a bit more on this statement: "This research program is a wonderful opportunity that would help me gain experience and teach me new information that I may not otherwise learn anywhere else." What experience? What new information? since you say it's unique to this program, it would really reinforce your point if you gave a few examples of these things. Shows that you did your research on the program beforehand, and makes you a more attractive candidate.
And for the second one, from the top of my head, resourcefulness and perseverance are always good traits to have at a research program.
It is a well known fact that many graduate programs (physician assistant programs, in this case) require some form of a hands on experience, be it with patient care at a hospital/clinic or gaining experience within a biological research group.
What is alsoAnother great thing about this research program is that it is not confined to only one certain field.
But then again, I would also be meeting new people who have different interests that may affirm my future career, or I could possibly consider a different discipline in biology.
I would also have the privilege of working with experienced mentors, which would give me the chance to tap into their pool of knowledge and experience, which will enrich me academically.
:)
