Can I give a research proposal in secondary questions?

[mrbadgradesbut]

A lot of secondaries ask what do you want to do for your research or why do you want to come to our school. If I find a specific topic with a PI I would be interested in working with is it okay to give a very specific project proposal in that PI's lab? Or is this a little too much?

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[Go4Doc]

I'd say that it sounds too specific. What if that PI isn't looking for rotation or PhD students next year? What if you meet them on interview day and get a bad vibe? In my opinion, it's best if find several PIs with a common theme and briefly describe why you'd like to work with them.

 

[mrbadgradesbut]

Hmm good point. The reason why I was thinking of doing this was just to show to adcoms I have really researched their program and have a compelling reason for attending. But I guess it can backfire. Although in interview day I believe you can meet with several PIs.

 

[jesie]

It's totally possible to show you did your research without going that far

 

[Go4Doc]

Exactly. If you list a few PIs with related interests, you show that you have a specific interest and the admissions office can potentially alert multiple PIs that you would like to meet with them on interview day.