Importance of research area as an undergrad

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The discussion centers on the significance of undergraduate research experience when applying to graduate schools, particularly in the context of a biological engineering student interested in neural engineering. The student is currently involved in a neurobiology lab focused on theoretical and computational neuroscience but is contemplating whether to shift to a more applied research setting, as they are particularly interested in neural interfacing and prosthetics. It is noted that graduate programs often prioritize the overall performance and learning outcomes of candidates over the specific nature of their undergraduate research. The consensus suggests that while applied experience may be beneficial, the skills gained and the ability to articulate those experiences are more critical factors in graduate school applications.
jbrussell93
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As an undergrad, how much does the area of research matter when applying to graduate schools? I am a biological engineering student hoping to go to graduate school for neural engineering. I'm currently in a neurobiology lab working working in the theoretical/computational side of neuroscience and neurophysiology. This is actually what has sparked my interest to continue into neural engineering. I enjoy neuroscience very much, but I feel like the work I'm doing is much more theoretical than what I would prefer... I'm more interested in neural interfacing and neural prosthesis and wonder if my time would be better spent in a more "applied" research lab. I am really enjoying the lab that I'm currently in because it involves a lot of math and programming (which is new to me), but will graduate schools care if it is more theoretical and biologically focused than engineering?
 
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When I look at candidates for our graduate program, the specifics of their undergraduate research experience aren't nearly as important as how they have performed and what they got out of the experience.
 

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