I really want to do UROP because i don't know how to do research, but find it interesting.
But I heard that if you have previous research experience and tell them that on the application, you can basically expect to get rejected.
So I am listed as a coauthor on a few papers that I helped on in high school that helped me get admitted in the first place, but my research experience has been limited to the writing and analytical side such as reframing arguments, identifying key references, and revising drafts of papers. Like anyone can do that.
However, I have not conducted hands-on research: no data collection, experimental design, or independent analysis. UROP would be my first opportunity to engage with that side of the process. I feel I am in a similar position to those who have had no research experience at all.
I need to be honest obviously, but will I be screwed/guaranteed rejection from UROP if I say I have previous research experience, even if I explain it as I just did above?