We’ve all been there—writing your first abstract can feel like climbing a mountain. Or even working on your second or tenth abstract may feel this way. Even with great mentors to guide you, sitting down to sum up months (or years) of research into 3000 characters (yes, including spaces!) can feel like an impossible task. The stakes seem incredibly high, and it feels like every single word has to carry the weight of your entire project. You want the abstract review committee to not just understand your work but to see the passion and innovation behind it. But how do you cram all of that into a tiny word count?
The good news? We’ve all been through it. While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, there are definitely some strategies to make the process smoother—and dare we say—maybe even enjoyable. After all, your abstract is your chance to give your project the spotlight it deserves.
Here are some quick and effective tips to help you craft a standout abstract submission:
1. Highlight the Gap in Literature
No matter what field you’re working in—whether it’s clinical outcomes, basic science or education—your abstract needs to demonstrate that your research addresses a gap in the current literature. Think of it as setting the stage for your work. The review committee wants to know, “What’s missing in the field?” and “How is your research going to fill that gap?” Be explicit and clear about what hasn’t been done before and how your research is going to contribute something new and valuable. This is your chance to make your research feel essential and exciting! You can often accomplish this with 1-2 sentences in the introduction.
2. Clearly State Your Aim or Hypothesis
The heart of your research is your aim or hypothesis, and it needs to shine. Don’t make the committee work to figure out what you’re trying to achieve—make it obvious. Write your aim as concisely and clearly as possible. A strong, crystal-clear aim allows the committee to follow your logic and see exactly what question you’re asking or problem you’re solving. This is typically the last sentence of your introduction. Make sure this aim ties directly back to the gap you identified. Every word in your aim needs to be intentional, setting up the path for the rest of your abstract.
3. Create a Roadmap with your Methods
Think of the methods as creating a roadmap for your research, showing exactly how you went about answering your aim. Start by specifying the type of study and your study population. Be clear about the years of data collection and any criteria you used to include or exclude participants, as this defines the scope and relevance of your findings. Next, identify and define your key variables. Finally, outline the statistical methods used to assess your primary outcome. Remember, this is the foundation that connects your results back to your aim, showing the committee how each step of your analysis was purposefully designed to address that initial question. The methods are also a good place to detail any innovative techniques you used in data collection or analysis—these can set your work apart.
4. Focus on Significant Outcomes
We get it—you’re passionate about your research, and there are probably a lot of results you’d love to share. But remember, your abstract is essentially a highlight reel. Choose the outcomes that best represent the core of your research and its impact. Make sure these outcomes directly connect to your aim or hypothesis and reflect the key findings of your study. Write results relevant to what you described in your methods – don’t share additional analyses that weren’t already mentioned as this can confuse your reader. Don’t overwhelm the committee with data—focus on the results that tell the story of your research and its significance.
5. Connect the Dots in Your Conclusion
One of the most common pitfalls in abstract writing is repetition in the conclusion. Many abstracts restate what has already been said without adding anything new. Avoid this trap by focusing on the implications of your results. What do your findings mean for the field? How might they influence future research or clinical practice? Make sure you’re not just summarizing but are instead drawing clear connections between your results and their broader impact. A strong conclusion leaves a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Process
At the end of the day, writing an abstract is about clearly and concisely communicating the heart of your research. It may take some time to find your groove, and yes, it may feel daunting at first. But once you do, the process becomes much more manageable—and even rewarding. Writing an abstract is an opportunity to tell the story of your research in a way that captivates the review committee and makes them excited about your work.
So, take a deep breath and just go for it. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a compelling and impactful abstract submission!
Link to AAS “How to Write an Abstract” webinar: https://www.aasurg.org/how-to-write-an-abstract-webinar/
Other resources:
Past abstracts: https://www.asc-abstracts.org/
Eugene Kim, “Tips for a Successful Abstract” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJz8NmG7VpI
AMA Research Challenge, “How to Prepare an Abstract” https://www.ama-assn.org/about/research/ama-research-challenge-how-prepare-abstract
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