Ragneo

Your research experience is enough. I started my research experience in January 2014, and turned in my grad school applications in December 2014. Got accepted into one of the programs you applied to. My GRE scores and GPA were a bit better, however. But don't think your research experience is meaningless! Also, I went to the same undergrad as you, so I'm rooting for you! Good luck.

Why don't you just punch me in the face while you're at it? Haha. They're projecting opinions that aren't true, personal experience. And 90% (okay I made that up, but I bet it's close) of everyone else I talked to at these interviews didn't go to prestigious universities, and they got interviews at many of the places you mentioned.

You have nothing to worry about, honestly! But let's face it, you're going to worry about it anyway (which is natural). I hope I can give you some relief. Just make sure your SoP/Personal Statement is great, have some people read it. Best of luck.

I really don't think you need to worry about your list, in my opinion. From my experience at interviews, there was plenty of representation from smaller, liberal art schools. Just make sure your Statement of Purpose/Personal Statements are top notch and have people input suggestions as much as possible. I went to a well known, flagship research university with stats way less impressive than yours and I got interviews at a couple of those places you mentioned. Don't sweat it, you'll be fine!

I'll go ahead and say this process is a crapshoot as well, in regards to figuring out what went wrong with your application. I got into some good programs (by my standards at least) even though when I turned in my applications, I had less than a year of research behind my belt. Granted, I think I really utilized my time conducting research effectively, but that's besides the point. There's a very close acquaintance of mine who has a stellar GPA, research experience, and GRE scores, and I must say I am confused on how he was rejected from most of the places he applied. He was accepted, but to less prominent programs. This goes to show you how difficult it is to really determine who is the perfect candidate. As everyone has said: it's probably your interviews that are screwing you up. But it's really up to you if you're going to try again next application season. Best of luck, acetylcholine.

I just officially accepted my offer to Yale! Moving to the north east this Fall--I am so excited!!!

Speaking of making decisions... is it bad to accept pretty early? I have heard of people getting fellowship offers to convince people to accept their admissions. I don't know if this is true or not, but I really just want to accept my offer already!

I have a feeling some schools do... For example, one of the admissions committee members, who I interviewed with, told me that they really wanted me, and that's why they nominated me for a training grant and fellowship (there was about 2 of us out of 20). He was saying how they wanted to lay it all out on the table to make it clear they wanted me and make it convincing for me to accept their offer. Although, I have no doubt in my mind they would have rejected me if I had done anything behaviorally concerning.

Just thought I'd bring this up since this is pretty important to me: how LGBT friendly is New Haven/Yale?

BBSB!

Got accepted into Yale!!! One of my top two choices! Now onto the stressful part: picking which grad school to actually go to...

I actually thought the same thing about Yale BBS (that it was going to be super-competitive, like an Ivy-league is supposed to be.) However, my friend convinced me to apply--I got an interview and attended. And I can say, at least from my impression, that it was a super friendly environment and that most labs collaborate. If I get accepted, there's a high chance I'll be choosing Yale over my other schools!

I got accepted into Vanderbilt IGP! I'm going to graduate school guys!

Oops. Wrong forum!

You mean the Molecular Biosciences Training Grant? I got an e-mail about that too (and I haven't interviewed yet as well)! I wonder how selective it is.