Immunolog

Thoughts/opinions are much appreciated on how to present preliminary data in the research proposal section. I am a first year graduate student, so a couple preliminary findings leading to my project definitely contributes to the rationale, therefore it makes sense to mention preliminary observations right? However, these data are unpublished, and was done by a post doc in the lab. Is it worth going into detail about these finding, if so, is it necessary to include appropriate figures. Also, suggestions on how to properly cite these unpublished figures that are not mine.

Don't sell yourself short, I say shoot for top tier schools and maybe one or two safety schools. People told me my stats were too low, but I got plenty of interview offers at top 25 US ranked schools, and admission offers from all I chose to attend. For some perspective, I have 3.6 GPA, ~160 GRE scores, 1yr undergrad lab, 2 yr lab tech. I had 2 research letters and one from my undergrad program director. Oddly enough, I got into my reach schools and rejected from my backup schools. As far as taking a year off, its not a bad idea, it's actually quite common. BUT if you have the time/money then why not apply this year. Most grad schools offer financial aid for applications if you apply early enough.

I know a few people in similar situations. Your friend might need to complete a biology post-bac program to fulfill the necessary coursework to even apply for biological grad programs. While completing classes she needs to find a good lab to intern or work part-time for. She needs to keep in mind that she's competing for spots that many others have spent years working for through 4-yr undergrad programs plus extracurricular lab experience.

I'm in the same boat with the same school. From what I could gather, the domestic partnership, along with some evidence of commitment, must be in place one year before applying for housing. The students told me couples get priority on the studios and one bedrooms, and that people are constantly leaving. I hope that you can get into the student housing by second year. Please post if you find some more concrete information.

Makes sense about Harvard. This is just from what I've been told from my interviews as well...mix of umbrella or non-umbrella programs. At one school I visited there were a little over 30 applicants for immunology program, 15 got offers, but they only expect about 10 to actually accept. The previous year only had 8 students accept offers.

Yes sorry. I meant they offer 50% acceptances expecting 2/3 of those students to actually matriculate.

I'm not sure about UCSD specifically, but most schools usually extend acceptances expecting about 50% to acccept. Most interviews end early March, so my guess is that accepted applicants will start making official decisions mid-March. Of course this is all speculation as I have no experience with interviews.

Congrats! They're either really forgiving or they simply browse through sops...so comforting lol

Same here....changed 24hrs before the actual interviews!!!!

Just curious how in-depth everyone is researching their POIs past work. I know they do not expect applicants to be experts in the field, but you still have to show some sort of proficiency. Briefly read last 2-3 publications? Read reviews of the topic to better understand the field? Merely gaze over abstracts?

Congrats! That's amazing! I bet you're a lot less stressed for the upcoming interviews. I received my poi list Saturday. I'm interviewing for the imp program. I got 2 with POIs, 1 with another professor, and 1 grad student. Call the coordinator. I think assigning and scheduling interviewers for each person is the limiting factor.

Thanks for the encouragement

Called IMP coordinator today and she said she's still working on them. I'm seriously scared of this cold weather when I visit! As a Californian, I am a complete wimp! Even snowboarding in California is only ~40F. Is it snowing there? Just wondering if my leather booties can withstand the snow, or if I should invest in actual snow-appropriate shoes. Good luck! Please tell me how it goes as I will be visiting in a couple weeks!

I called the coordinator as well. She seemed annoyed. I didn't believe it either, hence my post.

Do tell about the contents of your portfolio please. I was thinking just bringing copies of my cv and having my papers on an iPad just in case they want to see the figures. I'd like to know your opinion/experience on this. Thanks in advance!