JCN

Hello everybody, I am looking for some advice on the research statement. I intend to apply for the GRFP for the first time this fall as a first year graduate student at a new school. I understand that there is no obligation to actually do the research proposed in the research statement, but is there an expectation that one should already have some sort of connection to the project? Essentially my problem is that I have not been in an academic lab since December and the PI of that lab is now retired, so developing a research plan with him is not an option. It would make sense that I write my proposal based on the research of my first rotation advisor at my new school, but my program does not start until October and because of the program's structure, I will not know who my first rotation advisor will be until the last week of September (and I don't get to choose who this person is). I have arranged to rotate with a POI this December, but this is obviously past the deadline for the application. Should I simply wait until I know who my first mentor will be at my new school and quickly develop a research plan with him/her, or should I go ahead and write a proposal based on my research interests, but not actually based in the lab of a current mentor?

Congrats! I also got an acceptance from Davis today. Feels good.

Oh really? Any idea of how their admissions process is proceeding?

I would also be interested to hear about this. I just finished interviewing with the micro graduate group. Which did you have a bad experience with?

I've got Davis Micro tomorrow. One 20 minute panel interview and one 20 minute informal meeting with a POI. Seems like a pretty sparse schedule. Anybody else going to be there?

Hey I am one of the people who was wait listed. I interviewed at the first weekend and I got the wait list email from the director this morning.

Looks like at least two acceptances now. Good luck!!

I just finished up the first Dartmouth MCB interview weekend on Sunday. Very few people wore dress shoes and even those with ties seemed slightly out of place. Only two or three people wore suits. Overall the atmosphere was quite casual and most interviewees were wearing nice pants with a sweater and a collared shirt while most faculty and grad students were simply wearing jeans and a hoodie or fleece jacket.

Has anybody interviewing for Dartmouth MCB received a schedule or hotel information? My initial invitation email gave the name of the hotel I'll be staying in, but I confirmed my attendance a month ago and have not received any communication since then.

For those wondering about University of Washington Micro, I spoke to one of their advisers yesterday. She wasn't absolutely certain, but she said all of the interview invites have probably gone out.

No I'll be going to the January 30 - February 2 interview.

I've been lurking since the beginning so I might as well post my stats now that I'm finally hearing back... Undergrad Institution: Mid size Western state school Major(s): Biotechnology - microbiology emphasis Minor(s): Biochemistry Overall GPA: 3.92 Type of Student: Male GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 159 V: 161 W: 5.5 Research Experience: One semester in a molecular virology lab, two years in a fungal biology/biochemistry lab. One middle author pub, one first author pub in the works, honors thesis. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Graduating with a separate baccalaureate degree from my University's Honors College Special Bonus Points: My PI for the last two years is fairly famous and I have no doubt he wrote me a very strong LOR. Another LOR is coming from a department head.

Looks like a few University of Washington micro invites went out. Does anybody know if they sent all the invites out already?