wishfulthinking2

I understand. I am just saying that if you think it's all a gamble, you won't address whatever shortcomings there are in your application. See this link: http://pregrad.stanford.edu/phdfaq.html#important BTW, many schools only consider the GPA o fyour last two years.

Of course it helps! Also, presumably because you can write a decent application and have research experience. Awards etc. are something like a stamp of preapproval, meaning that others have recognized and acknowledged your abilities and promise.

I tend to disagree. i understand that it is a very disappointing experience, but once you have regrouped, take an analytical look at this: Try to find out what the reason was for not getting interviews and/or admissions and then try to address that. If it's lack of hands-on research, try to volunteer in a lab if necessary. If it's bad letters of recommendation, try to find someone else who can write a letter (preferably someone who knows your research skills). If it's lack of fit, make sure that you pick a program that fits your interests and background and make a case for it in your application. If it's a bad GPA, try to take classes somewhere else to boost your GPA.

Also look at the publications. Some PIs have former group members magically "disappear" from their group web sites.

Happier people at Scripps.....which could be because many people go to Harvard because it's Harvard. Having said that, if you want to go into consulting, then Harvard makes more sense. If you want to do science, then pick the better labs and the nicer place in terms of living.

Well, everything is negotiable, especially if they want you. So, I'd just be very nice about it. Say, I really love B, but A has offered me XY. Is there anytihng you could do? Also, check whether there is subsidized grad student housing, which may make up for the difference.

It could be that program no 2's yield last year was less than they expected, so they are more aggressive with follow-ups.

Climate!!! There's a reason why living in California is so much more expensive than in Minnesota.

The most important criterion for admission is what you can do for them in terms of research/lab skills. try to get as much resarch experience as possible. List all research techniques and skills.

What is more important than "results" are the skills/techniques you have learned and used in the lab. Make a list of those, use of equipment, soft ware, etc.

Tax info for international students http://www.irs.gov/publications/p901/ar02.html

Actually, it depends on the tax agreements between the USA and your country. Some international students pay US taxes for stipends or fellowships while others don't. You can either read up on the IRS.gov web site or ask the international student office at the university.

I'm sorry, I quoted the wrong post. I was addressing the students who were admitted for chemistry, but I guess the biochemistry program may have different procedures (i.e. interview for admission)

Did you already get an official admission letter? I was invited for an interview for biochemistry.