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WebbsInferno

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  • Location
    SLC
  • Application Season
    2016 Fall
  • Program
    PhD in Chemistry

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  1. This may be a bit long so bear with me… So, I'm new in my field (about a year in), that I've been wanting to do since I was a kid. This is the field I love and couldn't picture my self doing anything else. I also consider myself very ambitious and want to go very far in my field. I 'd eventually like to be a leader and start my own consulting business (it could potentially be a very lucrative side hustle #multiplestreamsofincome ). My field is pretty hard to break into. Fortunately, I was able to break in with only my B.S. degree, I beat out people with years of experience/higher education than me. I've been reaching out to people in my field finding mentors and whatnot and it has been echoed to me by a few people that I respect (involved in professional organizations, directors of their workplaces, etc.) that getting my PhD would be beneficial for me, financially (one of my mentors said I'd be able to jump into a good, high paying job after because I'd have the industry experience + the education. and I realize its one persons opinion, albeit he knows his shit) and personally. I also feel it in my gut that if I don't go back to school (at least Masters) I WILL be "left out" so to speak in 10-15 years. My reasons for getting a PhD wouldn't be for just career/financial stability, I love my field and want to be part of advancing it, which I feel like I could be a part of from doing so searching on the interwebs. Would getting it be worth it? A few things I'm nervous about: 1) being overqualified 2) opportunity costs for being out of the workforce for years (even tho I COULD potentially make more over my life I do go) and 3) taking a "pay cut" so to speak. It wouldn't be a crazy pay cut but I'm not so sure how funding/getting paid works when you're a PhD etc. I also have a supportive SO, so that really helps. I know it seems like I'm all about the money (does it?) but I think one would be naive to think in life its NOT about money. Any feedback would be appreciated. This forum is great…I've spent a few hours on this already and I barely made an account!
  2. Interested in doing a PhD. How do you go about reaching out to a potential PI when you are just interested BEFORE applying? What types of things do you ask? Thanks guy!
  3. Hi all, I am currently a forensic scientist looking to go back to school for my Phd in Chemistry. I found a great program, that, honestly I wish I had heard about it sooner or I would of applied straight after my undergrad. But, in life things happen for reasons. After being in the field a year already my drive to continue my education has increased tremendously partly because of some mentors, partly because of the current trends and partly due to my own ambitions and what I want out of my career, not that I've been in it day in and day out. I have a summer research experience in organic chemistry (I enjoyed it a lot, but left due to me getting my current position) and have identified a PI who's research actually sounds like something I want to be part of. My question is, how do I word work experience into the SOP? After going through the threads, I've seen it could either benefit you are be a detriment. What's the best way to go about it so it makes the admissions committee see your potential. Thanks ya'll!
  4. Hi!, this'll be a bit specific to my situation. So, I want to apply to a Chemistry PhD program and I am going through my head on who to ask. I've come down to three people (all academia, 2 in chemistry 1 in forensics) who know me well. I was wondering how exactly I go about asking them for LORs. I don't live in the same state anymore so I can't meet with them in person (moved from CA to UT) but i've been keeping up with them periodically since I moved (about a year). They don't know I'm applying yet. The 2 from chemistry I actually know because they WANTED me to do a PhD at the time but it didn't "feel" right at the time, if that makes any sense so I respectfully turned it down. Now, I've been in my field for a year and I'm more sure of myself and where I want to go with my career. How and when should I go about asking them? Thanks guys! Oh and would it be bad to ask non-acedmia people? I have a few others in mind (supervisors, former people I used to intern with, non Phd, etc.) but I don't think it'll hold as much weight as the top 3
  5. I am looking to get a chemistry PhD. I was wondering if anyone knows of any fellowships etc. for black PhDs? I've been told that theres a lot of money out there. Thanks guys!
  6. I was wondering how important is visiting the school before you apply. I'm obviously going to do it but I just wanted to hear feedback from others. I read somewhere on here that one guy was sure he got in because he visited first and they were able to put a name with a face so to speak. What types of things should I ask? Who should I even go see? The potential PI, the faculty? This is all new to me so ima be asking a bunch of questions thanks y'all
  7. Oh, also, if it is suggested that I take the Chem GRE how should I go about studying? For Chemistry classes I have 1 year gen chem, 1 year Ochem, Analytical chemistry, forensic chemistry and biochem. No P-chem or inorganic.
  8. Hi! Kind of a long story, I want to apply to a chemistry PhD program with a concentration in Forensic Science but I was a biology major/forensic science minor as an undergrad. I have research experience in organic chemistry because I got straight A's in ochem and my professor wanted me to work in his lab and he encouraged me to do a PhD at the time. It didn't "feel" right at the time if that makes any sense. Now, after being in my field for a year (2 at the the time I apply) I am more sure of my self as a scientist and have a better idea where I want to go with my career, and advancing my education is required. Anyway, since I was a bio major should I take the Chemistry GRE subject test in addition to the regular one to show the admin people I am capable in chemistry? I also just got through taking biochem now as a non matriculated student at a major college in my area. Online for the requirements it just says "competitive GRE scores" so I'm assuming thats the regular one. Also any advice about getting your Phd is much appreciated. thanks!
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