Chai_latte

I'm silly, so I'd just say jokingly, "omigosh...this is like, the supermodel lab. I'm going to need some extra mascara in this department". I'd gauge the response at that point. The preferences (if there are any) of certain professors might be alluded to if you keep things light.

I think you've done the right thing. You have a wide range of schools. Just make sure they're all good research fits.

I was informed via e-mail. Some would email telling me to check the site. I only got the snail mail acceptances 2-3 wks after the emails.

Ugh, I hate reading posts like this. Call me naive, but didn't we come to grad school to learn?? I didn't realize that we were in need of heaping doses of toxicity (nor did I think we were expected to be ready-made scholars). Sheesh. With that said, no...my dept. isn't like that. It's supportive. But, that's not by chance. As a woman in science, I made it a point to seek supportive programs. 2/3 of my classmates are male, the bulk of the profs are as well, AND it's a very collegial/welcoming environment. If I were you, I wouldn't dig my heels in. I would begin planning my exit, and finding a better program. But, really do your homework. Make sure your new programs have a vastly different environment. They're there. You just have to find them (utilize your old profs, this site, former/current colleagues etc.).

How long does this "setting up a lab" period usually last? The first year? Two? I guess I'm asking how long a student can look forward to that type of interaction in a relatively new or brand new lab.

Chances are you're not the only first year considering him. So, there will probably be 1-2 other grad students. A nice, intimate lab to get started in (with lots of resources)...win-win.

probably electrical followed by mechE

Here's a thought: Interdisciplinarity might make some of the other chem subfields more appealing to you (and might make you more appealing for future employers). For instance, if the notion of p-chem doesn't float your boat initially, maybe there's a group doing some really cool biophysical research. That way you acquire a skillset that's broader (and perhaps more in demand?) than med chem, and satisfies your bio itch. For a while, inorganic chem was viewed as half-dead, but thanks to nanotech and materials, it's doing better than it was before. So, maybe keep an eye out for more interdisciplinary labs on campus- they might make you more attractive and prove to be a good fit.

I really wouldn't switch into bio. It's oversaturated. Job prospects for them are even worse (thanks to an extreme glut of PhDs). And what makes you think that bio TAs aren't abused or that bio profs aren't gossipy? I'm sorry that you're dissatisfied w/ your program and I agree that med chem is on its way out, I just don't think bio is the solution. Before jumping ship, be sure to explore the other chem subfields. Also, do your homework on the PharmD. Make sure it really appeals to you/meets your needs. You don't want any unpleasant surprises should you decide to attend.

@Paradise- Within academia a number of people view science masters as worthless, particularly at the most elite (and "semi-elite") institutions. But, you have to be true to yourself. You know what you need. There's nothing worse than latching onto a grad program that doesn't meet your needs. So, if you need the M.S. first, get it. Plain and simple. LOL, there's no rounding up w/ GPAs. It is what it is. But, there are a number of ppl who get in w/ sub-3.0 GPAs. There's a whole thread devoted to that...read it. Contact your schools of interest and find out if their GPA cut-off: a) exists or is strict. I don't know how schools feel about months of not being actively engaged w/ academics or quality work. Try volunteering in a nearby lab that's doing birds, marine fisheries, evolution or paleoecology. You don't want gaps in your resume. Plus, this might help you figure out your goals.

You're probably fine. Yes, they look at your upper level classes. For your own piece of mind, you might want to add 1-2 lower rated places, but always make sure any school you apply to is a good "fit".

OP, I don't mean to hijack your thread, but I just wanted to add something in case science folks read this. I built the bulk of my "library" during/right after my 1st semester. As I progressed through some of my courses, I saw where my weaknesses/ additional interests were and purchased supplemental txts. Always online...for the best deals. The Dover books are gems (and cheap). I had never heard of them until grad school. I have ~7 of those. Also, some txts can be dowloaded online for free...not just on scribd, but at specific school's/prof's websites. I got a stat mech book (Oberlin) that way.

Why not? There are a number of grad programs at Ivies that have exceptionally high acceptance rates...particularly at the masters level. One of my alma maters is an Ivy, and it has some programs w/ surprisingly high admit #s. ETA: You may very well be right. Maybe Peterson's is wrong on that one, but it's def. not unheard of to see numbers like that.

Are you MS, MPH or PhD? I think you should be fine though...assuming strong recs and SOP

Basically anything that I thought would be directly or tangentially related to my courses and my subfield/research. So, I have my old Calc books, diff eq and linear algebra (for p-chem), my old p-chem txt, 3 inorg., 2 organic, 1 biochem and 2 "gold standard" inorg reference bks. Oh, and a couple of lab reference books and my undergrad research thesis/materials.

It's all about where you'd prefer to settle afterward. Location, I think, is pretty important. Personally, I'd go for GW b/c I've lived (briefly) in western NY and couldn't tolerate it. I don't think there are as many opportunities in W. NY (Roch, Buff) as there are in the DMV (DC, VA, MD) area. Given that the two schools rank about the same in engin. (and GW is stronger in EE according to USNews), I think you'd get more leverage out of your connections/alumni network w/ GW.

http://www.petersons.com/graduate-schools.aspx You can look it up. Their profiles are usually accurate, in my experience.

I didn't contact anyone (though I should've) and got into the majority of my schools. We don't have formal lab rotations. The schools that rejected me were ones that really weren't good research fits for me. I shouldn't have applied to them in the first place. In my experience, lack of contact won't get you a rejection, but poor research fit will.

Good point. Our most recent cohort has 1 Hisp. and 0 AA, I think. I think the year before was the reverse, or something like that.

The bottom line is that networking trumps a lot. If your research advisor is saying you have a good shot at his/her alma mater, it probably means he'll put in a good word for you. Sometimes profs can have that much clout. I would, however, re-test...just in case. I almost applied to UCR. I remember liking their program. I'd say you have a good shot. As for ethnicity, I'm not sure how its viewed for grad admission. So, just focus on presenting the strongest app possible. Good luck And see if your schools post the stats of their students. If not, check the results section of grad cafe to see how you stack up next to successful candidates in past years.

I think you might. Maybe take a couple of classes to seal the deal, but I really think you might be OK. You know what? Call to find out if there's a firm 3.0 GPA cut-off. Even if they say yes, apply anyway.

No, don't mention the details. No one cares (adcoms). Just mention superficially: severe/longterm illness, 2 surgeries, might specify the yr. when prob was at its worst and that the probs are resolved/have been for some time. This can be covered in 1-2 sentences.

I can't recommend specific apartments, but I can recommend areas. A lot of people like university city (the upenn drexel area). But, honestly I wouldn't want to live there. I think Center City is the best spot. As a woman (I'm thinking safety here), my preferred areas are Rittenhouse and Washington Sq. However, since you need to be relatively close to Drexel, the Rittenhouse area might be a better bet- even though it's more expensive. Oh, people also like Fitler Sq., west of rittenhouse. Quite a few students (and recent grads) have apartments in houses that are in this area.

I don't have anything constructive to add to this discussion. But, before I hunker down for finals, I wish you guys LOTS of luck!

Haha, good point. Let's all pretend it's October...err, but not near midterms!