Crucial BBQ

I took a writing for science course as an undergrad. The course required two papers, both of which were the only source for the final course grade. The first paper was a research paper based on a prior (lab) project. Since we were all undergrad science students with little actual research experience, this was not a problem ( I was actually working as an RA for a chem prof, but chose to use a prior lab report since it was already written and only needed to be expanded upon and tightened up). Mine was based on one of my organic chemistry labs. The paper itself was about 15 pages with the introduction being about 2. Up to that point I was under the impression that common knowledge did not require citation, so my introduction had perhaps three citations tops. The prof was furious and I couldn't understand why. She claimed that I plagiarized my entire introduction and that it warranted being brought to the attention of the Dean. I explained, almost in tears, that it was all in my own words and the reason why I had a lack of citations in my introduction was because it was all common knowledge and honestly believed the protocol was to not cite common knowledge. She said that even though it may have very well been written in my own words that I paraphrased that "common knowledge", and thus committed plagiarism. But because the rest of my paper was properly cited she took my word for it, and, did not report me to the Dean. She gave my paper a D, though. You better believe I cited everything on the next paper including my own name and the date. Ended up with a B- as the final course grade.

I asked two of the programs where I was denied the areas in my application where I was deficient. Both programs stated that it was my low grades earned in a few introductory-level courses that were the main cause. I thought that my grades in upper-level courses showed an upward swing (they did) and that programs love to see this. I was wrong. One program said that since I did not explain those low grades in my SOP they had no idea why they were so low. Had I given an explanation I might have been admitted as a Master's student. Cs might get degrees, but apparently they do not get into graduate school. I contemplated including an addendum to my SOP explaining those low grades but in the end assumed that my grades during my last 60 hours would speak for themselves and my CV would illustrate how busy I was during undergrad. The reason why I ultimately decided against mentioning my low grades was because I felt that I did not have a valid explanation and would appear to be whiny and grasping at straws. Now, after discussing my application with those two programs, I realize that it was mistake to not mention the reasons. My advice to you would be to not make that same mistake.

...I'm still a Warrior, though

I was accepted into MIT, CalTech, Harvard, Brown, Cambridge, and Joe's Podunk University!!!! I am going to accept Joe's !!! Just kidding. Denied, denied, and denied again. I'm still waiting on one program but considering it is quite the reach compared to my other applied-to programs and I have yet to hear anything I am not holding my breath. I am already looking forward to next year and good luck to all of those who were admitted this cycle. Everyone I know who went to JHU for grad school lived in either Mt. Vernon or Charles Village. For shuttle routes: http://www.baltimorecollegetown.org The Circular is cool but I'd avoid it if possible. Baltimore is different than most major U.S. cities in that in every other major city you have decent areas with pockets of bad areas, yet, with Baltimore you have bad areas with pockets of decent areas.

I do not understand why an Armenian Ph.D. would only be good within Armenia. Unless there is something very shady with higher education in your country your degree should be just as good as an American Ph.D. For what it is worth the American Ph.D. is modeled after the traditional "old" European Ph.D. The problem that you really face is that you want to earn the same Ph.D. twice. A good number of U.S. programs will not admit students who already possess a Ph.D., or its equivalent. I can imagine even less wanting to admit a student who has already earned a Ph.D. in the same subject he is wanting to study in the U.S. What you need to do is to find a few programs in the U.S. that interests you and contact them. Ask them if it is even possible. I don't know which one will be best for you but universities on the East Coast of the United States might be your best bet as Eastern/Southern Europeans tend to "favor" the coast from Maine down to Maryland. To your age: in the U.S. it does not matter. You can be 21 or 61.

Attrition rates for grad students is pretty darn high and grad students do drop out of one program to transfer into another. Accepting an offer at one school only to later enroll at another institution is not the issue at hand. You specifically wish to hold a spot open with one program "just in case". Honestly I am not sure how one program will find out about the other, or that of the other's offer of admission having been initially deferred, but the fact that it would be unethical is why you should truly avoid attempting this move. By deferring your enrollment you are taking a spot from someone who wants, or deserves, to be there.

Of course it is super diverse; that is why young white people with tattoos live there. I should know, that was me at one point in time...although I never lived in Powderhorn myself. First off, I am not from MPLS or Minnesota...just happened to live there for a decade. I say that because I find that those who are from the TC have a tendency to gravitate towards being self-congratulatory and not really able to acknowledge the shtiz when it is right in front of them. For perspective, while not being of the "type", I hung out at the Seward Cafe, Hard Times, drank at Palmer's (although I was more of a CC guy), know a good number of those in the HTBC and BLBC, the May Day Parade, and so on. With that, there is the Powderhorn Park neighborhood...and then there is the general area known as Powderhorn that includes the neighborhoods of Central, Powderhorn Park, and Concoran at least. If you want to use the new Ward map, then Powderhorn is Ward 9 which, including those previously mentioned three neighborhoods, also includes Phillips East and West Phillips. I briefly lived near Bloomington and Lake and also near Franklin and Bloomington. So I have a good idea of what I am talking about. To make matters confusing...depending on what map you are looking at, and what year of the NRP the map was created (Neighborhood Revitalization Program); Phillips East/West may not exist; Central may be Powderhorn West; Powderhorn Park may be Powderhorn; and Concoran may be Powderhorn East. It may also include Bryant, Bancroft, Standish, and for some reason Whittier and Lyndale. Anyways....if you look at crime stats for the neighborhoods, Central, Powderhorn Park, and Concoran are some of the highest in South Minneapolis although strangely Whittier is higher (but I know why...has to do with "not doing crime in your own neighborhood...many cross 35 into Whittier to steal cars and so on). However, if you look at ShotSpotter (the technology that detects, locates, and maps shots-fired), you will see that for South Minneapolis the majority fall within Powderhorn on a weekly basis: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/statistics/crime-statistics_codefor_shotsfired Nowhere near as bad as Near-North or Jordan...but still. And tell me that Cedar, 17th, Bloomington, and Chicago are cool streets to live next to. Of course the closer you get to Minnehaha PKWY the better. Will you be safe? More-than-likely yes as long as you do not do anything stupid. However in my opinion if one is to attend the U and wishes to live in South Minneapolis I would personally suggest Whittier, Lowry Hill East, Carag, and Longfellow. Perhaps Seward, too. Maybe Lyndale. If you wish to live closer to the U I would suggest somewhere in Prospect Park or University...although I personally would avoid Dinkytown.

If I remember correctly, all of the applications I came across had a space to answer something along the lines of Have you ever been....by a university....whether it led to disciplinary action or not... So yeah, it's there. However if it is not on your transcript I am not sure how they would know. For what it is worth I know of a few graduate programs that have a "complimentary happy hour" once a week on campus.

Fewer programs offer a Spring admissions cycle but they are not totally rare. I would imagine competition would range from similar to more competitive as the number of seats may be available would more-than-likely be less.

Just to clarify; which ever comes first, quant or verbal, is going to be the one with three sections...er blocks. I have taken the GRE four times since the roll-out of the new format in 2011. I have always had five sections; the first three being three sections of quant. Everyone I know who has taking the GRE since 2011 have all had five sections and none with the fabled labeled "experimental section". According to the ETS website some test takers "may" have the 5th section. Seeing as how this newer version of the GRE is still relatively new it would make sense that the majority, if not all, of the test takers so far have received an experimental section.

For what it is worth I do not see why a school/program would wait to inform an applicant they were rejected unless decisions are only announced on specific dates. It seems to serve no purpose.

May 30th is the deadline for the program to turn over their decisions to the University, not the date on which I can expect to hear a decision. Two of the schools are members of the April 15 Resolution. One of them, the state flagship, is both a top U.S. research institution and a top U.S. public. This is the school that all applicants to the program apply through regardless of whichever university and/or lab becomes their parent institution. I also need to make a correction: the preferred deadline was Dec. 1st with all supporting materials in by Jan. 1st. February 1st. was the final deadline for for all applicants, domestic and international, to the program.

One of the programs I applied to claims that admissions decisions are made after the application has been returned from review, and, final decisions are sent to the University by May 30th at the latest. The application deadline for this program was February 1st. I have not heard one word from the program since I have applied, yet, it is after the April 15th deadline for accepting an offer/rejecting an offer. I am thinking that either I have been wait listed or that final decisions have yet to be made. The program is through one of four research facilities that are a part of the State public university system or at one of four universities that are also a part of the state university system. In looking at the Results page for this school/program, the las admit was listed on March 12th. Prior to that it lists a reject from April 30, 2012. There are no listings in-between. With that I know that at least one applicant has received a decision over a month ago. Along with that I assume I am wait listed because I have yet to hear anything either way and the the program surely knows about the April 15th "agreement". I don't have a question or a rant here other than I applied to this program a long time ago and thought I would have heard from them by now. Not sure if it is good or bad that have yet to. Anyone else in a similar boat?

Whoops, the whole point of the above was to mention that some "Ph.D. students" earn their Master's first through the program and in some cases where the program does not confer the Master's degree first the student can still leave with a Master's if they fail the qualifying exams.

Here are some ways to look at it: 1. The majority of Ph.D. programs in the U.S. begin with 1 to 2 years of course work before the student sits for the qualifying exams. 2. In some programs students begin doing some research and/or lab rotations during the coursework phase. 3. In some programs students earn their Master's first even though they applied to Ph.D. programs. Keep in mind that in the U.S. you are not a "Ph.D. student" until you pass your qualifying exams. 4. Some programs will allow students to go straight to the Ph.D. "phase" if you already possess a Master's and some will require students still take the two years of coursework even you already have a Master's. 5. Some programs will allow students to sit for a Master's-level exit exam even if you do not currently possess a Master's degree. If you pass you can bypass the Master's requirement. 6. Some programs will not admit students who currently possess a Ph.D. while some programs will. Also, typically in the U.S. a non-thesis Master's degree is considered a terminal degree.

I generally agree with the answers to the OP, but something has accrued to me; I know of two programs that might constitute the proverbial safety school. When going through the faculty listings for one of the programs, those who were faculty in my area of interest had a common theme: we'd love to bring in new grad students but we have no funding. Since a part of the job as a Ph.D. student is to ultimately contribute to the overall research of the lab/POI/PI/institution, it stands to reason that if you are willing to "work for free" then you are in. The other program had a comment regarding Spring admissions on the program's website. It went something like this: ​Our program generally does not admit students in the Spring. This is partially because a Spring admit would be out of sync with the rest of the program and because funding begins annually with Fall admits. However, the school would love to have your application fee so if you have a reason to apply for a Spring admission be prepared to fund yourself. Of course it stands to reason that the applicants would otherwise need to be qualified, but if you are covering your own tuition and research expenses I would suspect your chances for admissions are a little higher, no? Perhaps it is just me, but I only applied to schools that had that "80%" of what I was looking for. Read the Already Attending forum...numerous posts to the effect of "Should I drop out?", "I'm dropping out", "I hate grad school", "Grad school/my program is not what I thought it would be", and so on. In my opinion if one can garner from the adcoms exactly what part of the application was deficient, and it is something that can be corrected, waiting a year may prove to be the best decision made.

What you may be considering is known as a post-bacc, which is a program primarily designed for students wishing to gain entry to medical, dental, or veterinary school who do not possess the necessary science core to do so. Some post-baccs are nothing more than a handful of courses that lead to a certificate while others are full-blown two-year programs that lead to a second B.S. degree. As far as I know nearly all universities offer the post-bacc. However, since the courses in question are core courses you can possibly (re)take them at a community college. There is no shame in this and the grad school is not going to give a hoot where you take the courses. A 200 level course is a a 200 level course. You can attempt to take grad courses as a non-matriculated student but keep in mind that there is still an application to fill out and the fees/tuition may be hefty as non-matriculated students qualify for zero aid of any kind. The drawback is not that you cannot handle upper-level/grad courses, it is that your grades in lower-division courses were not up to par. For what it is worth, I would go with what the adcoms are telling you. If you apply to Program X and are denied entry into Program X and you ask those at Program X who made the decision why they made that decision, well, I would take their word as law....and not what some random friend my suggest. Realistically, if you retake these courses the new grade can replace the old grade, thus bumping up your GPA. This is what is more-than-likely to happen and is another reason to take gen chem, gen bio, and so on at a community college. I would suggest taking one or two hard classes in addition if you can, maybe differential equations or calc 3 if the CC offers them. Seeing as how you are going to reapply in the future I would recommend just retaking the courses instead of simply applying to programs with a lower GPA requirement. Judging by the sheer amount of "I hate grad school...it's not what I thought..." found on GradCafe I would stick with going to a program where you and your POI have some common interests. The dropout rate for Ph.D.s is what, 50%? (this number totally peeves me as it suggests that too many people who "want" a Ph.D. did not do their research and in reality do not have a solid reason for obtaining one. Admissions to Ph.D. might not be as competitive if these yahoo's did not apply and take spots from those who legitimately WANT to be there). Sure, you can work. There is no guarantee that you will have an opportunity to publish, though. This could also take years to accomplish. I would suggest finding volunteer work. As for taking a GRE subject test. Personally I think this is a great idea. To retake the general test...I dunno. Your scores are not bad and unless you feel you can score in the high 160s for quant, well...it's up to you. However, as I previously wrote you claim that the programs you were denied from specifically listed your lower-than-desired grades/GPA in lower division courses as the sole reason for the denials. With that in mind wouldn't you agree that your GRE scores are good enough? What major did you graduate with? For what it is worth it is generally not the degree that prevents jobs but the person holding the degree who does. There are too many factors that go into getting hired. Your degree is only one part, and a small one at that. You could have the most sought-after degree in the world but if your interviewing skills royally suck or you come across as a complete dullard or you use "text speak", well...c-ya later. To summarize: -Retake the necessary courses in question at a CC. -If possible, take at least one "hard course" such as Calc 3 (or Calc 2 if you do not have it), Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, a calculus-based Physics course, soil science (my local CC offers this course), meteorology, and so on. -Volunteer in something relating to conservation and/or marine science. -Reapply to the same programs next year. Include an addendum to your SOP stating you applied last year...was denied...the adcoms stated that the only reason you were denied were because of grades received in certain courses...you retook those courses and got As...now let me in, dammit!

I write this with the upmost respect: do people in your culture speak with such descriptive language on a day-to-day basis? Or are you trying to impress the adcoms? This version of your SOP is an improvement over the last one you posted. However, you need to ditch the hyperbole. For example; instead of keen interest simply write interest. Profitable association? Esteemed college? Do not assume that all MS programs are more practical than theoretical and never say the U.S. has the best labs and faculty. Chances are high that at least one member of the admissions committee was not born in the U.S. and those in academia respect colleagues around the globe. Specially-able persons? Here are some edits. I apologize for the choppiness but ultimately you need to write this thing yourself : "I have long been fascinated by the world of technology. Its ever-changing nature and rapid growth are what motivated me to pursue engineering. I chose to major in Instrumentation Engineering as I find this sub-field of engineering most rewarding. This was further strengthened during my undergraduate career taking various courses in the fundamentals of instrumentation and electrical engineering (list a few courses as examples). Learning how technology developed from the manual to the automated has inspired me to study Instrumentation Engineering at BVB (spell out BVB) College of Engineering & Technology. During the course of my undergraduate studies I was exposed to various topics that included Control Systems, Signal Conditioning Circuits, and Digital Signal Processing with my main interest being Programmable Logic Controllers. To gain a greater understanding of programmable logic controllers, I obtained my CAE (Certified Automation Engineer) from Technocrat Automation Pvt Limited (IAO Accredited), Chennai. During this certification I received two months of hands on experience in Industrial Automation Tools specializing in PLC, SCADA and VFD (fully spell these out). As a child, I wondered about voltage and current distribution systems. Now, I want to pursue a Master's in Electrical Engineering. I have developed two projects. In one project, I designed a "soft-technique toothbrush”; a device that allows a double-amputee to brush his or her own teeth with ease. This project culminated with a presentation at University Q. In my final year of undergrad I developed my second project: an agricultural robot with the ability to sow seeds and distribute water and pesticides automatically (I am fairly certain this already exists and is in use. What makes yours different?). My role in project was to design the circuits and power system. While working on this project I realized the difficulty involved with circuit design. My main concern was with the correct electrical charges and flow. With the guidance of my mentor Mr.Shamsuddin I was able to complete the project with the determination to see it through. I am interested in the (Program X at University Y) because of the research being done by (Professor A and/or B ). During my research into the program I familiarized myself with the work of Professor A and/or B by reading Journal Papers C, D, and E. Through reading these papers I have developed a few of my own ideas (list them) regarding (potential research topics G and M). So, I would like to pursue a Master's of Science in automation and control engineering at University Y. As demonstrated, I have a solid background and experiences that would not only allow me to successfully complete Program X but that would also allow me to contribute to the program as well. Another advantage to Program X is the varied background of its students, which would afford me a new perspective towards the world around me. Through my research into Program X I find that I am a great fit for the program and look forward to becoming a student at University Y."

I was wait listed back in March to my #1 choice. I was pretty damn excited that I was not outright rejected. I sent a brief email thanking them for taking the time to review my application...explaining why this was my top choice...here is what I have been up to since I applied...still interested...The initial email I received stated that if I had any questions to just ask; so I also included a question at the end asking if there were anything I should or could do...never received a reply. Last night I received a brief rejection "message" via email...we receive a lot of qualified applicants...only have a limited number of seats...you put a great deal of effort into your application...good luck to you and your future pursuits...denied, c-ya. Extremely bummed.

University of Rhode Island offers Spring and Summer admissions, with I believe April 15th as the deadline for summer applications.

First off, why such discontent towards a school/program you willingly applied to? You picked it, why not go? As for it's ranking: there are just over 2,100 four-year not-for-profit colleges and universities in the U.S. Being ranked #63 is not that bad considering. Some feel it is a bit of nepotism to stay at the same school, and others do not. Your program at Northwestern could very well be of a collective mindset that students need to branch out and experience different schools/programs/teaching styles, in particular if they want to go into academia. You also mentioned that you "really love Northwestern", is it possible that you expressed too much love for the school/program and not place enough emphasis on why you want to study there (outside of really liking the place), why you want a Ph.D., and what you want to do for career? There is also the possibility that since you were already a grad student in the program they are already familiar with you as a person/student and of your potential ability to follow-through in a Ph.D. program. In essence, they have had two years or so to get to know you and more-than-likely have enough first-hand knowledge of you as a person/student to critique and pass judgement.

I saw that in the Results and thought it might have been you. What are you going to do?

The CSU systems lacks a definitive flagship university. However, depending on who you talk to either Cal Poly (SLO), SDSU, or SJSU is the flagship. Some might say Fresno. I know that SJSU is pushing hard to become the official flagship, considering it is the oldest CSU and its original name was California State Normal School. For what it is worth, I would not "rank" SJSU just above UoP. I understand the logic behind your ordering, though.

Judging by your avatar and the fact that all four of your posts are in this thread, I am going to assume that you are either a current HES student or a graduate of HES. I did my undergrad in Boston. I never once heard a "Harvard" student specify that they were a Harvard College student. Yet, 10/10 times when a Harvard student mentioned they went to Harvard they meant Harvard College. Those Harvard students who went to Harvard Med or Harvard Divinity or Harvard Business and so on specified they attended the specific school. It has been documented (generally through Twitter, but also through numerous blogs and a few news articles) that some HES students claim be to Harvard (College) students. I am not arguing that HES students are not members of Harvard University. They are, however, are not members of Harvard College, which some HES students claim to be. Yes, it is ambiguous. To most people not in the know Harvard College and Harvard University are one and the same; in popular culture Harvard means Harvard College. Chances are to your neighbor HES and Harvard College are the same thing because they are not aware of the difference. I never stated that HES was a lesser school. As someone who spent the (almost) entirety of an undergraduate career as a non-traditional student, I seriously considered HES on two occasions (one as a "freshman" admit and then again as a transfer). I think it is a great program for what it is and for what it offers non-traditional students. Yes, I do feel that HES students should specify that they are indeed Extension students. It is honest, and, considering that HES is in fact a rigorous "program" they should also feel accomplished if they see HES through to the end. I stand by what I wrote. Here is some reading on the subject: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/lamont/2013/09/18/harvard-extension-school-resume-guidelines-are-bogus/

I used Kaplan for test prep....kept getting around 164 for quant and 160 for verbal. When I took the actual GRE...let us just say that I scored well below my average practice scores for both quant and verbal.