Crucial BBQ

What exactly is the prompt? One of my apps asked for a diversity statement, too, but under the context of why I want to attended a large, diverse, university and what I have to bring to the table. I am white, male, no disabilities, etc., etc. But I still found tons of examples. Diversity does not mean adversity.

1. The name of the prof/advisor/PI is not important unless he/she has an impressive name or is working on something really cutting edge. Really, what you should consider is how your SoP reads. If dropping the name fits well into your narrative, include it. If dropping the name feels out-of-place or simply unnecessary, leave it out. 2. This won't help you now, but I went to two universities for undergrad; both were definitely not research schools. Not in the slightest. But, both had biology and chemistry profs who were doing research, on campus. As for that semester-long orgo project: I would definitely include it. Did your team design its own project? If so, mention how you lent a hand in the initial research and/or design. Were you a team lead? Or just another "player" in the project. If you took initiative to lead the group in any way (but don't stretch this too far), include that. Did you even like the experience? What did it teach you about doing research? Personally, aside from including what I mentioned above, I would write that this orgo lab project gave me a glimpse into what doing real research was like, and even though it was tough and tedious at times, I loved it. I loved it so much that I sought out an opportunity to conduct research an hour away from my home school. This shows initiative, drive, and desire.

As the "resident" marine biologist here...I mostly agree with what you are saying. However, not all schools/programs ask where else you are applying. I am applying to one "top" program/school, and one Ivy. But neither for the prestige. Both of these schools utilize the same off-campus research institute to house their labs related to my interests of study, have researchers employed by this institute not related to either school who teach courses, and a few others. Essentially, I am applying to this institute, and not the specific programs/schools. I don't even think the Ivy is a top-ranked program. In any case, I made it clear in my SOPs I am interested in the program, not the name of the school. I have chose not to apply to top schools/programs, outside of the above, simply because I do not want to live where these programs are housed. However, I am looking at one school (that I will visit this Friday, hopefully) that has nothing to do with marine biology...and is rather landlocked...and kind of podunk. Many, well, a few at least, current marine biologists earned degrees in statistics, math, zoology, animal behavior/physiology, botany, general biology, biostats, bioinformatics, biochem, chemistry, biological hydrology, environmental science, public policy, and so on. As such, it could make sense to apply to many "landlocked" schools, if not for the previous examples of study, but also for lumnology. I agree about research fit. Much of the research for this field falls into the "bucket science" category, and can be rather boring and tedious. I definitely see the attraction with applying to the best programs or the ones with the most research dollars as they tend to have the "coolest" equipment/technology and world-class R/Vs (research vessels) instead of make-shift lobster boats that reek of decaying herring and buckets.

It is almost impossible to chance graduate school admissions since the process is so different than for undergrad. You have a lot going for you here based on what you wrote, including being in contact with a faculty member. That is a huge plus that many "perfect-numbers" applicants fail to accomplish. I do not know if you have a chance, but if I were in your shoes, I would go for it.

I dunno. But your research and internship experience are a huge plus (considering they are relevant to your proposed course of study).

Hmmm...you got a perfect score for verbal and you want study English lit....I'd say your quant score is not relevant for the most part. I would hazard a guess, and put good money on it, that your quant score is is typical of someone applying to Eng. lit. programs at the graduate level

Eh, for what it is worth, your GRE scores reflect your GPA; middle-of-the-road. That doesn't mean you are SOL, mind you, just that no one on the admissions committees will be surprised. If you can afford it, apply to all schools ASAP; you never know. I am bit older than the typical user in this forum, it seems, and I have known a good number of people who either have already went through grad school, or are currently in. Three of them were ex's, and they all scored low on the GRE (although two had high GPAs--one a 4.0--and a good amount of research/internship experience that was directly relevant to the course of study in their respective grad programs. One, however, was almost denied into the #1 program for....public health policy...because her quant score was too low. She managed to convince them to give her a chance through a phone interview and ended up going there). You might be surprised at just how many people with middle-of-the-road scores/numbers get into grad school, even top programs. Keep in mind that grad school and grad school admissions are not like undergrad; numbers and fluffy ECs no body really cares about.

You need to get most of the answers correct the first time you take the "real" quant test (you will either have two quants and three verbals, or two verbals and three quants. Only two of each count and the third is an experimental section that does not count towards or against your final score. The experimental section can be first, second, or last). In order to score high on the GRE, you have to move into the "hard" second test questions. Basically, the first time in a section (quant or ver.) test contains the easiest questions you will see on the GRE. How well you do this first time through will determine whether your second pass is hard, medium, or another easy section. I am not sure how many you need to get right in order to move into the hard section, but I'm guessing it is something like 18, maybe 17 out of the 20. By simply getting to the hard section you are guaranteed a high score even if you bomb the second, hard, section. In all of my practice tests, I have yet to score less than 160 in quant no matter how bad I do in the second passing. As for the test being adaptive. As mention above, by myself and another poster, the sections are adaptive, not the questions. Kind of makes sense seeing as how you can skip forward through the questions, no?

Uh, "chancing" graduate programs is not the same as chancing undergrad as graduate programs tend to be more about research and not straight academics. It's really al over the place. People who appear to have "no chance" on paper get into top programs and people who appear to be shoe-ins are denied. There is really no way of knowing. However, before you apply anywhere, I would figure out which "subjects" you want to take...and then narrow it down to best fit.

Graduate school is not like undergraduate, you do not apply to safeties unless you want to end up like those in the numerous "I am miserable in grad school" threads. You should only apply to programs that have professors and labs doing research in areas that fit your goals. Rankings, prestige, safeties, should have nothing to do with it. It should be solely about fit.

You do not know me, me situation, etc. So, this response of yours is a bit of a stretch. First off, I am not some young buck who is disappointed because my puppy love did not work out. Second, I didn't break up with her the second her stress reared its head. I was understanding, supportive, and did everything I could think to do. At first I thought it was solely related to school, but as time went on, months, I wasn't sure anymore. Seriously, it was bad, went on month after month after month, and I couldn't tell what was up or down anymore. Third, she broke up with me, which was a drawn out process in itself. I let her go in the end because I felt it was for the best, that by not being in a relationship she could focus on the remainder of her coursework. Then, when she was finished with school, we could get back together. She has since took a job out-of-state, and I have even considered moving there to be with her. Anyways, this is not Love Line, so you don't need to know too many details, but keep in mind that I did what-ever I could to be accomadating and it was her who was not willing to compramise in the end. We were mature about it, had many, many, long discussions, and are still great friends, though. But hey, it is fairly well known that graduate school is a relationship killer. As for the "accept or get lost", here is what I mean: people get rewarded, a pat on the head and a job well done, perhaps, when they do things that they should be doing in the first place. Often times this is simply out of gratitude and the one who is in graduate school has every right to expect the other to be understanding of his/her situation. Now, the other person is in a different role. This person, who is not going to grad school, ultimately has the choice to either stay with other through the situation, or to bail if they feel it will place too much disruption into his/her "normal" life. If this person choses to stay, this person simply has to accept the situation. They may not like it, and they do not have to, but it is now a part of the reality of the relationship.

Interesting topic that I have not considered. I figured I would just acquire what I needed when the need arose.

I was in a similar situation not too long ago. My ex GF was accepted into two graduate programs out-of-state and denied by all local programs. At first, I was going to stay behind and we would see each other as often as possible. Then at the last minute, and some circumstances that made it easier, I moved to where she was. In retrospect, that was a mistake. I hate this state (still here until May or so) and we have since broken up. Anyways, she was putting in long days, sometimes from 6am to 2am. Yes, there were many times when we were there but not there to hang out. That wasn't the problem. We still went out and did things, watched movies, and generally spent a good deal of time together. The problem was her stress. She was constantly stressed out. And that ended the relationship. As for the topic of the other "understanding". The SO has no choice. They simply have to accept it. If they can't, then they need to get lost.

To be honest, I do not understand many of these responses. If you are so willing to give up grad school for your SO, why in the heck did you apply in the first place? Let alone accept an offer? Did you not do your research into graduate school? Did you not know how demanding graduate school would be?

Yeah, calc III was multivariable. My original list was around 20 schools/programs. If I had the money and the time I would apply to them all. But honestly, after doing research into each program, I probably would be miserable at ten of those schools.

Okay, I'll play. Undergrad Institution: Small (roughly 4K) private LAC. Awesome rep in-state. Virtually unknown out-of-state. Major(s): Biology Minor(s): GPA in Major: 3.4 Overall GPA: 3.7 (I know, most usually have it the other way around, but I am really good with writing, not so much so with rote memorization, so my core courses, humanities and the like, were a heck-of-lot easier for me to earn As in) For some reason, I cannot turn of the bold. Sorry. Position in Class: I have no idea. I will say this: first, I am a transfer student. Second, roughly 70% of the bio students at my school are pre-med, maybe 10% are pre-vet, and maybe 10% are pre-dental. So there is an extreme amount of competition, which I really don't care for (in particular since most of them take the easier courses. I have yet to meet one pre-med who took Calc II or higher). Type of Student: Domestic, male. non-Hispanic white. GRE Scores (revised/old version): Would rather not say I'll just say Q and V are middle-of-the-road, not too competitive, and AW is above the 90th percentile. I'm tired of the naysayers and will reveal my scores when all decisions come in. Q: V: W: B: TOEFL Total: (if applicable, otherwise delete this) Research Experience: One year in chemistry at my previous university. Worked alone, for the most part. Two semesters in biology at the university I transferred into. So, two years total. No name on papers, though. I also have semesters worth of experience working on/from a research vessel. I mostly helped deploy and retrieve equipment, did a little bit of lab work, but nothing pertaining to actual research in a meaningful manner. It was more of an internship-like experience, except it wasn't an internship. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: My first college held yearly "student recognitions" for some reason (probably to help retain students, would be my guess. Or perhaps it was just a feel-good thing?) for students who were not seniors or were not yet in their final year. Anyways, I was nominated Student of the Year (didn't win) and a handful of Recognition of...certs for various contributions to campus. I participated in a poster-presentation, got 3rd place. There are others, but nothing academic or "prestigious" Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Lab assistant (you know, maintained and set-up labs), lab safety inspector, volunteer as a water-quality monitor for one of the Water Alliance members, invasive (marine, invertebrate) species monitoring. Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Help what? My acceptance by you people Seriously though, sure. Despite my mediocre GRE scores, I am an over-all strong applicant. For example: Calc I and statistics were the only math courses required by both biology departments at both schools (remember, I am a transfer). Yet, I went on to Calc II, Calc III, and Differential Equations as electives, which should trump my Quant score (seriously, it was low. I just do not do well on standardized tests. Never have). I would have done Linear Algebra, but couldn't fit it into my schedule. Special Bonus Points: Uh, no. Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: I can probably write better than 90% of all biology students. I know, arrogant. My SOP, AW score, and (hopefully) LORs reflect that. Applying to Where: MIT BROWN University of Rhode Island U.C. Davis University of Maine University of Alaska University of New England 0

First off, I will say that only you and her know what really happened, and perhaps, the two of you have two separate perceptions of what happened. I am not accusing you, or her, of any false reports and there is no way for any of us to know for sure, anyways. With that, this is a politically charged topic that some may want to distance themselves from. Since this was a reported event, and you were approached by police, there will be a record of this on file somewhere that can come up during the screening process with future employment. Be prepared to defend your side as professionally as possible. In this case, it can follow you around forever, and the dilemma is over should you divulge this information before the future employer finds out, or should you take your chance and hope they never do? As for rumors following you around, it depends on too many factors.

It depends on the graduate program, some biology programs at the graduate level want to see a solid background in biology, while others only require a solid background in any science. But, to my knowledge biomechanics (aka as bioengineering) programs will also take engineering undergrads. Whatever the case, it is not unheard study A in undergrad and then D in grad school.

I would wait until after you know that all schools received their LORs, you do not want to influence them or seem like you are trying to. As for waiting, if you are thanking them while sharing in the "good news", be sure to thank them for all the schools they wrote LORs for, even if you were not accepted by the rest. If you say Hey, I got in! Thanks for the great LOR! They might only think you are appreciative of their effort only because you were accepted. You need to thank them for writing the LORs in the first place. Whether you were accepted into a program or not is not the point, but you know that. Besides, unless you didn't waive your rights to view the LORs, you never know what they really wrote about you.

Hahahaha, such a great line You can't blame the public.

I have also found it annoying, but interesting, that some responses are based solely on images and stereotypes of the [usually undergraduate] college/university. Wait, why are you applying to Brown? That is Ivy League, you grew up working-class. They look down on people like you. Why don't you go to a state university, you know, something more blue-color. Or, That school has major athletics programs, and you know, is a jock school. You don't want a future employer to see that you went there, you want them to see that you went somewhere that was academically challenging [for non-jocks].

For the most part, the admissions committees in graduate school are composed of academics, professors, and the like. These are people who are busy with their own research, own teaching (sometimes, usually), and own interests unlike undergrad where admissions are handled by people whose primary purpose is to do....admissions. Even though it is a part of their job, these are people who do not want to spend all day reading SOPs, but rather spend that time discussing the strengths and weaknesses of applicants. it is because of that that SOPs are often asked to be on the shorter side. Then again, there are students out there who feel that writing 500 words is torture. I got lucky, I suppose, in that the schools I am applying to have no required, or suggested, length except for one, which was capped at 500 words "or less". I too felt that was not enough, so I supplemented my SOP for that program with an addendum. While it is okay to go over the word count by a handful of words, one of the biggest mistakes applicants make in their SOPs is not following directions. I would tread lightly with any deviation from their instructions. A page can be reduced to a paragraph then further reduced to a sentence; all while saying the same thing.

If it was me; I would be inclined towards RIT, but wanting to live in DC. I know that doesn't help.

I hear You'll get in somewhere from time to time. My mom, who lives on the other side of the country from me, has no idea how the application process works. She periodically tells me to go to the local UC, which is an excellent school/program, as if all I have to do is just show up and start attending classes.