Jump to content

Crucial BBQ

Members
  • Posts

    831
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    2

Everything posted by Crucial BBQ

  1. Likely not what you want to read at this point: sing the contract, get your name in print, wash your hands and be done with it. Ten years from now you'll be glad you did. Your best work (and publications) is ahead of you.
  2. Could you potentially do the MS part time? Edited to add: I ask because based on my limited understanding it seems that those who use work experience to overcome low uGPA usually put in five to ten years of work post undergrad before applying/being accepted into Ph.D. programs.
  3. A few years ago I would have told you "yes". Now, I would advise against it with two exceptions: 1. The extra year was done with more rigorous courses than you had previously taken and/or for your major. I would stick to courses heavy with the analytics only. 2. You were to retake a few of those courses that contributed to low GPA. Other than retaking courses, the more credits you have attempted and accumulated, the slower your GPA will raise--even with straight As--however depending on the number of courses/credits attempted next semester, and assuming straight As, you can likely make it over the 3.0 hump. Be warned, though; you run the risk of damaging your GPA even more or at the least not seeing a net gain. At this point, your objective should be to prove that you are capable of deep analytical thought, not to boost your GPA. In order to accomplish this objective is to first honestly identify what caused those low grades. The second, to overcome. Thirdly, to prove this be taking some tougher courses.
  4. It is easy for me to say this now, but it's worth it to now take it easy and relax; assuming you want to attend all programs applied to it only takes one admit to "win". I was also encouraged to visit a lab and had four conversations by phone which I assumed were interviews.
  5. This is not just subject to academic, it is very much a part of life/career in general. Numerous applications before landing a job even though you may be one of the most qualified for the position, passed up for promotion/raise for no discernible reason even though you are well qualified/deserving, being paid less than a lazy co-worker, and on and on. Since the OP is ultimately about the written word, here are more rejections: http://www.litrejections.com/best-sellers-initially-rejected/
  6. I applied Oceanography/Biological Oceanography/Marine Biology and did not hear anything this early regarding interviews or decisions. Some programs didn't interview at all, and with all, decisions didn't start coming in until March. For the rest: applications for most programs are still open. Sure, some apps closed in Dec. and some have heard back regarding interviews and admits, but that's not the norm for the majority. Also keep in mind that this is the Internet. If you do not know the individual personally, take it with a grain of salt. And as always, if in doubt or just curious you can always contact your program coordinator about anything expect to ask if you've been admitted or not.
  7. As stated, I believe you can reapply as many times as you want. Now, if you are asking if there is a limit to the number of times the program will take your application seriously, I am not sure but imagine the above would still apply. My advice is to contact the program director(s) and PIs if applicable to review application with you. This is what I did after my first round of rejections and appreciated the candidness and found their advice helpful. One caveat, if you were rejected from multiple programs you will hear varying reasons for the individual rejections. As examples, with one program my uGPA was an issue but at another it was not. One program even cited the fact that I did not explain a few low grades on my transcript, but otherwise had no issue with my GPA overall. I have a former prof who applied to the same Ph.D. program three years in a row. With the third attempt, a PI from this program recognized his application from the previous two years and decided to bring him in based on his persistence, which this PI thought would be of value to his lab. With that, I would suggest to not apply more than 3 times unless something in your application changes (new, higher, GRE score, a grad course or two, a challenging undergrad course--even at a community college--and so on).
  8. In a way it can be if the PI/lab has the funding AND if this is something the PI/lab does. In reality, you would be working for the PI/lab and using your wages to pay tuition. To your other concern, this is mostly for Ph.D. programs, which CSUs do not offer outside of the small handful of joint programs with UCs. For MS programs you are expected to pay your own way but you should find many opportunities for grants, fellowships, scholarships, etc. both on and off campus.
  9. Holy smokes, I've died and gone to heaven. I've been looking for something like this, so much thanks for posting!
  10. For what it is worth, there are over 100 prompts (I stopped counting, estimate 150 total?) for the argument essay alone. I also suggest working with their prompts, too, but only because no one can write them like they write them.
  11. You don't mention why you cannot take the test during the week, but with at least it being one month out would you be able to make arrangements to take that day off? Or at least half a day off? If you are worried about missing a day of school, I am confident your profs would consider this an excused absence. Having to drive to Sacramento just to take this test would suck. Have you looked in Monterey/Salinas? How about in the East Bay? Concord? Ironically, it might take you longer to drive to Monterey than it would to Sacramento.
  12. First off, I very much discourage you from using the term "unnatural" to describe marriage between a Palean female and a Lithos male, it comes across as xenophobic. You are on the right track, but I feel that you are missing a few important pieces of information. Let's review what we do know: 1. Baskets found in the immediate vicinity of a prehistoric village, Palea, have a distinctive weave/woven pattern. 2. Because of the location of the found baskets, it is believed they were created by Paleans. 3. There has been a recent discovery of a "Palean" basket in Lithos, an ancient village across the Brim River from Palea. 4. The Brim River is broad and deep. 5. No Palean boats have been found. From this, the author concludes that the basket found in Lithos is unique to Lithos, and thus not unique to Palea, based solely on the idea that since no Palean boats have ever been found, therefore Paleans could not have crossed the Brim over to Lithos. A weak argument, for sure. The key is to build only from what you know. We don't know if the inhabitants of Lithos had boats, but that is not necessary information. What else do we know? Well: 6. Palean baskets are distinctive. Distinctive; meaning unique, one of a kind. 7. The Lithos basket is described as being "Palean". Here, the quotation marks are being used to emphasise the word Palean. The emphasis could very well mean that the basket found in Lithos was indeed one of those unique Palean baskets, or, it could simply mean that it was Palean-like. Similar, but not equal. 8. Vicinity can certainly mean neighborhood or direct area, it can also mean a "surrounding area". Immediate, in the sense, means "near". So, according to the passage, the baskets were found near the village of Palea, not in it. 9. Palea is described as being prehistoric with Lithos described as being ancient. Ancient can very well mean prehistoric but prehistoric distinctly means "before written history". Being the GRE, my money is on Palea being the older village. Every word in the passage was deliberately chosen. There is also no mention of other types of pottery. As I wrote, you are on the right path with your essay. Just keep in mind that with the GRE, everything is done with purpose. Using what I know from the passage, it can be rewritten as: Woven baskets believed to be unique to the Palean village, a prehistoric village alongside the formidable Brim River, have until recently only been found in archeological digs in areas just outside the village's parameter. Across the Brim River lies another archeological site; the ancient, but not as old, village of Lithos. Here, a woven basket of similar, but not the same, weave of the Palean basket has recently been found. Because there is no discernable way for how the two villages may have interacted, it is thus concluded that the woven baskets found at the Palea site are not unique to Palea. My passage says the same thing as the prompt but hopefully it makes the prompt easier to understand. I am not suggesting that you do not understand the prompt yourself, just showing you one way of going about it. Of course, there are others. You are also tasked with answering the question What evidence is needed to evaluate the passage, not, is the passage right or wrong? The question is telling you that there is missing information and is asking you what information is needed to either make the conclusion more plausible or to make it less plausible and not whether you agree with the conclusion or not. I'd also stick to one theme instead of tossing out numerous ideas. In the passage, it is concluded that Lithos could not have possibly acquired baskets from Palea based on the one idea that currently there is no evidence to suggest the Paleans were boat builders, and thus, did not have a means to cross the Brim River. This conclusion is stating that both villages had existed at the same time and that neither village possessed the technology, let alone there being other means, of visiting one another. Simply put, there could have been available to them other ways to cross the Brim. For one, and assuming that both villages were already established, perhaps during their time the Brim river were not as deep or as wide. Perhaps a retreating glacier, melting as it went, is the reason the Brim is now as wide and as deep we now know it to be. Simply put, in their day villagers may have been able to walk across. Trading goods and ideas with each other very well could have been a common activity. One such idea that may have been traded was the art of basket weaving. Thus, the Palean baskets were unique to their culture. Or, Inhabitants of the village of Lithos periodically crossed the Brim River on foot to explore what was then to them the ancient village of Palea. Inspired by its unique weave, Lithosians attempted to recreate the particular pattern of the "Palean basket" only to instead develop their own style of weave that was similar to the weave of the Palean basket but unique on its own. Thus, the Palean baskets were unique to their culture. To add: what if they tied logs together with vines? Or something like that.
  13. Right, the official letter of congratulations from the school states my admittance is both conditional and provisional; the conditional from the program and the provisional from the school. From email archives, here is how I was admitted: I noticed through my school's student portal that I had been rejected; I contacted the Director of the graduate school to find out why. I was told I was rejected because of my low GPA and that I should contact my program to see if they will agree to "the special action". I then emailed the graduate program coordinator for my program, mentioning the rejection and asking about the special action. Coordinator has no idea what I am talking about, contacts Graduate School for clarification. Two days later I receive an email from Coordinator stating that the program will agree to the special action. The program was scheduled to release admissions decisions one month later. Roughly one month later I receive the decision from my program I was on the waitlist and that I can expect to hear a final decision in roughly two weeks on D Date. I also learned it was the original POI, the one who I listed as potential co-advisor, who waitlisted me. The conditions I am to meet were spoken to me over a telephone conversation with my PI/advisor but I do believe that paperwork was involved between my program and the Graduate School. If so, I have not seen it. The provisional aspect is on my main student portal (the program has its own intranet with a separate program-specific student portal). All it states are that "final transcripts and/or documents must be submitted". I was told from a few people that my PI will not outright suggest I withdraw from the program, take a leave of absence, and so on. My current job is at the school library. This is a State school. As such, I am a State employee and only allowed to work up to 20 hours/week. I went back to edit my OP, yet forgot to add that if I do formally withdraw from the program I want to do so respectfully, of course, and wanting to ask for tips. I have an extensive paper trail (emails) with my PI outlining my specific concerns that include a few other items not mentioned here. The financial restraints are the main one, however. I was paying $1200/month for a room. Considering it had an en suite and was all-inclusive (cable TV, Internet, utilities), it was cheaper than renting a studio.
  14. I've made my decision but am hesitant. I had applied to this program a few years ago and had pretty good conversation/interview with my POI. So good in fact that I had literally believed I was in. He all but outright said so. Well, until the end of the conversation when he caught himself and said that my admittance was dependent on funding, of course. This is a Master's program, by the way and he was new to the lab, fresh from a post-doc. You can imagine my surprise when I was rejected... roughly one week later. I applied again the following year. This time to a different lab, yet listed the previous PI as a potential co-advisor. I was waitlisted... by the original POI. For those not familiar with my story, my uGPA is under 3.0. Here is where things start to get strange: Shortly after the notice-of-waitlist had come in I was contacted by the graduate program coordinator and told that the reason I was waitlisted was because in order for me to be admitted I would need to understand that my admittance would be conditional. The conditions I would need to meet were not yet known and I was given a week to make the decision. Of course, I had said yes. About a month later he gets in touch and we discuss the terms I must meet. Turns out the "graduate school" denied me outright, yet, the program itself has ultimate say from what I understand. In our conversation, he told me that he wanted me in his lab because I have a particular skill set that would be beneficial to his lab and research. I knew I was not admitted because of my academic ability. In the least, I had hoped it would have been because of my tenacity. But this was my dream and I was in. Turns out he did admit a student that year, just not me. As far as MS programs go, this one is not too expensive. The COL in the area, however, is insanely high. And I am now broke. The way this program works is that if your thesis is a continuation of research already being done by the lab, the lab pays for it, which is good. It is not an RA, though, as the RAs are definitely paid here. From my perspective, it seems as though he found a loophole: having me work as an RA without paying me. I have no proof of this, just how it seems. Now he claims to be collaborating with another PI on a new project that is "a good fit" for me. He won't tell me what it is, though. Or when it will get off the ground. Originally I was to incorporate my own research into his lab, now it seems like he has forgotten all about that. I have brought my financial concerns to him numerous times with the last few being on the verge of "I don't think I can afford this program". His responses are always along the lines of "Sorry I cannot fund you, but don't worry about it", or, "I'll keep my eye out for funding". I filed a FAFSA and currently have taken out $20K in Federal student loan (split between the two upcoming semesters). I have been working part-time at $15/hour, which doesn't cover the room I rent. Of course. there is also food, bills, books, etc. to be paid for, too. I need to take out more in loans and/or get a second job. I have been reaching out to other students with the hopes of finding cheaper housing. It is also looking like it will take me 3 years or more to complete the program. I ultimately want a Ph.D. There are a few other items of concern relating to finances. For one, I am looking at potentially racking up $60K or more in loans (on top of what I already have from undergrad). At this point, because I am feeling used by my PI and because I face the real possibility of simply not being able to afford it, I am looking to drop out. I would take a leave of absence and come back when my PI finds that funding but because of my conditional status, I am not allowed. I have now just reminded myself that because of my conditional admit I am technically not an admitted student (to the university) as I have yet to fulfill the requirements. Then again I was able to get Federal student loans which I was under the impression where available to grad students admitted on a conditional status? I don't want to close any doors here, the program itself is awesome, but the COL is becoming prohibitive and my PI/advisor is no help. He did respond to a recent concern over the affordability of the program with "...I understand your concerns and I don't want to pressure you into anything..." Is that his way of saying, "If you cannot afford it and want to leave, I understand"? Not sure what to at the moment besides rant.
  15. I agree with TakeruK; professors would likely have copies of those syllabi specific to the sections took.
  16. Granted, I moved from Boston four years ago, but I did do undergrad there and have lived right on Allston/Brighton border and in JP. Sorry to hear that you are moving to Allston, a literal student ghetto. Even if you were lucky enough to find a building that only rents to grad students/professionals, you will hear loud partying most nights. And the D train (Green Line) is the absolute worst. But, to answer your questions: 1. No, not necessary. 2. RCN, unless you Verizon FiOS. 3. A lot of student discounts in the area, although I never heard of anything specifically about cell phones. I went through T-Mo. 4. I dunno, but probably not. 5. My guess would be Citizen Bank or a credit union. Bonus tip to living in Allston: a boat ton of free stuff will be had on curbs, in alleyways, and other places where people typically leave trash. This is coming from students vacating their apartments and ditching their stuff so they don't have to move it back home. I scored a bunch of stuff this way (lamps, desks, tables, etc.) but be warned: Allston has a huge problem with bed bugs. Also, "pickers" cruise by in trucks looking for the best stuff to sell (at flea markets, yard sales, etc.).
  17. Apartment costs? Are you talking about buying furniture? Or rent? Unless you will be living in the South Bronx, average rent in NYC is something like $3K/month for a one bedroom. I took an offer to an MS program because I had no choice if I wanted grad school. My uGPA is considerably lower than yours and from conversations I had with programs after my rejection letters came in GPA was not the deciding factor, if even at all. What hurt me most were particular grades in specific courses and an average GRE performance. The concern, to my understanding, was that my analytical abilities may not be up to par with what is expected for grad school (that is, to a Ph.D. program).
  18. I moved to Minnesota from California; it totally blew my mind how dry the air could get during the winter. So dry that it couldn't even snow.
  19. Oh. My. Gawd. Yesterday I found my partner watching Bob Ross on Netflix. Then again I used to watch Bob Ross on PBS back in the day before I even had cable and "Netflix" was not even a thought in a person's head. Well, perhaps if they were Max Headroom it was.
  20. Something I had learned from hiking is to go synthetic (or wool for natural). Polyester is my choice but nylon could work as well. Synthetic fabrics wick moisture (sweat) away from your body to the outside of the fabric. As such, they tend to not only keep you dryer but also tend to stink less when compared to cotton. This is what sjoh197 is talking about.
  21. Crucial BBQ

    Baltimore, MD

    They are actually cameras. The city had planned to phase them out, to be replaced by a more robust camera/surveillance network that would also include private business cameras tied into the feed. The Inner Harbor is a tourist destination and one of Baltimore's more prominent source of income. It's covered in cameras. So are the Johns Hopkins Medical Center and iirc, each and every MTA stop. As a side note, the current plan to redevelop the Inner Harbor includes sandy beaches complete with volley ball courts, a foot bridge to connect Inner Harbor to Federal Hill (originating somewhere near Little Italy), a new amphitheater, more green space and walking/bike paths, more retail, more amenities, and more high-rise condos despite the current stock not exactly being full. Of course this all to attract more tourism; most industry and people had left Baltimore years ago.
  22. Crucial BBQ

    Baltimore, MD

    Sorry, I didn't see this one in time Your chances of getting mugged in BMore are higher than the national average, but you do not need to look over your shoulder if you practice basic street smarts. As an alternative, look up. If you see a blue light on top of a street light, on a traffic signal, on the corner of a building, etc. then you know you are in a high crime area. The part of East Baltimore just east of where the Bloomberg School of PH is located is one of the worst, in particular the neighborhood called Middle East. Just to the south of BSoPH is Little Italy, Fells Point, Paterson Park, and Washington Hill, which would all be good choices in order from "best" to "slightly less than best" if one wants to live near the JHU Bayview medical/PH campus.
  23. California is a rather centric State (I know, I am California born and bred) in terms of higher education. I am also from Sacramento, so I am quite familiar with UCD despite never having actually attended. A 3.08 GPA from any State system (California Community College, CSU, UC) is considered more than acceptable. Even though each is its own system they are all ultimately governed by the same, one, body at the State level. Meaning, Calc III taken at a CCC meets the same base criteria as a Calc III course taken at UCB (note, base does not mean that the courses are similar in rigor, only that a student from each will walk away with the same known base understanding and ability). Or that it is way easier for a student transferring with 2.8 GPA from a CCC into a UC (almost guaranteed admittance) where as a student transferring from an out-of-State CC with a 3.9 will likely be denied (and told to attend a CCC first for a year. Honestly, call UCD undergrad admissions and tell them you are about to graduate from an out-of-State CC with a GPA of 3.9 and see what they tell you). Granted, your GPA may be a hinderance to the overall competition but as far as UCD graduate admissions are concerned anything about 3.0 is considered acceptable. Coming from a UC into a UC, your GPA is even less of a big deal.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use