Biohopeful

That may also be why it's nearing the end of January and no interview invites have been sent out. I'm not sure about general Biological Sciences, but I'll assume as such. I had everything turned in and still got the "You're missing required materials" notice, and it even said I didn't need to send any in during the email. They somehow lost one of my required documents, but after calling them I got it figured out.

Mine was a bit more relaxed. They said December 1st for full consideration, but since they didn't start reviewing until mid-January, the director was like "Even submitting it in January should be fine, don't worry about the deadline. It's more of a guideline than anything. I've found it's really hard to contact anyone there in admissions, even through email.

I had a similar program for Biological Sciences (not GEMS). I contacted the graduate admissions coordinator about it and got the issue resolved. Their app has been quite the pain. I would keep contacting them about to make sure it's alright, and see if this will affect your application during the review process. As far as I know, UIC Biological Sciences just began reviewing applications this week. Not sure if GEMS is the same.

Although you didn't explicitly state you were aiming solely for prestigious programs, you pointed out that you only want to get into a high quality program, and then proceeded to imply that mediocre programs have PIs that don't care about someone's research. If that wasn't your intention, I apologize. It appears getting into a prestigious program is secondary to complementary research interests, and I think you're on the right track with that. Ultimately, it's going to be your decision on what you do. Regardless of personal reasons for going into a PhD program directly from undergrad, I still think it's a good idea to take at least a year off -- not for soul-searching or that, but to help strengthen your application and make you more competitive for the programs you want to get into. It can't hurt you; it can only help you. I apologize if my wording seemed terse. I'm not ashamed to admit that I would prefer a mid-tier program over a prestigious one, maybe it's something in my nature. In general, I dislike seeing people who want to attend a program with the aim to have a shiny name on their diploma, but if you're considering applying to those schools (all top 10 Biological Sciences graduate programs, aside from UWashington) for interesting research, I can't blame you for that one. Overall, I think your intentions are right, and you're definitely on the right track, and a great candidate as well. I would also talk to your professors about this and get their opinions on things. Good luck with your computer issues, and I hope you get things figured out!

GRE scores are good for 5 years, and I think those look great. If it were me, I would take a year off and work in a laboratory to get more experience. Is there any reason why you're focused on prestigious programs? I would like to point out that just because a program isn't top 10 doesn't necessarily mean the PIs there don't care about research. You'll be surprised at how many PIs are passionate about their research at even mid or low-tier universities. What it comes down to is who you work with, and you'd be surprised at who you find at lesser-known universities. Also, grad school admissions are more than just numbers. There are a plethora of applications with outstanding GPA/GRE scores who get turned down for one reason or another. You need strong LORs and a strong SOP stating your reasons for going into your field and why you want to get a PhD. Most schools will require 3 LORs, and it looks like you have 2 strong ones already. On that note, it wouldn't be a bad idea to take a year or two off (especially since you're still so young) to work in a lab, get more research experience, and also get a 3rd strong LOR from a PI. As for the number of schools to apply to... there really isn't a set amount. The Biological Sciences field is highly competitive, and I would suggest applying to at least 5 schools, but I have seen successful applicants who only applied to 1 or 2 schools. It depends on your financial situation (since applications can cost anywhere between $25-$100+ depending on the school), and how many programs you would genuinely be happy to attend. Throwing money at a university because you want to get in somewhere, but probably won't be happy in the program is a waste, really.

I agree with the above. The key is to make it engaging, as in, don't make it generic. If you can make your story tie into who you are, your goals, and your future, you're on the right track. LORs and the personal statement are the adcomm's way of seeing who the person behind the numbers is, and as we all know, grad school admissions is very holistic. And it's true.

I inquired one school about suitable attire, and they just said not to wear heels as there will be a lot of walking.

I had to ask for extra accommodations from a school, and they were more than happy to work with me. I'd definitely mention in to them. 600 miles driving to a school seems a bit odd if you can book a flight.

I wouldn't waste the money. If they were that interested in you, they'd be more accommodating. Plus, you have other great schools to interview for. Good luck!

Stay strong! I hope SDSU works out for you. It's pretty awesome that your lab is paying for you to take a grad course.

Brown (CMB): 2/1-2/2, 2/8-2/9 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories Watson School of Biological Sciences: 1/30-2/3 Columbia (Pathobiology & Molecular Medicine): 2/15-2/17 Cornell University (Genetics, Genomics, & Development): 2/7-2/10 & 2/21-2/24 Dartmouth (MCB): 2/15-2/16, 2/22-2/23 Emory University (Neuro): 1/31-2/2 & 2/14-2/16 NYU Sackler (Microbiology): 3/7-3/8 Northwestern (DGP): January 24 - 26 or February 7 - 9 or February 21 - 23 North Carolina State (Genetics): 2/10-2/12 Notre Dame (Biological Sciences): 2/7-2/10 Stanford (Biology): 2/27-3/3 UCSF BMS: 1/24-1/26 OR 2/7-2/9 UCSC PBSE/BME: 1/24-1/26 UF (IDP): 1/27-29 and 2/24-26 Univ of Georgia (Genetics): 1/31-2/2 U Maryland (BISI-MOCB): 2/7-2/9, 2/28-3/2 U Mass Amherst (MCB): 2/22-2/23 U Mass Amherst (Plant): 3/8-3/9 U Mass Med (Biomedical/Neuroscience): 1/31-2/2 and 2/14-2/16 U Chicago (Biomedical): 2/21-2/23 U of Colorado, Denver (Basic Sciences): 1/31-2/2 or 2/21-2/23 UT Houston (GSBS): 1/31-2/3 or 2/21-2/24 U of Iowa (Molecular and Cellular Biology) 1/24-1/26 and 2/21-2/23 U Texas Austin (CMB): 1/24-1/25, 2/14-2/15 U Vermont (CMB): 2/1-2/2, 2/22-2/23, 3/15-3/16 Washington University in St. Louis (Biochem): 1/25, 2/8 WashU (Devo, Stem Bio): 2/8, 2/22 WashU (Evo, Eco, Pop): 2/22 WashU (Human Gen): 1/11, 2/8 WashU (Immunology): 1/18, 1/22 WashU (MCB): 1/11, 2/1, 2/15 WashU (Microbiology): 1/25 WashU (Neuro): 1/18, 2/1 WUSTL (Plant): 2/1, 2/15 University of Wisconsin-Madison (Entomology): 2/3-2/5 Yale (BBS-MCGD): 2/14-2/16

Not sure. The two schools I have interviews for only mentioned the one weekend, unless they have two and assigned me to one.

Thank you for your wonderful advice, guys! Any pre-interview freak outs and apprehensions I had have flown out the window. I have a bit of reading and whatnot to do, but I'm feeling heaps better! Also, for those who just came back from your interviews, could you give some information on the attire you observed candidates wearing, especially for women? I'm debating between a nice skirt/button up shirt combo versus a suit/blazer combo...

Thank you for the advice! I have a couple questions myself, and I feel like I'm unnecessarily worrying over this, but I'm actually very nervous about my interviews. I graduated a year and half ago, and completed an undergrad thesis and presented a poster at a well-known national conference in my field of interest for it. In my SOP I also highlighted the project I did. Currently I work under the title of a "Research Technologist" in a clinical diagnostic laboratory, but I'm primarily involved in the running of assays for clinical testing, and occasionally step in for research and ongoing validation, but the lab is not very tech-friendly and techs aren't encouraged to conduct their own independent projects. Although I have considerable knowledge regarding the assays I run, handling of clinical specimens, and the validation of our newest assay, there are some aspects of the design I am not up to date on. How likely is it that the interviewers are going to focus on my undergrad work and thesis project over my current position?

I have a few: Show your interest in pursuing a scientific career Know your research experiences and be able to articulate it well Know why you want to get a PhD or Masters Be yourself Be personable Don't bring up taboo subjects and stay personable when talking to graduate students when faculty aren't around Relax Have fun Also, a big thing: When your faculty interviewers discuss their research with you, be sure to have a question or two to ask them regarding it and show as much interest as you can regarding the subject. I'm not sure how interview-heavy Emory is compared to other places, but these are some tips I have. Anyone who's already done an interview could probably give more advice.

Why do you want to do this? I hear that's a big one as well. Looking forward to hearing about your experience!

Congrats! It's always exciting to get that first one! UNC sounds rough. =(

Rejected from UW Madison CMB. At least I have two other interviews to look forward to next month, yeah?

Two come to mind for me: UW-Madison: I have a very common name, and because of this, my application did not get sent directly to the department I'm applying to due to the possibility of duplicates. So I had to call around and make sure they found my application to send to the department. This got figured out. Then it appears that a bunch of GRE scores were lost, so I had to find the copies sent to me in the mail, scan them, and send them to the department so they can finally review my application. I soon received notification that all materials were sent on time, so that was quite the relief. UIC: I submitted my application, uploaded everything I thought I needed to, and received an email indicating that all of the required documentation has not been sent to the program. In the email, which is automatically generated, it listed the document I needed. I graduated a year ago, and I needed to upload a document listing my in progress/planned courses of which I have none. So I wrote up the document and uploaded it to my application. I emailed the department, which has been MIA regarding the issue, but hoped it was resolved when I uploaded the document I needed. Two weeks or so pass, and I get ANOTHER automated email regarding required documents I have yet to uploaded. And in their list, it says I have none. I emailed and called the department, with no luck of contacting a person regarding the issue, and I'm really hoping this won't delay consideration of my application for the program. /rant

Hey, So I have a quick question. One of my schools is close by (3 hour drive) from me, and invited me for an interview. They asked that I drive there, but last week, my car started having transmission issues and other than driving around town, it's not fit to drive longer distances (especially on the highway going 70 MPH). I asked if I were to take a rental car down, if they would reimburse me for the fee. Is that bad practice to ask them to do such a thing?

They've been scattered for me but primarily in the afternoon times.

Notre Dame Interview! Feb 7-10

Or it could be outdated? Some of the numbers seem off to me. Congrats on the acceptance, bassish!

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories Watson School of Biological Sciences: 1/30-2/3 Columbia (Pathobiology & Molecular Medicine): 2/15-2/17 Emory University (Neuro): 1/31-2/2 & 2/14-2/16 NYU Sackler (Microbiology): 3/7-3/8 Northwestern (DGP): January 24 - 26 or February 7 - 9 or February 21 - 23 Stanford (Biology): 2/27-3/3 UCSF BMS: 1/24-1/26 OR 2/7-2/9 UCSC PBSE/BME: 1/24-1/26 UF (IDP): 1/27-29 and 2/24-26 U Mass Amherst (MCB): 2/22-2/23 U Mass Med (Biomedical/Neuroscience): 1/31-2/2 and 2/14-2/16 U Chicago (Biomedical): 2/21-2/23 U of Colorado, Denver (Basic Sciences): 1/31-2/2 or 2/21-2/23 UT Houston (GSBS): 1/31-2/3 or 2/21-2/24 U of Iowa (Molecular and Cellular Biology) 1/24-1/26 and 2/21-2/23 Washington University in St. Louis (Biochem): 1/25, 2/8 WashU (Devo, Stem Bio): 2/8, 2/22 WashU (Evo, Eco, Pop): 2/22 WashU (Human Gen): 1/11, 2/8 WashU (Immunology): 1/18, 1/22 WashU (MCB): 1/11, 2/1, 2/15 WashU (Microbiology): 1/25 WashU (Neuro): 1/18, 2/1 WUSTL (Plant): 2/1, 2/15 University of Wisconsin-Madison (Entomology): 2/3-2/5

I saw some people are starting to hear back from UW-Madison CMB. I haven't heard anything on my end on either Northwestern or Madison. This is all making me nervous...