ss2player

GPA definitely matters; when these top schools are getting 1000+ applications, it often comes down to a numbers game. If you have several mostly equal applicants in terms of research, GRE, rec letters, and interview quality, they're going to go with the higher GPA, pretty much always. You CAN get in with a low 3.0, but it's stacked against you, just know that. In smaller programs with less competition it might be less of an issue, but they're also taking less students to begin with. There are schools out there that are more holistic; my school is one, but I think our dean being a first-gen student who went through a lot of struggles herself has something to do with that. If I had known this in undergrad I totally would have focused on class more, but I'm a late science bloomer and didn't decide on this until after working several years post-grad.

Yes, you send that. ETS probably just wants to save paper and postage.

No worries, not a criticism, just an observation. Most of mine were pretty transparent as well, which was appreciated. But hey, this is why we apply to so many schools, right? Can't guarantee anything.

I had the opposite; state schools were more selective (see my post above) while a private school only invited people they knew they would accept!

My anecdotal experience was that a fair number of people get rejected after the interview, as that happened on 3/6 of my interviews. Granted, two of these were small programs: one interviewed 43/~165 applicants and accepted ~half that and matriculated 10 total. Another interviewed ~18, accepted ~10, and matriculated 6. Another was regionally biased towards West Coast applicants and alums of that school. If you're a top ranked applicant by the school, you should be fine. However, it's possible to be on the borderline and an interview can make or break you. I didn't ask feedback from those schools as I got into my 1st choice anyway, so maybe other folks can weigh in on that from previous years.

Penn is super competitive, don't kid yourself (also don't mix it up with Penn State!). Miami is less so, no idea about GW, but I would think the NIH would have high standards. Also rankings don't mean much; the US News were made by polling professors, and only 9% responded. It was based on no metric, just their opinion. (http://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2014/03/10/methodology-2015-best-science-schools-rankings) I don't put much stock in that!

Glad you're feeling better! And awesome that your new rotation is thrilling, it's a great feeling. I posted in another thread with ERR_alpha commiserating on barely cracking a curved B in a class (72.2 currently, class average is maybe a 76?), so don't feel alone. It actually made me not want to join the department because their teaching/testing method was so ass-backwards; I've now decided on a different, more supportive program. Basically, learn what you can and move on with whatever best grade you can attain, as one class won't matter much in the long run.

Do you work at Initech? (Office Space reference)

UMF, I get a metaphorical hard-on for menswear, so this post made me very happy. I often get confused for a faculty member at my school due to the beard, glasses, and propensity for tweed/wool sport coats. For the fellas in the thread, I wore a suit 'cause I wanted to, but most people did not and it's definitely NOT necessary (this isn't med/law/biz school). Wear a nice dress shirt, slacks, loafers and you're set. Add a blazer and neckwear if you like, but feel comfortable. Jeans and a button-up are fine for the casual days, add a sweater for cold weather. No sneakers, no t-shirts; save those for once you're accepted.

I think it would be worth it! I too come from a disadvantaged background and it does set you apart from your fellow students the higher you climb the educational ladder. Admitting you to their school will help your incoming class meet others not so much like themselves, which can frame their research in a broader way. Academia is very self-selecting and exclusive; anything to break that chain is awesome! It will lead to better opportunities for everyone and a greater awareness of the world we live in. Science advocacy is one of my interests, so I'm coming at it from that perspective, but there are many other ways. I'm sure you'll think of something and good luck!

ERR, you're one smart cookie and I wouldn't let this discourage you. Some tales from my current first semester may bring solidarity: My school put in a new curriculum this year that has one massive, 7 credit, 20 hour a week class that covers all our grad school class requirements. We still have to take some classes for whatever specific program we join, but overall it's much condensed from the convoluted system they had before. Anyway, we have 40+ folks in here and they all come from different skill backgrounds, which has been reflected in our grade distribution: the people with computational backgrounds are particularly struggling. I'm doing well (A average), however I'm also taking immunology at the same time and it's kicking my ASS...just squeaking out a B right now. It makes me feel overwhelmed and dumb that I can't ace a class I've aced before AND have 4 years research experience in that field. Part of it is the big class takes SO MUCH time, plus we're doing rotations. Anyway, this is my mindset too: "At this point I just have my fingers crossed for a B so I can move on from this horrible class as much as possible." People will not remember you getting a B in some class your first year, but they WILL remember what research accomplishments you've made as well as your scientific thought process. Publish well, network well, and leave this class in the dust. You'll be continually learning through your PhD, believe in yourself just like we do!

WOW, that's really shady! They don't have time to upload a letter and answer a few questions? I call BS. Rec letters are part of their job and he can totally find 15 minutes to do this, even if it's at home when the kids are in bed. I wouldn't do this OP, tell him it's against the schools rules and could land both of you in trouble.

Vene, I'm going to steal your format cause it's wicked. pasteltomato, on 18 Nov 2014 - 12:02 AM, said: Mostly jeans/sweaters/simple and clean shirt, flats or boots. Nothing fancy. Of course this may vary with location, some Ivys or other elite institutions may be more dressy? Hopefully someone can chime in on this. Quote For ladies I saw slacks, blouse, blazers for the most part. Some wore knee-length skirts/dresses in the warmer locations, combined with leggings+boots in the cold ones. Quote Like Vene said, travel can be affected but otherwise it's fine. I was also in Minnesota and Iowa so while it was DAMN COLD, bring a heavy coat and you'll be a-OK. Quote Either a student or a prearranged shuttle. One place made me get a taxi and reimbursed me months later, but they were cheap in other ways too, so there ya go. Quote Roommate, although Iowa didn't have one! Mine were all fine; we might not have been BFFs but they were respectful. Quote Maybe just a medical heads-up? I doubt they'd hold it against you. Quote Well, scientists aren't known for being the most outgoing people, so you won't be alone. I saw variations based on school; i.e. Miami had a lot of bros (no surprise...), while Iowa and MN were more "aw shucks" humble people.

I think you'll have a terrific shot at all of these programs, and would encourage you to apply to some higher tier ones too! If you're interested and match well with some Ivys/UC schools, why not, right?

Grad school tends to attract people like this, for better or worse. I mean, it's awesome we get paid to N3RD THE F%^K OUT about our field, but I agree some variety would be nice. I've tried to make non-academia friends whom are more "normal" so I don't end up trapped in the bubble. MeetUp.com has really helped, as well as showing an interest in sports and shooting guns (I am in TX, after all). What do people like to do in the Bay Area? Comedy shows, live music, hiking, biking? You're not going to be able to change your cohort, but maybe you can get your needs met elsewhere and segment them off a bit.

Fair enough. My undergrad just got added to the Big 10 this year, so we have no stake in this...for now!

Yes, midwest is great! I wish I applied to Michigan, Ann Arbor is a cool place. Would also put Iowa, Indiana-Bloomington, UIC/UIUC, WUSTL and Ohio State on that list.

Research experience can be varied as long as you can explain it all well (i.e. you weren't just a hired hand and contributed intellectually). Wouldn't hurt to apply to a couple lower ranked schools if you can afford it! Would recommend Baylor and MD Anderson in Houston (I go to one of these), and some public "Ivies" similar to UNC. Those west coast schools are outrageously competitive, so if you want the best shot, apply broadly. Good luck!

Yes.

Agreed, a 3.75 in your major is excellent, especially for a state school which are known to have less grade inflation.

This is tricky: does he say "statistically significant" or just a "trend" in the results? Precise language is important here, because if they claimed there is, for example a P<0.05 when there isn't, that's lying...BUT he can say there was a possible difference based on the graph and it merits further investigation. Love to hear other's thoughts! I was always taught the discussion is the place for philosophizing but the results should reflect only what was found.

I'm sorry to hear all this, but you're a star, don't think anything else! Honestly, that lab sounds like a toxic environment and it's good it was just a rotation and not your thesis lab. Try your best to shrug it off and focus on your upcoming rotations; if anything, now you know what you want and what you ABSOLUTELY don't want out of a lab, so you can find a batter fit in the future. Good luck, keep us updated!

I have! Guess I'm just that good, brah.

My experience going from PA to TX: inspection shouldn't be a problem, they don't check car ownership usually (but change your insurance to your new state!). As for registration, you just register it as having a lien on the vehicle and they won't need the title. Keep the bill of sale, though. Keep in mind this varies by state, so check out OR policies.

I wouldn't bother; it only highlights negative things and could send the wrong signals to someone reading your app (complaining, combativeness...even though you were totally in the right!). I'd make sure to tout your success in that lab, highlight the publication that came from it, and that way they won't even miss the letter. Best of luck!