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ss2player

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Everything posted by ss2player

  1. *shrug* Real talk for OP: sit down with your PI, have a civil discussion like professional adults, ask them to explain their reasoning. It's possible they didn't see it the same way you do and you need to help them orient their thinking to see your side of it. If they scoff at attempting even that, that says more about your relationship than anything else.
  2. Don't tolerate disrespect just because they're the PI.
  3. No problem! Wasn't trying to be a hardass, just making sure you know you're taking some chances. Sounds like you're ok delaying a year to get into your top choices, which is certainly a valid strategy. For people whom want to maximize their chances THIS year, they'd have to be more realistic and apply to a more varied selection of schools.
  4. Don't feel bad about it; if your professor is worth their salt they will WANT feedback, good or bad. It really helps them improve the curriculum and do their job well. Good luck and give us an update!
  5. I wouldn't mention it; professors know how to read transcripts and will see that trend for themselves. It might seem like you're making excuses otherwise, no matter how you word it. And of course you can apply to whatever schools you want, but do you have a back up plan in case you don't get into these top programs? Ideas to improve your app next time around? Competition is seriously fierce at those institutions, I can't emphasize that enough.
  6. If they sat down with you and guided you through the review process, that's one thing and actually pretty useful to your career. However, it sounds like he's putting his work on you to do. I'd send him a curt email: "Dear Prof. X, I appreciate your giving me the opportunity to review papers, but without guidance from you it becomes extra work for me that is really your responsibility. Unless we can review these papers together in the future, do not include me anymore. Cheers"
  7. Ah, the ol' "throw spaghetti on the page and see what sticks" tactic...it's unfortunate that sometimes works on professors as it in no way reflects actual learning. Can you bring it up with the dean or department head?
  8. Oh boy, you have some super elite schools there! Your research experience is freaking fantastic, but unfortunately GPA may be an issue, combined with average GRE scores (I had a 160V/156Q/4.5AW, for reference). Keep in mind most people applying there will have 3.7+, so it will be an uphill battle. Some reaches are fine, but I'd drop some and have some lower tier schools on there to boost your chances.
  9. To be blunt: other than OSU, it's gonna be tough going with your GPA at those schools. (I had a similar UGPA, you can check my past posts) Nothing wrong with one or two reaches, but I'd diversify that school list FAST if you want any kind of decent shot.
  10. Yes, bio forum has lots of knowledge. But since I'm here, I'd highly recommend working before starting a PhD as it will teach you new skills, pay you a salary to save up, and help you decide if you want to continue in your field. Sounds like you want some specific neuro experience, and I'm sure there are plenty of labs out there; if you're near NYC there's a boatload! Ask on interviews how much research independence you'll have so you don't end up being a hired hand. As for NIH, their program is competitive but not necessarily a great situation, it depends on the lab you join. I used to work with someone who did that program, and (I'll be incredibly blunt here) she was a damn idiot and clearly didn't learn anything while she was there. Feel it out, go on interviews, find the right situation and a supportive PI. I worked for 4 years before starting my program and it has put me far ahead of others in terms of lab skills, hypothesis building, and general lab managerial ability. Classes are an adjustment so maybe only work for 2 years and don't meander like I did.
  11. Does not compute. I'm sure we'd all love to help, but you need to explain the situation first, chief.
  12. I think you have a solid shot at all the places you listed, you didn't over or undershoot, which is a hard balance to strike. Your research experience and publications should make up for any GPA or GRE doubts committees may have. Can't wait to see your results!
  13. I applied to NYU, Sloan Kettering, and UCSD a couple years ago with a GPA similar to yours and didn't get an interview. Doesn't mean you won't, but those places are known to be very competitive and may not even look at your application due to a GPA cutoff. I think your time may be better spent applying to more likely programs; I would suggest some public "Ivies" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Ivy#Greenes.E2.80.99_Guides). I also used to work at Jefferson...they don't have much money for their PhD programs (med school and hospital get priority) so they don't take many people, again I'd skip them. Would recommend my current program (UTHealth) because my incoming class has about ~12 international students out of 45 and our funding is fantastic. Would also suggest Baylor and UTSW in that vein. Also, email some PI's and administrators to gauge what the departments past acceptances have been like. Good luck!
  14. Agree with Vene, you have fantastic stats...go wild!!!
  15. I know that feel; I have older friends who told me you'll be less able to hold your liquor as you get closer to 30, and foolishly I didn't believe them. Last time I tried to drink like I was still in college I felt awful and spent the next day in bed cursing the ceiling. So from now on I cap it at 2 strong beers MAX and just enjoy the company and hopefully some delicious craft brews.
  16. I have had a 2010 Asus 15.6" for a while now, but since starting my program I've realized it has run out of computing gas and is too heavy to lug around (nearly 7 pounds) in the hot Texas weather. I tried to get by with a Nook HD+ tablet, and despite its awesome screen, it just isn't a real computer. So I bought myself the base 13.3" Macbook Air for $900 on Amazon and plan to get a 24-inch monitor for home, I already have a basic USB mouse and keyboard. I think this will be a great setup: Air has amazing portability and battery life, and I can get a "real" computing experience at home. This way you don't miss the Retina screen on the Pro and end up saving some money overall!
  17. I don't see the harm in trying! If they ignore you, so be it and their loss. Would you really want an unresponsive mentor anyway? Some people prefer a hands-off PI, but not being able to reach them or never seeing them is another matter entirely. There is a very famous immunology prof at my school that has advanced so far in his career that he no longer has time to mentor any students; it's possible this person of yours is at this level practically if not officially, and you're better off finding someone with more availability.
  18. Was wondering this myself! I'd love to go to Karolinska or Max Planck, but would that hurt my career over an American post-doc at an R1?
  19. I would highly recommend that as well! If you want any first hand advice, I interviewed at 3 Public Ivies last year (AZ, MN, IA) and am currently attending MD Anderson, so feel free to PM.
  20. Agreed, I would actually apply to more top tier schools (Harvard, UCSF, U of Washington) if they fit your interests.
  21. As far as I know, you will get a 1099-MISC form instead of a W-2 for any fellowship money. You owe federal tax on any of that not used for educational expenses (so rent, groceries, etc). I plan to save 15% of my stipend for tax purposes and I think if you owe >$1000/year you pay them in quarterly installments. I would definitely love some more info on this, though! From what I hear, many students don't file and just hope they don't get caught...
  22. SO MUCH THIS. I'm a very different person now at nearly 28 than when I graduated at 23. Had I gone straight through, I would've crashed and burned, I can guarantee you that. Working has allowed me to solidify who I am, what I want to do, and to pick up general life skills. I have lived on my own, managed my own finances, planned for retirement, dated lots of unique and cultured people, traveled places, experienced amazing highs and some terrible lows that taught me a lot in the process. While it's normal to be disappointed if your life timeline gets a little altered, look at the bountiful positives and pinpoint focus your ambition to use it best.
  23. THE WORST. I'm happy to demonstrate once, even twice, but if you're still not getting it, do some independent research and come back when you can contribute something (labor, ideas, analysis). This ain't a frickin' charity. Edit: Also, take some goddamn notes! And not on your cell phone. Pen and paper in the lab, buster.
  24. bsharpe, I'm sorry to hear about this story, and echoing what proflorax said, you are not at fault and don't need to feel guilty. Everyone has a right to feel comfortable in their workplace and be pleasant (and even friends with!) their coworkers. He crossed this line and should be reprimanded for it. If you were an employee, HR would be the place to go, but since it's academia things get dicier. It's possible if you bring it to the dean or DGS, Le Creeper might snap and do something rash, so I would suggest talking to them in confidence and trying to find a solution before involving him. Is there a counseling/trauma center at your school? They will likely have dealt with abuse and harassment and might be able to help. There also might be a peer counseling service in your city which could suggest some legal council. This is a difficult situation and I think you've been handling it well, as any sane person would. This guy is frankly scary and a restraining order may not be out of the question if it can't be handled internally. You are not responsible for his "sadness"; that's a classic strategy to get control of others that emotionally abusive people use. No contact, act professional, take it to authority figures if he continues. Good luck and please keep up updated!
  25. University of Iowa...at least it was for Immunology, but I'm pretty sure their Bio umbrella program as well: http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/biosciences/admissions/
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