biotechie

Since Ion_exchanger hasn't announced theirs, I'll announce mine. I committed to Baylor College of Medicine CMB program. Some of you already know this, though because I was too excited.

Like the others said, it really does depend on your needs and expectations as a student. I see or at least hear from my Masters PIs daily. I have a feeling this is partially due to me starting in this lab as an undergrad. While I like being in constant contact, it can be a little frustrating when you have to troubleshoot a little and get the data out a day or so later than they expected. I couldn't have asked for better advisors. These guys are amazing. However, for PhD, I would probably want to see them a little less if I stayed so that I may be more independent. I am hoping that at my new program for PhD that I will end up with a PI that will be pretty hands on in the lab, but not quite as much as these guys. I would like someone who will be involved in my training and will work with me and mentor me rather than constantly over me. That's one of the things I love about science: the collaborative nature. If they're really hands on in the beginning and more hands off later, I'm okay with that because I should be able to pick up on their expectations during training. I don't think I would be happy with a PI that I was in contact with less than once per week.

Definitely get into the lab hands on. I started as a freshman and now know over 20 different techniques. My 4 years of undergrad research + 2 years of masters showed the schools I applied to (that looked closely at applications) that I am capable of doing science and thinking critically to solve the problem even though it wasn't reflected as much in my GPA or GRE. Research experience, a good essay + research statement, and strong LOR can help make up a bit for mediocre scores... at least... that is what happened for me. Another student that I know had nearly identical scores to me, but literally 2 months experience. He didn't get in. I didn't see his essay or letters, however. Getting into the lab now will also help you when you take techniques-based courses, later and even in your normal cell bio classes. You may not be doing all of the techniques you will learn, but just getting used to working in a lab setting helps a ton. I got really lucky and had already done all of the techniques in my senior level techniques class. It was a 4-credit hour class that half the class failed and I didn't have to work very hard in. Understanding how the research is done to get an answer in science also helps with understanding of all kinds of things, even outside of the lab. Also, make sure that you don't leave part of another school name in your essay... they might reject you like WashU did to me. Oops.

University Village used to be Lewis Park... and you couldn't pay me to live there. Stay away from St. Germain Square, Metropolitan, Saluki Apartments, Park Place East, Carbondale Towers, and anything on College or Cherry Streets. Try apartment complexes like G&R Rentals (which has 1-bedrooms), The Point, and The Reserves. These are more expensive than University Village, but they take better care of their students and they are quieter and nicer. I think The Point and The Reserves are 2-bedroom and larger. Westbrook has a graduate village and looks really nice and quiet. Alpha rentals has tons of apartments and houses scattered all over town, and they seem to be pretty good. My friends like them. If you're willing to go out about a 5-10 minute drive out of town toward Carterville, there are some cheap apartments!

Right. And that was a new thought for me since my programs all make sure that you have enough to live in the area. I feel really bad for students outside of this field trying to hack it.

I"m sortof surprised that stipend out-ranks research fit and the atmosphere of the department. Yes, we all need money, but I'd rather poor and working in a department where I'm comfortable with everyone and where there are professors doing things I find interesting! I guess it varies by field, though as most programs in my field fund their students. It is just a question of how much they are funded. I guess that makes me feel like people pick programs based on how much they will make, but hopefully people are selecting that option more to say they want programs that fund their students rather than a ton of money.

One of the reasons I know many students are told to come to the USA is the large presence of English in the business and academic world. A great deal of science literature in all countries is being published in English, and sometimes it is easier to get those papers that aren't in your native language translated to English. Being bilingual in English and your native tongue is thought to be a major benefit. That plus the huge number of institutions helps to make the US a good place to study for foreign students. I'm guessing the sole fact that there are so many institutions here in the US is still why it is more commonly suggested as the English option? I'm not sure. There also seems to be a good deal more funding though different governments to send students here than for some other countries. I don't see why studying in Singapore would be a bad thing; as an American, that is a place that I'd love to go, even just for a few weeks. As far as electronics go, you're in a great place to learn. However, since I am not bilingual and because I know there are exceptional programs in my field here in the US, I'm staying here for PhD. I would highly recommend applying for a post-doc in the US if you're feeling okay with being far from home a bit longer. There are places here doing some pretty cool things.

I applied to 6. Two programs that I really wanted to get into, three that were higher ranking (one of which I had no chance at), and one "safety" that I knew had cool research I would be happy doing. I got three interviews, one wait list, and two rejections. Not too bad! I feel like it is fairly normal in my field to apply to at least 5... it has gotten really competitive over the last ten years or so. Plus you make think you're a great fit for a program and then once you get there, you find that you're not. I know of people from this forum that have applied to more than 10! That's a little crazy in my opinion, but I'm also a masters student with limited time to go on interviews.

Is anyone else going to Baylor for the CMB program? I've confirmed that as my final choice and I'd love to make some contact with future classmates!

StructuralBio, you might try looking at this thread if you're really worried. There are tons of sub-3.0 GPA people posting on here. I'm not sure how many science, but perhaps they may be able to help you figure out how to overcome some of the things you're worried about? They seem to be doing great.

If you have some research experience, that will significantly help you. That plus a killer SoP, Research Statement, and LOR. My 6 years of research experience (4 years UG, 2 years masters) are the biggest factors for me. They were obvious and important in my SoP, Research Statement, and I'm sure that my professors included it in my LORs. I only have one publication so far, and that is unrelated to my research interests (it was Zoology, from my freshman year). My GPA is right around a 3.65 and my GRE wasn't stellar. Experience speaks for you very loudly. No matter what, just make sure you know and can show why you are passionate about pursuing your graduate studies.

Why are you anticipating rejection? She just said that formal letters will be delivered... not that they had sent them our or completed their decision-making. I wouldn't expect anything until next week if yesterday the admissions committee was still reviewing.

I knew for a long time that I wanted to do research, but I initially thought my calling would be as a doctor. It wasn't until I had two years of experience under my belt in undergrad that I decided as a Junior that I would go to grad school rather than becoming a medical doctor. It just feels more right... I have a feeling you will see lots of people in that boat.

Sayantan, if you get a message from me, just ignore it. I realized after I sent it that you posted this a year ago, though it appeared in my feed, today.

No worries!!! They asked me what schools I'd interviewed at and where I'd been accepted. I /still/ got accepted even though they knew I'd been accepted elsewhere and where else I was waitlisted and offered interviews at. If you make a good impression and they want you in the program, I think you can still get accepted unless you completely tell them that you're more interested in another program. I got home from UF and then two days later, I had a decision. I would expect yours within the next week or so!

Have you looked for external funding? I know there are grants you can apply for even for MS, though I'm not able to remember them right now. If I think of them, I will post them. It also depends on your field... it might be easier to find funding for a masters in the life or physical sciences than funding for something liberal arts based. I feel like in most programs, only PhD students are funding. I got lucky and was funding for my masters, but I'm at a small school with very little exposure to new applicants.

You're welcome! Good luck! I think you'll like it!

If you're referring to University of Florida, yes. I got my list of interviewers on a Saturday, and I left for my visit the next morning. I'd expect it tomorrow sometime. Also don't expect your list to be final; several of us had changes in professors. You'll be able to look them up once you get there if you need to; the internet was free at the hotel. The other schools let me know at least a week in advance. I don't know what the deal was at UF other than that it is several more students per round so it is probably much more difficult to schedule. You'll have fun.

I would love to be able to find a decent apartment near the Medical Center. Any ideas?

I teach my own lab, and they do call me by first name. I prefer it. Maybe you can write your first and last name on the board the first day and see what they decide to call you? Then you don't have to tell them!

Mine call me by my first name. I have one older student who is just starting her undergrad... She insists on calling me Miss "Lastname" and it is incredibly weird. I guess she has been out of school long enough that she is still stuck in that system of naming teachers. I think for most students, it is more comfortable to call the TA by their first name, and it makes you more approachable to them as their TA. It pulls you closer to what you feel is their level. I have students who would rather ask me for help than to go to the professor.

Mine have varied, but none have been in the morning. If you search the forums, you'll find that this question as been asked before and there are lots of answers.

This is pretty much what I had to do with this student. Seriously, peeps, read that if you're having issues. That only works if they do A-level work... >.<

You are right; taking her aside and talking to her has done the trick so far, though I do have to remind her on occasion. She still asks questions, but they are better thought out and less confusing to the other students... and I make sure that she sits out for some parts of the lab so that everyone gets a chance. So far, other than sudden passing out of other students, it is going better. You almost have to treat her like she is a game and just maintain the upper hand.... As a premed, she isn't even supposed to take this class, which was designed for non-science majors. Oh well.

I passed out my first week of college... on my birthday... on 114 degree asphalt. It was band camp, we were marching backward in block, and I was at the back of the block... I literally got trampled by a marching band. You know, this semester is probably going to kill me. It is like the students know it is my last one teaching. That student passed out AGAIN this week, only this time hit her head on the door and the floor...hard. She woke up immediately and said she was okay, but we made sure she got to the health center and got checked out. There's no way I was letting someone who hit their head like that just go home, and she needed to learn why she is fainting. I'm guessing low blood sugar or dehydration. She just e-mailed us to let us know she is fine, now... but now I'm worried for next week. I'm sure you'll be fine; just stay hydrated and keep your sugar normal!