ucdguy88

I'm not at UCD anymore, I was for undergrad =) I've published, have another paper coming out soon, I've presented nationally, I'm even giving a talk on my past research at a school back here on the east coast as an invited speaker. Yeah the GRE comments aren't encouraging but I suppose I need to really *really* work on them. I was offered an unofficial acceptance to a second masters back home (paid for unlike this one, which turned out to be a big mistake), and i have an interview for another this week thats competitive with a stipend and its bench intense. Finding a job back home is really difficult but I mean I'm leaving here without a thesis (whole other issue) and the same credentials as when I walked in. I feel I was cheated in a sense. These two programs are promising and I figure if I can get paid and get more experience in academia? why not. Thank you for your insights so I dont feel like a crazy person =)

I haven't since the faculty let me know to be patient and thanking me for it. Its infuriating because honestly the only thing that would break our tie might be GRE scores? I was told this *after* the interview day (the whole hey Im gonna take you dont worry!) was done so unless something amazing changed within interviewing both of us, I doubt it. Its really left a bad taste in my mouth, and every part of me wants to ask "what the hell did I do wrong?" but, its best to keep it professional and not ask more questions I suppose. I reached out to a lot of campuses and pre-screened potential PI's who were very excited for me to apply (also to check how their mentoring style and personality was, because some can be really horrible), but when I re-took my GRE and the scores weren't up to par, I was flat out told " you don't stand a chance here" by some, to "apply and see", by others. I'm frustrated because I know my credentials otherwise are pretty darn good. I think my back up plan for a second masters is going to work but who knows. Thanks for your insight =)

I had an interview where I've been forging a relationship with the faculty- and one in particular since September. Not only was said faculty member not at my interview, the other PI who told me point blank they were going to bat for me took another student...seriously? you tell me you're pretty much set on me but take someone else? I don't get it. Its like going on several dates with a hot guy, then you finally do the deed and they say they cant wait for next time. Now I'm in limbo hell because of my fit. I'm tempted to say F all of that nonsense and just go with my backup plan. At least they didn't dicktease me.

Thanks for the insight! It takes a huge load off my chest.

For all of those who are interviewing- is it a huge red flag if the PI's don't have NSF or NIH funding? I'm curious because the program I'm interviewing at is about 5 years old and these professors are new relatively.

Woot! My first interview at my top pick! UMass Boston Developmental and Brain Sciences on Feb 19th

Did anyone apply to UMass Boston Developmental and Brain Sciences?

Rejected basically from Cornell BEN- only had 6 spots for interviews this year.

Did anyone apply to Kent State?

Who are you trying to work with? I went to UC Davis =)

Totally different PI! Phew lol

N3UR0 whos lab in the Cornell BEN are you applying to work with?

applied to only 3 schools this round. I emailed MSU to see what was up "We have selected 11 applicants to visit East Lansing to interview and you are not among those chosen. There is a possibility that the committee will extend additional invitations if any on the current list decline or cannot attend." so yeah. Now waiting on UMass Boston and Cornell's BEN program in Psych

can someone critique my profile (its on page 7) thanks!

Undergrad Institution: University of California (One in NorCal) Major(s): Psychology- Biological Emphasis Minor(s): Biology GPA in Major: 3.0 Overall GPA: 2.7 Position in Class: Meh? Type of Student: Uh..Minority LGBT Male 1st generation M.S. Institution: Northeast Smaller School Major(s): Neuroscience Minor(s): NA GPA in Major: 3.6 Overall GPA: 3.6 Position in Class: Top Type of Student: Minority LGBT Male 1st generation GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 148 (retaking) V: 154 (retaking) W: 4.0 B: not going to take it Research Experience: 3 years during my undergraduate career in a neuroendocrinology lab. 1 year post grad in the same lab. 1 publication, 1 currently in preparation from that laboratory, and 4 abstracts from that lab. Masters experience: 6 months in a cell/molecular neurobiology lab, 1 abstract from that. Currently back in behavioral neuroscience with a big name in my field (behavioral neuroendocrinology) (oh god..am I really coming up on 5 years) Awards/Honors/Recognitions: lols. Pertinent Activities or Jobs: TA for Neurobiology for a semester, followed by Introduction to Biology. Been on academic panel talks, and gave a talk at a certain university on my research. Member of SfN, SBN, and Sigma Xi Special Bonus Points: Stellar letters of recommendation, every lab I'm applying to I have been able to meet personally and chat with them- it's all a matter of applying! All of my letter writers know the PI's where I'm applying..it's kind of an incestuous field, they shuffle students around to each other's labs. Applying to Where: SUNY Albany- Behavioral Neuroscience SUNY Binghamton- Behavioral Neuroscience Boston College- Behavioral Neuroscience UMass Boston- Developmental and Brain Sciences UMass Amherst- Neuroscience and Behavior Cornell- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neuroscience U Delaware- Behavioral Neuroscience Kent State- Neuroscience

Go ags! Thank you for the response. I like Kaplan for teaching the concept and not a quick blurb with quant. Im just confused as to why I'm much higher on one diagnostic than the other.

An 81st percentile for verbal and 40 for quant isn't bad.... What was your gpa? And what kind of anthro

Hi Everyone So I'm applying for doctorate programs, and finishing up my masters. everything's great. except GRE's. So I've signed up for Magoosh and taken a Diagnostic Twice (and I've been studying) Magoosh: 144Q,150V Magoosh (last night) 147Q, 151V I've also signed up for Kaplan as a tandem course to major prep for the quant.. Kaplan: 136Q,154V 136 for quant is WAY off, compared to my scores for Magoosh, but my Verbal seems on the right track for both. I got 11/40 questions right for the 136Q. What the hell is this discrepancy? I called Kaplan and they couldn't tell me why or how 11/40 gets you 136. Is one more reliable? Which do you think is reliable? What have you heard? (Ive heard Kaplan is easier..which concerns me, I've heard mixed about Magoosh) help a depressed student out here!

Hi there, First, congrats on your upcoming interviews! As for the other schools, I can't really say. I looked at the results section at vanderbilt, and it seems that they have already sent out a lot of interviews. Without an interview, the likelihood of being accepted is very slim. I also don't think it will make a big difference if you were accepted or not as an undergrad with a scholarship, but if it does? all the more power to you! If Vanderbilt is your top choice, and the other schools don't really seem like a fit, maybe a masters first would be the way to go. That way you can show you can do the coursework, and you are committed. I hope this helps and good luck.

Thanks for your replies, I appreciate the feedback. I haven't yet contacted the PI's of the schools I'm interested in, but I have contacted a few admissions departments. A couple said they will both be considered, but the masters GPA matters more, while another emphasized that both will be considered, and only my basic science courses will be critical (which I don't understand why when I have grad classes in the subject). I'll keep people posted as I hear more, but for now I suppose the consensus is, it's not a death sentence. bsharpe, please keep me in the loop! I know you'll get in somewhere !

Hi Everyone! I know there are a few posts addressing this, but nothing ever reaches a consensus and I haven't received a definite answer either so I'd like for some of you to address this question: is it possible to get into a decent Ph.D program for Neuroscience with a low undergraduate GPA and a high masters/grad GPA? But I'm thinking like UCSD or NYU, so I want a more "real" type assessment not from my friends "you can do anything, assessment UG GPA: 2.7 (i know, but I was ill and a victim of d.v) in psychology Grad GPA: 3.8 in Neuroscience GRE: V:160, Q: 155, Writing: 4.5 4 years of research experience 2 co-authored publications, 1 more co authored and 1 first authored by the end of the year Multiple abstract presentations including 1 first author at SfN Really good LoR's, 2 from deans of their departments. ​So, with that being stated so I can wrap my head around possibilities, I'd appreciate any feedback =)

Phone acceptance to ASU!

Completely Different then! Good luck to you as well

I'm nervous to be honest! I really wanted to go to San Marcos.. who's your POI, I'm wondering if we have the same one. SDSU and SFSU are the same par i believe. It really depends on your focus

I am very excited! Since my focus is in neuroscience, I can't wait to actually take courses in neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology and neurogenetics. I know SFSU is really good and competitive. Where did you get in? I'm waiting on CSU San Marcos. Congrats on the acceptance!!