littleflower

Hi everyone, I have contacted some faculties whose ongoing projects match with my interest asking whether they are taking any grad student this year or not. Two have given me a direct "yes" and "no". However, others cannot say because they will come to know about their grants later. A student has to do rotations in three labs in the first year. So I have to give names of at least 3 faculties somewhere in the application form. In addition,their projects/research should be mentioned in the SOP as those are broadly "what I want to do". So,what do I do? a) Do I write a little bit about my interest in the works of the faculities(who think "may be" they will get grants)that match my background apart from the one who is definitely taking students? b)Do I have to specifically say in the SOP that these are the three labs/reseacrh ares I am most intersted in? If so, what will happen if situation changes? Thank you for your help in advance.

Hi, I want to apply to schools ranked 16 to 18 in biology or allied field(eg. University Of Chicago, University Of California, San Diego etc). My first gre v=570,q=680. I took the GRE again and got v=490 and q=730 What are my chances for those Universities? Should I still apply? I am an international applicant. I do have high TOEFL scores(read29/30,write29/30,listen29/30 and speak 27/30 total=114/120) Thank you for your help in advance.

Thank you so much everyone. I will surely rewrite this. Meanwhile, if there are any more suggestions, please do share.

Hi everyone, Here is how I thought my SOP would be. Any criticism or feedback will be much appreciated. My specific experience(high point1)..... During my study of (MY SUBJECT), there have been various exciting high points like this one when I was.(high points 2 and3). Each one of them has convinced me that I want to do research in.... I want to pursue a Ph.D. because it will give me an opportunity to work on active research problems. I feel myself especially motivated to work in the areas of (my areas). I am interested in studying the various (my interests) As a student, I have had the opportunity to carry out various projects and field studies. During B.S., (my field trip).... I undertook various projects (my project1) (my project 2)(project3)Work on these projects and field trips have been very intellectually fulfilling for me. I want to be able to do....... Pursuing a Ph.D. from XYZ UNIVERSITY will equip me with a variety of skills and expertise on how to conduct in-depth research in..... Over a two year period, I have had the opportunity to teach (MY SUBJECT) to different students. I taught (my topics) . I would like to be considered for teaching assistantship during Ph.D. I have a diploma in computer programming which may be useful during Ph.D. I am a trained singer of classical and semi-classical music and I have performed in several public events. I also read books and play computer games in my spare time. ......., I have worked on a day job and saved money to fund the application process. I am ready and inspired to start working on a doctoral degree now.After my Ph.D, I want to continue to do research and teach(MY SUBJECT). I want to do my Ph.D. at XYZ UNIVERSITY because the Department conducts research in the areas that interest me most. XYZ UNIVERSITYis one of the premier institutes in the field of biological research and I want to do research in this environment. I want to learn from the distinguished professors and researchers in my field at XYZ and contribute as much. I am confident that I will be able to meet the expectations of the professors and that I can contribute significantly. I believe that my academic career and experience show that I have adequate knowledge and passion to pursue a Ph.D. Last but not the least I have secured First Class results in all my academic examinations. .... Thank you

Hi, I want to apply to schools ranked 16 to 18 in biology or allied field(eg. University Of Chicago, University Of California, San Diego etc). My gre v=570,q=680. Is this score sufficient for those Universities? Should I retake the exam? I am an international applicant. Thank you for your help in advance.

How can one improve the quantitative section?

Hi everyone, I have some questions: 1.How many practice tets one should take before the actual GRE? 2. Which practice tests did you take and how did those helped you? 3. Any tips and tricks for practice tests? 4.Is there any other practice test other than powerprep or barron one can take that can simulate actual GRE?Is there any book or site just full of practice tests? Thank you for your help in advance