jmillar

That could be one thing they are looking for. But another is just having a variety of different lived experiences from their students. And sometimes disadvantage is in the eye of the beholder. I grew up, what I now know, as poor, but I never felt that way growing up. But it meant I was in different social circles and didn't pick up things that I might have from higher income friends. Growing up in a different country is a very different experience than many of us. It could disadvantage you in other ways of having to catch up to social norms, but you don't have to think of it that way.

That might not be the case for grad students, but you'd need to ask others in that position. I got that impression from some of my undergrad classes at my previous institution, but we were treated very differently once we became Master's students.

At University of Michigan, this essay is also used for other fellowship consideration, such as the Rackham Merit Fellowship. For several students I've heard an ok essay didn't hurt them much, but a great one was instrumental in getting additional funding.

I don't think so. I only used 2.25 pages for mine so I could increase white space and easier skimming ability. If you were able to convey everything you felt you needed to, you should be fine.

I haven't really seen that. I've seen people putting down grants that they won but then had to decline. I think grants you are applying to would fit best in your SOP.

I uploaded my community college transcripts and was not disqualified.

For University of Michigan, the optional GRE just took place for this cycle. Basically, using the GRE as a predictor of success is weak, is biased against groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate school, and the cost is a large burden for some. Also, NIH T32 training grants, NIH individual fellowships, or the NSF GRFP fellowship no longer require it. Do can read more about the change here: https://medicine.umich.edu/medschool/sites/medicine.umich.edu.medschool/files/assets/PIBS_GRE_POLICY_2018.pdf

You have to specifically send one to SOPHAS.

I only did a MS in Statistics before going into a Bioinformatics PhD, which is why I don't comment much on PhD applications for Statistics. You have a great math background, but since your program is unranked, you might have luck if you start contacting potential advisors. I interviewed with many Bio/statisticians over Skype (that were affiliated with umbrella programs) and once I was able to explain what we had covered in my classes (as my program was unranked) and research, they were then much more eager to work with me. I ended up choosing an applied mathematician as we clicked so well. I would also echo @Stat PhD Now Postdoc in applying to the university you did your REU with. I did one of those and I was told they are often more competitive that graduate applications (though not always the case). Some programs also hold spots open for previous REU students if they did well in their program.

I was able to choose from a list. I was only required to send two reports to apply to Berkeley.

The option is available at University of Michigan, especially if you apply through PIBS.

You can find all the statistics about the programs here: https://tableau.dsc.umich.edu/t/UM-Public/views/RackhamDoctoralProgramStatistics/ProgramStatistics?:embed=y&:showAppBanner=false&:showShareOptions=true&:display_count=no&:showVizHome=no&FOSDParameter=All+Rackham The competitiveness is about the same, ~20% acceptance. MCDB is one of the choices under PIBS, so you can apply there and still end up in the MCDB department. The advantage with PIBS is your first year is payed for while you rotate. You can choose to rotate in 1 department, or a mixture of others.

They can possibly play a role if you are also applying for teaching assistantships. I helped TA a Calculus course in undergrad, and those letters played a big role in landing one of the 3 TA spots in my Statistics Masters program.

Michigan doesn't have a general "Biology" program for graduate school. Instead it's spread over 15 different departments/programs. Are you more interested in some of the more biomedical aspects? If so, I would apply through PIBS, which covers 14 of the programs. Otherwise, you could apply to Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. PIBS will likely give you the most flexibility, with over 500+ faculty you can rotate with.

I have a medical card for chronic pain, but I've never had any that helped me study. I mostly become less motivated (which is why I use a lot of topicals instead). I have heard some sativas help people become more "creative", but that varies from person to person. Hallucinations shouldn't be happening unless you are taking mega doses. It is something that can become addictive over time. Because you have no idea how it might affect you, I wouldn't try it out during the school year. Try it during a break if you're curious. A friend of mine tried a small dose and had a massive panic attack, so you really want a few days where you don't have any responsibilities.