Academics

Well, you can find a lot of general dos and don'ts all over gradcafe. Relating to earth sciences, I have always been told to not be very specific with what research you want to do. Obviously don't say something vague like "I want to study rocks", but don't be as specific as saying something like "I want to study the bedrock of the Quabbin Reservoir to determine the influence of aluminosilicates on chemical weathering over the last 100 years". I totally made that up, but I hope you get the idea. 
As with any job application, you want to emphasize how good of a fit you are and how you plan to make great contributions to the scientific community. Don't focus all on you and how grad school will help you with your goals. Why should they want you?
Papers, posters, talks, etc. are really good, so don't forget to put them in your paper, maybe as segways to what you would like to study in the future. But don't keep talking about how awesome you think you are, and how smart you think you are, and how you've done all these amazing things, because it makes it seem like you think you're the shit and you already know everything there is to know about everything. 
 
Good luck!

I recently was admitted to duke chem phd. I can see many young new professors in the department, so iam not so sure abt how good they are. Duke is a great university but could i ask.u guys how good duke chemistry is? Thanks.

That was dumb of them. Its a whole different story for international applicants, so don't lose hope yet!

I heard from someone else that notifications would be coming around the end of next week, but I am not 100% sure on that. 
 
And on another side note: the forecast for this weekend is calling for another round of snow storms, so this may delay decisions even further. Just even more proof that there are too many variables to account for when predicting expected timeframes of decisions!

MIT just sent official decisions. Unfortunately I was not recommended for admissions :-(. Oh well. I applied just as a why not. No more waiting for me. Now it's decision making time!!!! Good luck to those still waiting.

Please, do you have an idea as to how many offers they typically give out for each Fall term and like how many applicant they usually receive? Thanks. Still waiting on UNC.

I'm actually from UNC; last time I was in the area (last week of Jan), the guy from the Chem office (a friend of mine actually) told me they were still going through the process. A little dated info but it might help

Dude, your chances will be great, as your application looks better than mine. What you should focus on in my opinion is the things you have direct control, GRE and your essays. Your essays will help you stand out and make you memorable. You should also cultivate your LoRs. The top 10 schools are a crap shoot, but you have a chance. Also, I wouldn't look at what schools are "above average" look for schools that fit you and have research you want to do. How I started my school search was simple and basic. I took a map of the USA and blocked out states I want to live in, wouldn't mind living in, and dont want to live in. Then, I went to top 50 list, and dotted the ones on the map that weren't in "dont want to live areas." From there, I looked at school's research interests and faculties.

Grad school isn't about going to the best top 10. Yes, name brand may help, but this is a *job* essentially. You need to work and live somewhere you will be happy. But, you will be fine, and I'm sure you have chances at great schools.

I'm doing physical chemistry. I'm planning on going to their visit weekend to get a feel for what the school has to offer, but I will make my decision as soon as possible!

I'm in the same boat @coldplay32.  Don't be too disappointed about it, consider it their loss!

hey Academics, I'm not sure if I can answer all of your questions because I'm not too sure myself. Its a medium sized program but I only ever interact with the organic graduate students (auditing some advanced organic classes). I would say there were probably 15-20 organic first years? I can't comment on the other disciplines because there are fewer or more 1st years for each. As far as McQuade goes, I haven't seen him around and I would have if he was back because professors are required to attend seminars. He has been thinking about coming back but I haven't seen him. Anyways his chemistry is great if he is back, I would go with him or Dudley if you are into synthesis.

Unfortunately, I hear nothing from them so far. Some information below:
I know someone getting into UR at the beginning of Feb.2013 and she is an international student. As we know UNC chem is a really huge department so I guess they should send a lot more offers (maybe 200 offers to get in around 70 students). Duke chem is a medium sized one and they only need around 20 students for each year according to their FAQ page. 
Could not wait until Fri, hope I can be accepted into PSU which is 2nd choice in my crazy long application list.

For those of us who haven't heard back from any School, let's keep on watching and praying. Let's re-vitalise our hope. Let's see how this coming weeks go. Sure, waiting is not easy! I believe our first acceptance will come soon. You may want to read this to while away time...

http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2013/2/1/happiness-self-worth/

Last time I went through the admission process, when I informed other schools about my decision, I kept it short and simple. I also made sure they know that I am very grateful for the consideration and the offer. 
 
As far as reason goes, I never gave mine and nobody ever asked. I think unless a school really really wants you, they will follow up and see if there's anything they can do to get you to reconsider.
 
I have also talked to a few admission coordinators about things like this and a lot of people don't even say anything. The department have to wait till April 16th to assume safely that people declined their offers. I think what you're doing will be really appreciated by everybody
 
Congrats on all your acceptances!

I don't think you'll necessarily need to give them the exact details of the why you are choosing not to accept their offer.  I think you had it right by saying, "Thank you, but I will not be attending in the Fall due to other opportunities."  If they really want to follow up for more details they will do so.  

But I'm in the same boat as you applying for Fall 2014, so this is just my two cents.

To those still waiting to hear from schools, I mean no disrespect or insensitivity toward you with the following:

So, there are some schools that I have been accepted to that I can say with certainty I will not be attending. There's no need to keep them in my pocket. Others might be on a wait list or awaiting acceptance, etc. I'd like to let those schools know as soon as I comfortably can.

So what do we say? There's the obvious, "thank you. I love your school. I hate having to decline. It's not you - it's me" jargon. But even though I know I won't be attending their school, I'm not sure exactly which ones I will be. What should we say with regard to that information? Do we give them reasons? Do they care?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I just got a phone call from a professor at MIT. 7:41 pm ET. Pretty late actually. One of the happiest days of my life actually. Good luck to everyone!

controlled substance

@m4ss5pec -- I just splurged and bought myself a Windows Surface Pro 2. I specifically got the thing to be a Mendeley/EndNote machine ha  I thought about just a tablet, but I really wanted to be able to remote into MS computers to check up on samples without having to be physically in the lab.

Don't call me a bookwarm. What about having the knowledge of all the courses you are to do in grad School before hand?

Don't call me a bookwarm. What about having the knowledge of all the courses you are to do in grad School before hand?