ERR_Alpha

Thanks for the reassuring words everyone. I got another exam back I didn't do so hot on and it's nice to have this to calm my fraying nerves. At this point I just have my fingers crossed for a B so I can move on from this horrible class as much as possible.

This is definitely a "first world problem" but our cable is out so I can't watch the parade or football later if they don't fix it why do cable companies suck so hard?? On a happier note, happy thanksgiving everyone!

I didn't get the vibe that either of you are conceited! We had a couple super conceited people last year... *sigh* I think a good GRE definitely helps. It's not your whole application, for sure. But if it comes down to you and another applicant, they might look at the GRE score. Or if you have th subject and they don't, etc. When I preinterviewed at Penn State, a faculty member commented how my GRE scores were great. Especially if another part of your app is weak, it may reassure them.

Unfortunately, I have to. In my five credit class, the average is the border between an A- and B+, and anyone within one standard deviation is guaranteed a B. So I know since I'm below, everyone is doing better than me essentially. I'm basically being graded on how well I can "hang"- or not hang in my case. I'm not failing with flying colors, but I will be lucky to sneak out with a B. I'm just concerned because all of the older grads talk about how easy this class was.I'm also concerned about my committee asking me about the bad grade (anything lower than an A- in this class is considered questionable) or it affecting future grant apps.

So I'm already struggling in my first semester. Everyone keeps saying it only gets worse from here on out... if so, I know there's no way I can make it through without having serious mental health issues. Is anyone else feeling the same way? Any advice from people who have been here before? I know my health problems probably aren't helping matters... but I can't help but feel helpless/terrified that I'm already having a harder time than my peers.

Undergrad Institution: Small state school Major(s): Biochemistry Minor(s): Math and GWS GPA in Major: Overall GPA: 3.73 Position in Class: magna cum laude Type of Student: Domestic female GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 161 (81%) V: 159 (81%) W: 5.5 (97% ?) B: Never took because the biochem one is a soul sucking demon I had one REU at a fairly well known school and 3 years of undergrad research at my unknown undergrad. I didn't have anything else particularly shiny about my application. In hindsight, I should have reached out to PIs and applied to programs that better suited my interests. I got very lucky to wind up in a great program for me! Accepted to - Penn State BMMB(with a competitive fellowship), and UConn MCB Interview but rejected - Dartmouth MCB Reeeeejected - Yale BBS, Harvard BBS, Princeton MB/QCB, Boston PiBS, Tufts Sackler, Hopkins Biophysics, Cornell BCMB (winner of the fastest rejection ever award), and UNH (no idea why I actually applied here) ... I may be forgetting one, will update if I remember So- if you take anything away from this: YOU WILL BE REJECTED FROM PLACES IF YOU DONT FIT WELL. For example, all of my research had been very old school biochemistry. Umbrella biomedical programs probably weren't my best bet. The two programs I got accepted to are biochem programs with some very chemistry heavy labs, which is exactly what my background is suited for. This is where taking a year off would've been handy for me to figure out what I actually wanted, but hey, it all worked out.

I'm at Penn State and I applied to UConn (Although for Biochemistry, not Chem) if you have any questions feel free to ask I don't really know how to Q score will play out, maybe someone here has an answer.

I finally did well on an exam!!! (I've been barely in the range of a B recently) I feel like a much more competent grad school human now

I was you- and both of my acceptances came in when I wasn't incessantly checking my phone (one after a nap and one in class). I feel like it always works like that haha. Try to relax! (Easier said than done, I know)

Lol I'm at Penn State. Never changed my location, I'm from NY.

I was told to apply to as many that you could afford, had time to dedicate to, and saw a good research fit. Most people seem to apply to 5-15, depending on how specialized their research interests are.

My cohort and I always joke that we only talk about school because that's the only thing we have going on in our lives... Sad but true statement.

Yay! also another big 10 perk I never expected- the comraderie and socializing surrounding football games. My department does a tailgate for every game, which has been a really awesome way to get to know people (even if you hate football). Personally I've loved going to the games

It's 2:04pm, and Michigan still sucks! ... Joining the Big Ten party For those who don't know this a sports rivalry thing, nothing to do with programs haha

I actually just moved to PA so I am in the opposite situation. My car is titled in both my mothers name and my name, so that made it easier. What I did to ease the process was getting an inspection right before I left NY to give me ample time to not worry about that. My biggest word of advice would be to pay off the car loan ASAP. You can't retitle a car in another state with a loan from elsewhere, so paying off the loan is step #1. After that, your dad can sign the title over to you. Legally, you're given 90-120~ days to establish residency in a state. However, from what I've heard, your insurance should understand if you got into an accident in Oregon because you were going to school there. I know some insurance companies will let you keep your home car insuance as a graduate student as long as you use your home address as your permanent address. So, as long as you don't total your car, you should be fine. good luck!

While I'm in the interim of figuring out exactly what's wrong with me I have days I feel fine and days like today where I feel like complete crap. Experiments and grant deadlines don't understand illness!

I've always done CD accounts for money I knew I wouldn't need. The interest rate isn't too high but it's guaranteed.

I would post this on the biology forum, someone there will probably have more insight.

Only one of my LORs was tenured, the other two were assistants. They both had solid publications so I think that means more than whether or not they're tenured. The quality of the letter obviously matters too.

I almost have the opposite problem where I see someone so young getting married and I instantly think less of them. (Thank my dad for this) What I've learned so far in grad school is that everyone is in a different stage of life and everyone makes their own choices. I've learned to almost forget about their situations- if I liked you before I knew you were married, I should still like you now. I've also learned that some (healthy) venting is good to get all of those bad thoughts you know you shouldn't be having. Your therapist sounds like a good person to let you sound off and then bring you back to reality. I have a friend from home who I do the same with. (Can you believe Sally got engaged?? WTF they haven't even been dating that long, etc - which usually leads to "well, it's her life/ as long as she's happy")

Thanks everyone! Yeah my PA made sure to tell me this. And now it's got me thinking all those days I feel generally like crap for no apparent reason could go away which is encouraging. I'll know for sure soon.

We do which is comforting- the PA at my school was actually the first person who listened to my symptoms and didn't just tell me I was stressed out or "probably lactose intolerant". Now I get to wait a few weeks for more appointments.

Possibly having Celiacs is going to screw up my whole lifestyle. Womp womp womp.

I'm at Penn State right now (BMMB) and I would say your research experience should weigh out your lower GPA for mid-tiers. If you have any questions about PSU in particular let me know. I rotated in a lab that also does Plant Bio so I have a basic understanding of that program too. Good luck!!!

So apparently first year of grad school is cursed for medical problems... My blood tests may indicate Celiacs. Appointment in two weeks with a gastroenterologist