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People charge wayyyy more online. I wouldn't charge more than $15 for someone I knew, especially a grad student. I'd probably even do it for a Starbucks gift card or a bottle of wine.

We've been having problems with our Comcast Internet here in PA too... Hands down worst company I've ever dealt with. I would switch in a heartbeat if our apartment complex allowed it.

I've always been told and firmly believe that relationships require work. When you meet someone you really care about, you work as hard as you can to make it work. A lot of people in my cohort are doing distance, and I might be doing it soon. Nothing worth having in life comes easy.

Me!

I think my ECs just helped them remember me. "You're the one who plays rugby!" Was mentioned a few times. My only extra curricular that they really found impressive was being an RA. But I wouldn't say any of these things would make or break an application.

If money isn't an issue for you then go with whatever you feel will set you up better for the future. However, no one would fault you for choosing a paid internship because money is helpful for you know, living and stuff.

One of our new PIs came from industry and said it didn't matter the degree title, but the lab you join. For example, under my Biochemistry degree I could join his lab and be a microbial geneticist, or another lab and be a structural biologist. The lab choice is what really matters.

I had a nasty concussion in undergrad, so I feel for you. I think you definitely made a good decision- brain injury is a tricky thing. Best of luck on recovery and school!

So, in summary minus offensive comments and generalizations: tread carefully. I firmly believe every relationship and different and depends on the maturity level of those involved. If you're interested knowing the risks, go for it. Just make sure you've thought it through. Best of luck!

All playing devils advocate here, but I wonder how many of us, both domestic and international, had applications that were never reviewed and we never knew any better. Unfortunatly in order to receive an education you have to play the game and the system, no matter how unfair or unethical you may think it is.

Do you mean SUNY ESF or Syracuse U? And FYI they don't like being called SUNY Syracuse. Just letting you know

I've been having trouble sleeping and what used to be mild lactose intolerance is ramping up. I think it's just a combo of stress/anxiety.

I've heard in theory as long as you have the prerequisite courses, you can major in anything and get into med school. Look up prospective schools to see what undergrad classes they require. Generally chem 1&2, bio 1&2, physics 1&2, calc 1&2, and orgo 1&2. Other schools may have more specific requirements. I know they were planning on adding biochemistry to the MCAT in 2015 so that class might be required as well.

I feel your pain OP. I felt the same way about Boston PIBS not being open about the process, and I'm domestic. Some programs do well handling apps, others fail miserably. Part of applying to school I guess.

The grad student I'm shadowing wore jeans and a button down to TA then promptly changed back into athletic shorts and tshirt upon entering lab. Exemplifies the TA vs research dress code fairly well.

Hey everyone, My current anxiety attack (whats new) is stemming from choosing labs to rotate in and inevitably selecting a thesis lab (!!!!!). So I'm looking for any sage advice from the GradCafe, of course. I've talked to plenty of grad students at my school but I figured I'd look here too. Just a quick summary: Myself and two (possibly more) people in my cohort are interested in the same two labs. (Ugh) To make this worse, they are also dual appointed in chemistry, meaning there are MORE students from that dept also looking to rotate. Apparently, the chem students are easier to fund, putting me at yet another disadvantage. The lab I'm currently rotating in now I'm not super excited about but maybe I'll come around to it. I currently have a list of 8(ish) other people to rotate with- I can only technically do two more rotations, even though I *could* do more, generally people only do three. So, question- should I try rotating in a lab with less competition? I've had plenty of grad students tell me to expand my comfort zone and I could find something I really like. TL;DR - Asking for any advice or personal stories on rotating and choosing a lab. Thanks guys!

My only major anxiety right now is rotations and picking a lab. A lot of my cohort has the same interest so it's hard... And I'm already sure my first rotation isn't a good fit.

Your stats are fairly similar to mine. I did have three years of "research" at my home institution- but it was just me and my prof so not typical as far as research goes. I was admitted to UConn MCB and Penn State BMMB and I was interviewed by Dartmouth, if that helps. My advice- know how to talk research, reach out to profs ahead of time, and know your area of focus. Just look for some good fit schools and you'll do fine

Are you going to the Grad School orientation? I have that and then my dept does it's own stuff the rest of the days.

I am officially moved in, nobody died! (Except a poor crow I hit on the highway... RIP crow) Just a tear filled hug session with my dad (fresh out of UG, first time on my own). My sister is with me to help me get settled. I have a week before any of the action starts so that's nice.

Yes other introverts! Luckily for me I was an RA in undergrad which taught me how to make small talk and fake enjoying being around people. Tomorrow is the big move for me! I'm actually feeling more level headed today than I have the past few days... Maybe because everything is packed up. Best of luck to everyone moving this weekend! We can do it! *deep breaths*

Sending good vibes your way! You can do it!

Thanks everyone! I feel much less like a psycho... My SO is one of those people who doesn't show any emotion so I feel like I've been feeling for both of us. I think I'm going to feel so much better once I'm in my apartment and the whole moving furniture thing is over. Munashi- Yup, I'm moving to State College on Saturday! I'm confident I'm going to like it there... A little nervous about making new friends haha. Afraid I'll fall into being with my SO all of the time.

I've been lurking hoping someone would post this but I figured id just do it... So my big move is in three days and thinking about it makes me want to cry/vomit. I have so much anxiety about moving and starting my program! I'm confident I'll be to do it... I'm just a big bundle of nerves right now. Anyone else in the same boat? Let's commiserate