ERR_Alpha

I second pretty much all of the above. For me, I would look at fit, projects, finances, and how the grad students seem first. If they seem similar, then look at prestige/professor connections. (Ie, Where would you want a post doc? Do more people go into academia or industry)

Investigation discovery is so creepy! If I wind up going and he doesn't I'm going to email the department and ask. I'd rather live with someone than alone. We'll see I guess!

I didn't hear anything and I didn't interview... Confusion! Haha

Do either of your departments do like a roommate match or anything? I'm super nervous about finding roommates if my boyfriend doesn't go to Penn.

I drive a Toyota corolla but I'm from the northeast originally so driving in snow isn't my favorite but I can do it. I just don't want to live surrounded by undergrads.

Definitely how I things went with me and Dartmouth :/ I'm just trying to count my blessings that I even have offers. I'm also lucky to be passionate about a field that will pay my way through school, which is huge. It also seems like there are more post interview rejections this year or is it just me?

Definitely. I'm hoping my boyfriend will be able to come with otherwise I'm going to be on the hunt for roommates. Luckily I have a car so I can live a bit out of State College and save some money.

I'm not holding my breath... They've been saying this since January. Edit: never mind, didn't notice you said post interview. My bad!

I'm fairly certain I will be!

I got a fellowship like this at Penn State. It doesn't increase my stipend, but it's awesome for the department because my funding comes from Penn State and not the program. Also looks good on a resume.

Anyone else getting annoyed with the places you've heard absolutely nothing from? When the heck are they planning on rejecting me?

A big thing that stands out to me here is location. If the schools really are equal in every aspect, think about where you'd most enjoy living for the next 5 years or so.

Drinking away my sorrows from my Dartmouth rejection tonight... Hope all of you enjoy your Saturday night!

Also looking up stats and seeing that programs like UConn and Penn State only accept 15% of applicants??? Jesus. I definitely didn't realize the odds when I started this whole process.

Thanks! I'm going to visit over my spring break. I visit there on Monday and Penn State wants an answer by that Friday for the extra $2,000... So unless the financial situation at UConn is feasible, I'll probaby wind up at Penn State. It is mind boggling that I'll have a decision in three weeks.

Do any of your programs only have funding for the first 9 months based on a TA-ship? I haven't gotten the official letter from UConn nor have I visited but based on the email, it's a 9 month, 20,000~ stipend. What do I do when I have to sign a year long lease? Anyone in a similar situation?

Can I just mention how getting rejected after an interview completely sucks??? Yes, bring me to see how wonderful the program is then tell me I can't have it. Bummin today.

I would recommend as many as you can afford / as many you would reasonably attend. I applied to 11 schools only because I really wasn't sure what I wanted. Going through the process has made me realize a lot (primarily, that my interest lies more in biophysical chemistry than in biomedical sciences) so looking back, I could have applied to fewer. Just make sure everywhere you apply you would actually attend. It's a waste of time to apply to places you can't picture yourself going to or living in. Make sure every school has a handful of PIs you'd be interested in working with. Good luck!

On the plus side I got some super competitive fellowship from Penn State, so there's that I guess? Haha.

Rejected from Dartmouth post interview. Ouch.

I can only speak for Penn State, when I visited they basically said all they look for is research experience and above a 3.0. I think it is well within your reach. I have a higher GPA but much less research experience and I got in with a fellowship for the "most competitive applicants". Good luck!

Yeah. It was for the Biochem PhD at Storrs under the MCB umbrella.

Id probably wait until Monday.