Applemiu

May I ask you a question, why do you want to go for an online program? Don't you think that stats is more enjoyable in company? There are some stats masters that are funded, like Michigan and Illinois.

The most important thing, I think, is that you like the advisor you work with. You could be in the best "French cooking" program in the country, but if you would be stuck with a bad advisor, then that would really be a problem. I have heard many times that, advisor-wise, "the person is more important than the project". Now you seem to like both the advisor and the project, so that's definitely a plus! I am sure that you can find opportunities to get a better training while at your current program. Can you take extra classes in other departments and at other institutions? Network and collaborate with other researchers? Maybe it will take a little bit of work but I am sure it is possible. Try to talk to older grad students that have been in the program for a while, or to alumni. Maybe the way you feel is also part of a natural phase of adjusting to something new that has just started; sometimes things turn out to be different from what we expected, but that does not necessarily mean they are not good. I wish I could also give you advice about different options. Can you transfer elsewhere and bring your funding with you? Can you transfer after a master? Again, look for people you can trust that are knowledgeable about the situation and talk to them to better understand all your options. Finally, the most important thing is to focus on your work, your project and the things you like to do. Maybe the invited speakers are not so interesting, but if you have your own project, and you are working with someone you like, who cares? If you are working on something you are passionate about and you are productive I am sure you will be competitive.

No, it's not late.

For master: Calculus I-II-III and Linear Algebra, possibly Probability For Phd: Also RA

I would go for the Phd.

I believe that you have a chance even without a famous name on the letter of recommendation. The most important things are FIT and honesty. In your statement, show that you have read carefully the papers of the professors you would like to work with, and try to extend their research in a novel direction.

I found it really good too. You could study two or three decks of "cards" every day from now to Thursday. The key to the verbal part is to know a lot of words.

Get there early! I managed to be late twice.

I would say that those are top schools and that your scores are on the low side (Columbia asks for a 310 total). BUT... you have a lot of research experience, so if your research interests are a good fit for the department, maybe you have a chance. I would recommend that you also include lower ranked schools.

The second one.

Thanks a lot!

I am not in biology but I think it looks good, there are a few little grammar errors though, I would ask someone to proofread it (I am an international student as well, so I can't do it). Good luck!

Please could you point me to those Master programs with faculty in Psychology? I would like to go in that direction. Thank you.

If the first AWA is low, like 3.0 or 3.5, you could send the one with the higher AWA. Otherwise, I would send the one with the higher quant. But in the end I don't think that either choice will make a big difference.

Also this: http://bcs.mit.edu/people/mcdermott.html

Honestly I think you should retake. You need at least a 310 total for those universities.

Thank you for the advice, it is a good idea!

Don't worry.

Yes, I would write "thank you" , trying to match the POI's style. It is a conversation, right? So if the POI is upbeat and informal, I can go with a "thanks a lot!". If the POI is more formal, I can write "I am glad to know that you are taking students...". If he/she is giving advice, I write "thank you for your email and your advice/clarification..."

I don't think there is an "ideal" response. Some POIs have the time or inclination to write more, some write less. Honestly, I don't try to have a "discussion" at all costs because I know they are busy. If I like their work and they like mine, then I think we can have a discussion at the interview (if there will be an interview).

I recommend Magoosh as well. I am sure you can improve; the key is practice and for the verbal part, a lot of WORDS.

Check this one: http://www.gc.cuny.edu/Page-Elements/Academics-Research-Centers-Initiatives/Doctoral-Programs/Psychology/Faculty-Bios/Aaron-Kozbelt

It's not too late at all, but I would try to email them this week or the next at the latest. Two weeks from now it will start to be a little late. I am emailing professors now and I am getting very encouraging responses. What I write depends on what they write on their websites. If they don't say anything I present myself and my research interest, tell them why I am interested in their work and ask them whether they will be taking students. If they already say they are taking students I just present myself etc. and I let them know I will be applying.

Dear OP, I think you need to take it easy a little bit more. You have a lot of good experience, but your stats seem on the low side. Try to retake the GRE if you can; the quant result is important for neuroscience. There is no way around that. This comes from the Columbia website: "Most graduate programs in Neuroscience require one year of calculus, one year of physics, and chemistry through organic." If you can't retake the GRE, you can still try, and you might get in, but the higher ranked program are a bit of a stretch.

I think that's fine, but see what other people say. Maybe contact someone in admission.