obaka

It's definitely happened before but it's really uncommon. I would only be (somewhat) concerned if you have a super low gpa or disciplinary action on your transcript or something--stuff will make the School question your ability. Otherwise, the Graduate School is probably just taking its time...

Has anyone received any fellowships from Yale BBS yet?

There's nothing wrong with negotiating for more $$. One program gave me $5000 on top of my stipend and my current PI says I should definitely let the other programs that I'm considering know. I think if the stipend itself is larger at one school than another there isn't really room for negotiation, but if one school gives you extra money in the form of fellowships then it doesn't hurt to mention it to other schools.

The bartender has to look in the back for clean glasses then stays back there hiding when he can't find any

I think you need to research this yourself; no one is going to just hand you a job. Most universities/research hospitals maintain up to date job websites, so check out the sites of schools in your area, or areas you are willing to move. I got extremely lucky and got a job in a lab that was exactly in line with my interests but lab jobs are VERY competitive so you kind of have to take what you can get. For every position there could be a hundred applicants, some with years of experience and more degrees than the people they'll be working for. Most PIs will want at least 2 years of commitment. You can also email PIs whose labs you're interested in but that seems unlikely to be fruitful.

Did your adviser or someone else in your lab help you practice for interviews? You should get also get suggestions from them on how to "sell" yourself/your background to another field.

I think the fact that you got some interviews means that you are qualified. Did you have anyone (preferably from your lab) go over your statement of purpose? Did your mentor help you practice for your interviews? I really don't think getting a masters is necessary--especially if it will cause you to go into debt. But if you can get a full ride/your parents are footing the bill then by all means. I personally think that all you need is another year of research and to spend a little more time honing your SOP and interview skills.

Well as far as "prestige" goes, Harvard probably has the highest. UW is a perfectly respectable school and I would personally go with the sure bet. I don't know your wife's qualifications, but she might have the same trouble getting into schools next year as well, especially if she is an international too.

Well, in that case Rockefeller will have the lowest cost of living because the students there get free housing on top of their stipend. Do you want to live in a cultural center? Is nice weather important to you? Legal weed? Lots of hiking? Skiing? Surfing? Prestige? Decide what's important to you (on top of research).

He probably had the postdoc write the letter and then gave it a few finishing touches, which is totally normal. The quotes are a little weird but I'm sure he means well.

Yeah but San Francisco is incredibly expensive and you'll be on a grad student stipend. All of those programs are great. Are you really equally interested in the research at all of them?

Can someone post the email they sent to cancel an interview that they already accepted? My sister said mine sounded kind of passive aggressive and I definitely don't want to offend anyone. I'm just 100% sure I'd be miserable if I moved there (no, I don't plan on mentioning that).

All other things being (mostly) equal, it's totally fine to factor in where you'd like to live into your decision. How can you possibly be productive if you're unhappy with your location?

But what will you do if you find a girl exactly like you who is single at first but she actually meets a guy and is suddenly IN A RELATIONSHIP AND YOU'RE NOT?????? WHAT WILL YOU DO????

If it's an on campus apartment, they may have strict rules about guests. I know mine said something ridiculous like guests could only stay 3 nights a semester and had to leave if the other roommate wasn't comfortable or need quiet for studying. Usually they aren't enforced if the roommates are cool with each other, but if you make it an issue you can probably get him out. Check your lease.

Probably not too much since the program will listening to evaluations made by your formal interviewers. Unrequested interviewers are often on the admissions board, so they actually have the most say in your acceptance decision...

If it's just one or two (out of the typical 3) LORs, it's definitely no big deal; they just needed to be able to speak to your dedication, intelligence, yadda yadda. If it's all of your LORs, it might raise some eyebrows mainly because it probably means you don't have much experience in your desired field. Probably still fine as long as you can back up your interests in your SOP.

Well lawyers CAN make lots of money... if they can even find jobs!

Most schools expect 30-50% enrollment, if more people than expected accept, they usually just accept fewer people the next year.

Depending on your field of study/school, you may get a stipend for living expenses. Having your tuition covered already should definitely help with acceptances.

UPenn says they like to accept everyone they interview (assuming you interview well) so you should be good on that one.

That's a really cute idea. I don't live anywhere near two of my letter writers and mailing a package would be too overwrought so I think I'll write them a thank you note in a card from the school I ultimately decide on.

I think it's fine since they're giving you the option. Some people might want to maximize with grad students to really get the inside scoop. Some people might want to get a full night's rest.

Sometimes I kind of year the undergrads like babies, but really I'm usually just trying to let them know their mistakes to set them up for success in the future. I kind of feel like a jack ass sometimes but then I remember how people did the same for me when I first started and I really appreciated it.

Haha, honestly I'm not too confident in myself, but I work with a lot of very, very smart people who seem to think I would do great in grad school. So either I'm fooling all of them without realizing it or I actually do belong in grad school. As for being treated like a baby, sometimes I feel like I'm treated that way as well. The same people who are doing everything they can to help me get into grad school make me feel like an infant sometimes but it's just how they show me support in their own awkward way. If you pay attention, you may realize they treat rotators and new post docs that way too.