obaka

I think a lot of people feel this way (look up imposter syndrome). Now, I'm willing to accept that maybe you just aren't capable, but you're probably selling yourself short. I'm sure you don't want to ask your PI pointblank "do you think I'm good enough for grad school" but maybe you could subtly ask some grad students you work with what they think of you/how they knew they were ready for grad school. When I was in undergrad, I would constantly mess up in lab and have to go to my PI and explain my stupid mistakes. I thought he considered me a huge dumbass, but in a letter of recommendation he wrote for me, he listed it as a strength! It's better to know when you're in over your head and get help than to soldier on into the abyss and make things worse. Messing up and failure are just a part of learning. Seriously.

elanorci: I think those kinds of "factual" questions are usually most appropriately asked/answered during the presentations by the program heads. In one on one interviews with professors, I think it's better to talk about research, their personal opinion on the program, and get their advice on choosing or doing well in grad school.

For those who applied to UW immunology--just curious, did you guys follow the weird prompt on the application (personal statement instead of SOP, with the emphasis not really on research). I hemmed and hawed and ending up submitting a garbled piece of crap. SOOOO surprised I actually got an interview.

Yes, and hearing about this 'polar vortex' certainly isn't making things any easier. Why did I apply to so many east coast schools when I know I hate snow?? Really hoping my two west coast interviews go well...

Stanford's app was so frustrating I decided not to apply (and the idea of living in silicon valley for six years makes me want to puke). I literally could not find a due date for UCLA's neuro app and their website was so hideous I crossed them off my list.

For anyone hoping for an OHSU interview, they will be sending more invites after Jan 2nd (when people who haven't accepted their invites will have them rescinded). And of course I don't know if they're done sending their first round of invites yet.

The only thing I've heard from OHSU was that one of my letters didn't get turned in >.> so they were at least looking at the applications 2 weeks ago.

Wow, for once I'm glad I work in academia. Everyone is super accommodating of me taking time off for interviews but they keep asking me where I'm going to go >_<

Sister: Stop worrying, I know you'll definitely get in! Me: You said that last year.... Sister: Yeah, but this time I KNOW you'll get in! Me: ...

I'm applying to uchicago and the app has a section stating "Please give the names and professional affiliations of individuals most responsible for your decision to apply to the University of Chicago." I can't tell if it's asking for professors at the institution whose work I am interested in or asking for a list of (outside?) people who have influenced me to apply. I'd email the program for clarification but it's a little late for that--due today.

Just wondering if you could comment further on this. I have a strong (molecular) neurobiology background and am very interested in neuroimmunology so I'm applying to some immuno programs but I never did get the chance to take the one undergrad immuno course my school offered, and most of my interest developed after I graduated. I have 5+ years of neurobiology research experience, most of it with a neuroinflammatory slant. I was hoping my more "unique" background might make up for my deficiencies in the field but idk =/

So last year I applied to grad school and didn't get in anywhere. I don't really have any kind of relationship or dialogue with this one particular prof (grad student wrote the letter, lol) so I never really got around to telling her I'm a complete failure. I'm applying now, and to a different field of study, and I basically need to drop the bomb on her now that I didn't get in last year,I need the letter, and I'm not interested in her field anymore. I seriously have no idea where to even begin in writing this email and I'm worried she's going to be really annoyed with me. Any help? =/