rexzeppelin

triumvirase??

So, now that I'm officially done with the application/interview process, I'd like to completely whitewash the portion of my brain that I devoted to this endeavor (entirely too large I fear) and get back to what interested me in a PhD in the first place. To that end, has anyone read any interesting papers/reviews recently they would recommend?

That sounds like a reasonable convention. I mean, aren't some proteins named before all their functions have been elucidated, sometimes making the original names almost irrelevant?

Can't tell if this is an earnest question or the set-up for a joke. In any event, I don't know the answer

Bio major here. I only had one semester of organic and biochemistry each. I had the same concerns you did, and one of my interviewers (at program I was accepted) said I had an "interesting background" not sure if that was a euphemism for poor preparation, or if having a broader understanding of plant biology and ecology with an interest in getting into biochem/biophysics was seen as an asset. Who knows?! Anyway don't count yourself out! and I would advise against taking the biochem GRE unless you seriously devote yourself to preparing for it. Play to your strengths, much better to nail the biology GRE than get an average biochem score, or even worse, bomb it For the record, my favorite science class ever was field botany, nothing to make you feel close to Darwin than keying out wildflowers on a hilltop meadow

Make sure not to gloss over ecology, there's a lot of easy points you can earn if you spend some time reviewing the terminology. It seems b/c these chapters always seem to be at the end of the textbooks and therefore towards the end of most people's reviews, it tends to get less attention. I basically used a combination of my intro textbook (several years outdated) and wikipedia to supplement it. Wikipedia is great, and I also used a site called boundless.com, which has lots of free content designed to match many popular textbooks, and even more if you subscribe. With enough time, you should be able to cover everything on the test. Good luck studying

Haha you unmasked me, Mr. B******, thanks for the kind wishes. I hope you can settle on a program soon, it adds a lot more certainty to the equation I'm afraid I couldn't help you narrowing down between the two beyond superficial criteria like location etc.

Finally heard back, Yale rejection today. Disappointing but that was the final unknown in my application process. To those still waiting, I wish you patience, it's almost over. In other news excited to be committing to Penn BMB It does feel strange that I won't be compulsively checking this thread from now on, thanks to everyone for their great advice, commiserations and congratulations

proof that there is light at the end of this tunnel, good luck out in the ocean of science

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/02/14/110214fa_fact_gladwell?currentPage=all Don't let Bob Morse corrupt your educational experience down to a ranking

For sure, I'll pass anything along, hope you do the same. I know right, I got mine yesterday, plus Madison today, It's nice to have closure.

Several people that I interviewed with heard back very shortly afterwards, but I've still heard nothing. I'm not sure whether all acceptances are out or not. I contacted Christian Schlieker so hopefully we'll have some news (ANY NEWS ) soon

I'm not sure what track you are, but BBSB people have been hearing back since last weekend. I'm still in the lurch waiting right there with you, hope this week brings good news!

I'm sorry to hear that mbiochem but I think you might get potentially get a more 'real' look at the program since they could let their guard down on a weekend that's not a full-blown recruitment type thing. And since there won't be as many other prospective students you'll have more opportunities to talk with current students and see what they're like amongst themselves, when not in entertaining-mode

Anyone else worried about snow-induced flight chaos this weekend?

First off, Congratulations on getting in! You should enjoy this period, why is it that our neurotic brains somehow find a way to stress out about something I think your approach is perfectly reasonable. The other programs have already gone to the expense of arranging your travel, and putting on those weekends is no joke either, logistically. It would be unfair to commit to this program before even attending the other interviews. Take them as an opportunity to remind yourself why you're making that decision. Another point, (not your question but still worth noting) remember that even though you may choose another program, the other students you meet at interviews could be your colleagues/collaborators one day, and you may want to post-doc in a lab at one of these places. So these trips can be tremendously valuable for learning about the topology of the field and the personalities involved. Also, this means that you don't want to burn any bridges! It's perfectly reasonable to say you were very impressed with the program, and could see yourself happy as a student there, but it's not necessary to make the final call until you've finished your slate of interviews. They won't rescind your offer, so relax

Penn BMB acceptance!! Loved the program and found 3 potential dissertation labs I could jump into

This is how they should have sent it: "Dear applicant, Sorry we can't ad-MIT you, but best of luck in navigating the application process! Record number of applicants blah blah very competitive blah. Science be Praised, Biology Ad-com @ MIT"

UCSF iPQB rejection today. Rejections kind of feel like ripping a bandaid off. Nothing further to worry about. And makes me feel like I did the right thing by applying to a lot of programs, assuming this season works out and all.

I took the subject test because I'm coming from a tiny liberal arts program with no cachet in the sciences, to try and validate my training. If I was coming from a strong program with a good reputation I would have definitely just skipped the hassle and not insignificant expense. I think it might become more important in future if the numbers of applicants rise and programs need an additional criterion to cut the chaff, but not more useful than that.

Power move of the day. Congratulations!

Joining the soul train of MCB rejections. Woo Woo!

Gustavo Santaolalla - De Ushuaia a la Quiaca

I'm a little late to the thread, but FWIW my grandfather was a professor at Uppsala, and it's highly regarded in the biological sciences in Europe, along with the Karolinska in nearby Stockholm. It's also a beautiful small town with a very active student body, lots of things to do, and as has been mentioned very convenient links to Stockholm. I spent many happy summers there as a kid and I was strongly considering applying there, maybe I'll try for a postdoc there one day.