reactiontime

I got into Columbia chemistry last year with a 600 on the chem GRE and a 3.5 gpa. However, I am a US citizen. YMMV.

I had worked in four labs (two summers, a summer+school year and then full time during 2 year gap before grad school) when I applied with diverse aims (pharmacology, developmental genetics, bioinorganic chem, and pharmacology). At my Einstein interview (a biomedical sciences PhD program), one professor was very skeptical and concerned that I was flighty and not committed. When I explained how the diverse experiences tied together and lead me to a firm conclusion of what I will study for my thesis, he understood that the experiences were an asset. The other professors I spoke to were glad to see my diversity of experiences because they saw it gave me a deeper appreciation of academia. My passion and ability to adjust to new problems were also assets. So, you might encounter some haters, but just emphasize how much you have learned in the process. Also don't say anything negative about the experiences (like everyone quit the group, or I found the new project direction boring) as they can reflect poorly on you. The adcom doesn't know if you're telling them the whole story and might guess that problems follow you. Instead emphasize positive reasons for switching (like, I enjoyed the synthetic approaches, but found a great opportunity to explore computational chemistry so I decided to switch).

Ask your research advisers or former professors, like those writing your LORs.

Ok, now I got one. Glad to have that squared away.

I haven't gotten one yet, or a message on the website.

Word on the street (ok, on facebook...from a current UCLA grad student) is that their yield was something like twice as high as they planned for last year. As a result, they cut their offers way down this year to balance things out. So they clearly waitlisted or rejected people that would have gotten in another year. I haven't heard yet either, but expect they'd probably say more after the April 15th deadline.

Oh man, this was totally on the website when I checked at 1:26 pm CST: "FastLane will be unavailable from 10:00 PM ET Monday March 31st - 2:00 AM ET Tuesday April 1st for scheduled maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience." I saw it and immediately gchatted a friend. And now it's gone! No one will believe me! EEP!

You might be able to TA grad classes--I don't know. I ruled out medical school/research institute programs because I wanted to TA undergrads. tbh, I would probably decide on based on where I clicked with more advisers. Maybe a pro/con list?

Great options. Is teaching experience important for your future career? Not sure you can get it at the medical school programs.

I got a C in E&M during my first year of college, and things have turned out just fine. I had a 3.5 overall and applied to chem PhDs with a biophysics focus. Is there a trend in your overall transcript? That's typically more of a concern than a single bad grade. I wouldn't even bring it up in the essay. No need to draw attention to it. It sounds like you're a strong applicant otherwise, so you shouldn't worry too much.

Interesting--thanks. I had essentially written that off as a reject by now.

Thanks for posting. Really makes you wonder about the motive of the previous poster...

I still need to visit Columbia and Caltech to firmly decide...but after this midwestern winter, Southern California looks pretty good...

Yeah, I've been officially accepted. There will be two visiting weekends in 2014, Feb 27 - March 1 and March 20-22.

Thanks! The only interview I had was for Einstein (a biomedical sciences program--I want to do structural bio). The others have all been acceptances with visit weekends, though I do tangentially know someone who got his acceptance revoked by Caltech a few years ago for not taking the visit seriously. Interviews seem to be common for international applicants though. Best of luck!

I heard from a professor at USC on the 7th (while I was en route to my interview at Einstein no less) with an email from the department the following day. Visits are February 21/22, March 7/8, and March 28/29 2014. They offered me a stipend of about 27k and 1k to relocate. I also got an official letter (pdf) from Caltech on the 6th. They offered at least 30k and 750 to relocate. I assume more detailed funding will come later. Still waiting to hear from UCLA. I sent them an inquiry at the beginning of the week and haven't heard anything. Hope things are going well for everyone!

It was a biophysical chem prof.

I can't make a separate trip out there (I live in the midwest and am visiting Einstein and Columbia already), so I'm trying to set up a meeting while I'm already in town. IDK what the protocol is for paying international student travel (like if it's more of a commitment), but they do budget to bring students in who ultimately decline, so I wouldn't feel too bad or awkward about it. I mean, I wouldn't take the free trip if you are 100% certain you won't attend. If you're legitimately considering NYU, go for it.

NYU. Visit weekends are February 13th-15th and March 6-8.

I went to a private SLAC on the east coast.

I think the best way to get a good prediction is to talk to your adviser or PI. Mine suggested I apply to schools that I thought were out of my reach (ie Caltech) despite my somewhat low GPA (3.5). They have any idea of what kind of honest rec they will write, the way your program is perceived by other departments, and how your stats will figure. I would also suggest taking a year off if it doesn't seem like you'll get funding next cycle. This could help you replace the shitty rec with a good one. Having full time experience in a lab will help you show you'll be a good graduate student and a good bet for the program to take on and fund. While you said you don't mind moving, you could also try to get into the department you'd want to attend for your masters as a tech. If you make a great impression to people in the department, they may be more likely to overlook other aspects of your application.

Declined my admission at Stony Brook today. I feel bad--they are so nice! I hope they get a great class.

Good to know. Thanks!

Any idea how far in advance Einstein lets you know who you'll interview with? I'm interviewing next week and I'm not sure who to prep for as I listed like 8 profs on the form.

My NYU acceptance was an unofficial email from a PI that contained that sentence and promised details in a few days. Columbia offered $35k +fees and health insurance.