Mabester

I noticed you're coming to Duke PCB's recruitment event. I'm in the department, so if you have any questions before you arrive, just let me know! I'm sure you'll learn plenty while you are here, but some like an idea of what they're getting into.

I'm sure that you'll get interviews at many of the schools, especially given the 2 you have already gotten interviews to. Not to mention also that many schools, like Duke (since I'm at that school), allow you to transition between programs, even if you're accepted into another. That way if your interests do change, you can adapt within the school. You'll probbaly have to turn down schools for interviews because they'll either 1)have interview dates that clash or 2) you'll be so exhausted from all the events you're going to! Good luck!

Generally I've understood that biomedical programs will have greater access to funds/resources than individual departments elsewhere. For example medical schools tend to have bigger biomedical programs than pharmacy or veterinary schools. Another thought is that the biomedical department may have a greater emphasis on molecular biology of neuroscience, while the psychology may integrate more behavioral aspects to their research. Honestly it should be weighed on what you see as the benefit of either department. I know at many schools you can research with any similar interest professor regardless of department once you're admitted through a program.

I'll be dukebound this Fall in pharmacology. I love the NC area and everything Duke has to offer. Sort of been searching reputability of neighborhoods and what not, especially since durham can have some really rough areas. I found a potential place via duke list, but I'm still keeping my mind open.

They are an umbrella program, their adcom is mostly department chairs from what I got. However, they do subdivide into departments, because certain areas have more applicants to them than others (you had a specify a primary department in your application.) So when I got accepted, I was accepted into IBGP, but the pharmacology department included me in their numbers. It's kind of confusing lol. Regardless, you should've met with at least two department chairs ... also some of the students said they evaluate the applicants too. I'm sure you did fine the department kept talking about how much they appreciated students who are particularly motivated for their program and who make the effort to contact them post-interview.

Which program did you apply under? I know some are more competitive than others to get into, especially immunology. They generally take a good amount of their applicants and many of the first interviewees are probably sending declines of their invitations (I sent mine in end of last week)

I was at the first interview weekend at Pitt and it took about two weeks (I think 16 days to be exact) to get my acceptance call. However, they may be quicker for you since they're later in the applicant process. I do remember someone I met getting their call about a week after their Pitt recruitment event, so that'll be more accurate probably. We both got our calls on a Tuesday.

Just got my acceptance notification from Duke pharmacology That's the one I'll be taking ... Super excited to have the application process done!

Acceptances to Cornell & Michigan ... So what are you guys doing to decline acceptances to schools. Do you email the department to thank them for the opportunity, but you chose not to go to the program? Or just decline and move on?

Hey stizz- I interviewed at Pitt two weeks ago, there were about 18 of us. I imagine that'll be about the max amount of people they want because of the transportation around campus.

NIH-OxCam rejection ... it was a long shot, not too disappointed about that one

That's a quick turnaround ... they don't mess around lol

I interviewed at Pitt this weekend, it was a lot of fun. They do a great job at showing you the facilities and getting you to mingle with the researchers. It's very laid back in my opinion, very much a mutual respect situation ... so that should hopefully alleviate some stress! And I should note that I don't mean laid back in the sense of nothing going on (you're constantly doing things and going places) but rather everyone is approachable... I never felt pressured or uncomfortable

True .. although if Berkeley was a top choice, that would be a real bummer. Even though schools are pretty accommodating, I'd just feel bad having to ask someone to rearrange weekends for me .. Especially since it might give them the impression that they're prioritized behind somebody else.

Duke Cancer Biology/pharmacology interview finally came in ... I'm already exhausted thinking of going to just four interview weekends and they haven't even started!How do some people do it with so many more, I'm in awe!