microarray

If the program does not offer rotations, ie you go straight into a particular lab, I highly recommend developing a relationship with a potential PI a couple of months before applications are due. I swear that is one of the main reasons why I got accepted to UMich and rejected from U Oregon and Brown. I developed a great relationship with my co-advisors at UM (husband and wife) and they were really stoked about having me come there. At Brown, I tried to develop a relationship and was encouraged to apply. After I applied I tried to email two potential PI's more but they wouldn't email me for some reason. Totally wasted money applying there. Had a similar situation at U Oregon where the people would not email me back. Obviously this is just my story and may not be true or necessary at all schools that you apply to all schools that you apply to, but it doesn't hurt. Developing a relationship at U Mich helped me significantly because they were able to tell adcom that they accepted me into their lab and wanted me.

that's awesome!! what will you be doing there?

Check the GRE thread. There's a few posts about Magoosh on there.

mine were mostly overall gpa and I had one application that asked me to calculate my major gpa. However, I don't remember seeing any distinction between masters and undergrad gpa. I would definitely ask each department that you're applying to if it's unclear.

not necessarily true. there's ways to strategize. I only take 2-3 minute surveys then there's lots of $1 surveys. If you use the reddit site I posted, it shows ones that are "worth doing". If you're just sitting at home and relaxing, it's totally worth it.

You might be ok depending on how they look at their applicants. For example, if they look at you as a whole part and GRE is not heavily weighed, then you'd probably be ok. However, considering you have more time, try to take it again if you can afford it. For what it's worth, I got in to UMich with 150V/145Q (I have test anxiety and suck at standardized tests).

Not just any type of sock, get some wool socks. One of the best investments you can make.

You have to sign up for a worker account first, which takes a few days to be approved. I should add that most of the surveys that I take are for academic research.

Biology with a focus in Ecology and Biodiversity

I just started doing surveys on mturk.com 2 weeks ago. See reddit: http://www.reddit.com/r/HITsWorthTurkingFor/ to maximize your experience. So far I've been making around $50 a week. It's something easy you can do at night, at home when relaxing to subsidize your income.

Can I just ask OP why you are not even considering other manufacturers? There's lots of neat touch screen laptops and other thin laptops that are much cheaper and will last you longer.

Graduating in 3 weeks, then planning to sell/get rid of almost everything over the two weeks following. Then, I will move around June 10 and start in my lab the following week. I'll have a busy summer of collecting samples and working in the lab. I'll try to get out, have fun, and explore my new area as much as possible.

+1, I love my Brother printer laser printer. I have only replaced the toner twice in the 5 years that i've had it, and it's still going strong! So much cheaper than an inkjet.

What are your favorite things to do in MI in the summer? I'll be doing research full time this summer in my new lab, but hope to get out and explore as much as possible.

I had the Two Hearted Ale both times that I interviewed in Michigan and really enjoyed it. Any recommendations for breweries to check out? You guys also have Jolly Pumpkin! So good.

i'm not walking either.

You put 'thicker' tires on your bike ie 25 c or 28 c which will give you 'more cusion' if you will from all the crap in the road. Please do not ride on the sidewalk when you move to Seattle. You are a bike - a part of moving traffic, not a pedestrian. It's not safe for anyone. (although be sure to look up cycling laws before you move). If you don't already, please wear a helmet. I get so sad/bummed when i see anyone riding a bike without a helmet.

May I ask what sterilization method you tried? Tubal ligation is supposed to be 1/1000 chance of pregnancy, and I am pretty hopeful this method will be best for me.

Thanks for sharing your story! Happy to hear people have stopped asking about you starting a family.

I am absolutely terrified of IUD's. Every time I think about switching, I read about or talk to women who have had horrible experiences. Since I know that I don't want kids, a permanent solution is better for me. I read about some procedure that removes the lining of the uterus to stop cramps, but I can't find it again. I was under the impression that it wasn't good to take hormonal birth control after 35 due to risks of stroke, etc?

To be fair, I was hoping that people that are child free by choice (and will most likely never ever ever have/want kids) would post here. Child free is a 'movement' if you will.

I see more plus's for University Y than I do University X in your post. Sounds like this is where you would rather be. If you get in, you should totally go for it.

Are there any other child free humans on here? I am almost 30 and I often feel that I am one of the few that has no desire to have kids, ever. I am child free by choice. I found out yesterday that I can get female sterilization for free through my insurance that I will get through grad school. I am planning to get tubal ligation as soon as I can so I can get off hormonal birth control and not have to worry about getting pregnant ever again. I am not looking forward to the day where people assume that I have kids and ask 'how many kids do you have?'. Anyone else child free? What have your experiences been thus far?

I am starting to get stressed for my move. I start working in my new lab the middle of June. I am still in school for a few more weeks so that leaves very little time to wrap everything up, plus enjoy my last little bit of site seeing before my partner and I move. However, I have been talking to my advisors about what classes to take this fall and I am getting increasingly excited for grad school!

This topic is more appropriate in the city guide section of the forum.