microarray

Have you tried posting this in the Engineering thread? They would probably have better insight than the general GRE thread.

Hi Rohan! Most undergrads do not have publications, so don't worry about this! Best of luck!

Make sure to check your department's stats before freaking out. For example, 50% of PhD grads in my upcoming department are tenure_track and only 2% industry.

If needed you could get a relative to be a cosigner for you

There is a chance you could be accepted after today if they have not filled all of their spots yet. A friend of mine got accepted after april 15 last year.

Did anyone here get the Rackham Merit Fellowship? If so, are you attending the Rackham Summer Institute?

It seems that both schools are equally ranked for your program. Have you considered which program you like better (ie work that you would be doing, people you would be working with, etc)? I would much rather live in the midwest than the south any day.

I plan on playing roller derby for a healthy stress outlet and to make friends outside of science.

Ann Arbor >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Texas! And it seems super safe.

I got rejected at Michigan State after being on wait-list for several weeks. In the end, this means that i've been rejected from every school except the one that I wanted to go to the most. Ironic! Today, I was awarded a huge fellowship from the University of Michigan - Rackham Merit Award for Science. This covers full tuition + benefits for 5 years. This does not change my original funding plan from the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology department (ie no additional money). However, it does mean that I am only required to teach for 2 years, instead of 3, and I get an opportunity for extra funding this summer. So excited for the years ahead. Reposting my stats: Undergrad Institution: Small State School Major(s): Biology with a focus in Ecology and Biodiversity Minor(s): n/a GPA in Major: 3.74 Overall GPA: 3.76 Position in Class: no idea Type of Student: non-traditional (started at age 25), first generation GRE Scores (revised version): Q: 150 V: 145 W: 2 (I don't test well - but there's hope for you too if you're in the same boat!) Research Experience: ~ 2.5 years + 1 year as a lab tech. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: President's/Deans lists several times, huge grant/scholarship from CSU system, several scholarships through Uni Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Lab Tech Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Strong and personal Letters of Recommendation Advice for those new to the process: start as early as you can with the process (ie write all your statements early with several drafts; email and develop relationships with potential PI's), and concentrate on fit rather than prestige.

There may be many programs that require GRE as a formallity, and I encourage you to apply to those places that look at students as a whole package. I did horrible on GRE (150V/145Q/2A). I don't test well either, especially with standardized tests. The department that I applied to at UMich looks at the applicant as a whole picture, not just how they did on GRE. One professor I interviewed with there basically told me the GRE is a load of crap and doesn't tell you anything about a students succes in grad school. Best of luck!

I accepted to the department then they recommended me to the grad school. A week later I heard from the grad school and they had me officially accept through an online form. A few days later, I got my school email address, etc.

i've had terrible experiences with roommates. i don't think i could have them ever again even if they were grad students too..

How's everyone doing?? Did you get in where you wanted to go? or are you still waiting on decisions?

FYI there's so much good vegan food in LA! I'm jealous, I totally miss being around so many vegan options.

Think about what size of lab you want to be in and the make-up of the lab that you're looking for ie mostly grad students, mostly undergrads, mostly post-docs, etc. Also consider what kind of mentor you're looking for (ie more hands on/off) and don't be afraid to email grad students in that lab to ask these types of questions. Lastly, does the lab have a lot of funding and will you be supported through your time there. Is there a lab tech in the lab or will you be responsible for making all media, reagents, etc

what's your field? is a PhD typically funded for your field?

Have you guys seen Carl Zimmer's book Science Ink? http://www.amazon.com/Science-Ink-Tattoos-Obsessed/dp/1402783604/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395631241&sr=8-1&keywords=science+ink

Same here. Here's a helpful blog post on how to nail the inquiry email: http://contemplativemammoth.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/so-you-want-to-go-to-grad-school-nail-the-inquiry-email/ Developing a relationship with a PI is really important (I think even in schools that do lab rotations). The two PI's I was interested in working with at UM even offered to look at/edit my SOP and personal statement. I also developed really good relationships with my undergrad advisers/PIs that wrote really good letters for me. You need to have someone to be able to speak about your abilities to be successful in graduate school..more than student X got an A in my class. I had did bad on GRE V150/Q145/A2. I have testing anxiety and made sure that my letters of rec stated something about this, (also my instructors for several classes) and they could speak about my understanding of science and that I don't test well.

To OP: Did you develop relationships with any potential PI's? I also wanted to say that I don't think it's too late to find lab job until next cycle as these jobs seem to hire year round.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stick with your diet(eating healthy)/exercise regime? I'm really good at starting up and I lose 5 lbs relatively easily, then I get off track and I fall off the wagon. It takes me months to start again..It's a vicious cycle. I need help sticking with it. My mom died 6 years ago now, and during the first 2 years I gained 30-35 lbs. I have unsuccessfully been trying to lose the extra weight over the years. The stress of school and my unhealthy sweet tooth has not helped. I guess luckily is that haven't put on more weight than that. I am ready to lose this extra baggage before I begin my next adventure into grad school. Additionally, in the fall I plan to join the roller derby team, but want to lose as much fat while simultaneously building up muscle before then. I know being involved in roller derby will help me maintain my weight and stress levels, but I need help now. . .

Will you be in the PhD program there? I think your building is only 2 or so away from mine. I'm so excited to go to UM!

Go with the money. Both are great schools and if you're accepted then they (Stony Brook) obviously likes you and wants you there. I would be absolutely terrified of the Albany funding situation. I didn't even apply to a particular 5th school because I was worried about this same thing. By the way it usually takes 5-6 years to finish PhD in the US, so 3 years of funding would not be enough. If you end up at Albany and lose funding, would you be able to teach? You have to take into consideration that if you end up on this route (ie teaching your way through) this may greatly extend how long it takes you to finish your degree. Also - Albany seems to be in the middle of no where and Stony Brook is about 1.5 hour train ride (I think, maybe a little more) to NYC.

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll have to look into them! How do they hold up over time? Do you think they last longer than vans, and do they have more arch support than vans?