Jump to content

unfortunate

Members
  • Posts

    11
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by unfortunate

  1. Is it normal that the Graduate student office asked me to fill financial affidavit, where I have to show sufficient funds for 4 years, only then they can issue me the I-20? I got a bit annoyed because I assumed they will automatically send me one as I get an assistantship...
  2. When I moved to England for my undergrad, I planned to arrive ~1.5 weeks before the term. A few days before the arrival, I called many landlords/agencies that I found online and arranged ~20 viewings for the first few days after my arrival. My personal suggestion, never sign a contract without seeing the house and people you will be living. If you organise everything before the trip, you should be fine. That's how I'm planning to find a place to live in the US this year as there aren't any University housing around
  3. Thanks! It was on the 27th or 28th of January, can't remember exactly
  4. I'm curious, nobody actually gave me a good explanation why it takes 5+ years to finish. I would assume it has to do with the coursework a PhD student has to do in addition to the research? SB is overloaded with coursework and teaching requirements, where Albany has somewhat less, plus I can transfer quite a lot of credits. They emphasized that students are more research orientated since the 1st year. SB PIs are older, and from my experience, younger ones (like in Albany) are much more passionate about their research and are keen on creating more publications. I forgot to mention that there's definitely funding available for me in Albany, but not necessarily in the lab of my choice. In the end, how much impact does the University's reputation has? Wouldn't the specific skills and techniques,that I will acquire during my PhD, as well as publications be more important than the University ratings for my future employer? Thank you for the input guys!
  5. SUNY Albany Biomedical sciences program or SUNY Stony Brook Molecular Genetics and Microbiology? I'm so confused! Albany: The faculty is really lovely, they paid my travel expenses (from Europe) to come and see the department and have meetings with several PIs in person; the department is also part of the NY state department of Public Health (I guess it's positive?); got a 22k stipend; 2 PIs do my 'dream research'; BUT: after the 1st year I will be completely funded by my mentor; 1 of the 2 PIs have funds for 3 years (is that enough to complete a PhD?), but there's one current student who could possibly join his lab (so he couldn't take another student in that case); the second PI doesn't have funds at the moment; both PIs said they are very optimistic about the grants they are applying this year and should have funds next year; I'm not very interested in anyone else and my biggest nightmare would be that I would end up in neurosciences or similar due to the fund availability; this program is nowhere in the ratings so it's hard to judge on a global scale; also hardly any external/university funds are available for new + international student to work in the desired lab. Stony Brook: the program is ranked at 55th place (which isn't bad I guess); the university has a reputation; the majority of the research is the area of my secondary interest (unlike the 2 PIs in Albany); 27k stipend for as many years as I need; BUT: When I was interviewed, I didn't feel like they got to know me well enough; I have never visited the department; Basically, I would really love to go to Albany, but if I don't get to work with one of the 2 PIs I might regret my decision. Stony brook is my 'safe' choice, it's more financially secure even though the research areas aren't as exciting. If I decide to risk and attend Albany, how is its reputation in the field? Would I be better off just attending SB? Can anyone advise me? Thank you in advance p.s. I don't care about the living area, education and future perspectives are my main priority.
  6. I had an interview last week with stony brook for mol. genetics and microbiology. They have just started interviewing and said that we will hear back in about 3-4 weeks. Apparently, they are still looking through many applications
  7. Thanks guys! The reason I was so concerned because when I was emailing with one of the researchers from one of the Universities, he emphasized that 'you would almost certainly need is GRE scores' and regarding the SoP ' in my experience that's not given a lot of weight'. I automatically assumed that GRE are very important. Oh well, I have nothing to loose now
  8. So I took the GRE today and probably completely destroyed my career in research... I've got V:149 and Q:149, I took the GRE last year with a very little preparation just to see how the actual test is and got V: 141, Q:151, AWA: 3.5. I knew my weakness was vocabulary and reading comprehension (not a native speaker), so I was gradually studying for the next year just to find out I hardly improved anything and even did worse in math. I'm completely devastated as I already have spent $500+ on tests, transcript evaluation (degree from UK institution) etc. Should I continue applying for PhD in biology (interest: molecular genetics) with either one of the low GRE scores or I can assume that my application will be rejected straight away? Additional info: Degree: Master's of Sciences (It's a combined bachelor's/master's degree meant for students who intend to continue with PhD) GPA: 3.63 Research experience: 14 US credit worth of research project last year (mark awarded: A); 10 week as a undergraduate research assistant; 20 US credit worth research project this year; My recommendations are from 2 research project supervisors, and my tutor who is a PhD student. I'm applying to schools that are ranked between 50-150 places in biology. I'm very embarrassed about the GRE situation and giving up is the only thing I can think of right now... p.s. thank you for reading this
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use