sciguy

Are you an undergraduate right now? I don't think a masters in a hard science is an outstanding idea. If you're unsure if you'd like to pursue a PhD, it might be worth it to be a lab tech for a few years. I was a tech for close to five years before applying to PhD programs, and it worked out really really well for me. I obtained a half dozen publications, and I was able to audit several graduate level courses at my university. It's highly unlikely that a masters will give you an increase in salary that will make up for the amount of debt you will be in post-school. I also have hired several other technicians in my lab, and often times we preferred those right out of college with little to no experience. We always found it to be easier to train people "our" way when they weren't already set in their own way.

For what it's worth, MAC properties is generally considered to be evil in Hyde Park. The problem is that they own A TON of property so it's hard not to rent from them. That said, it's worth it to try to find an independent landlord.

You win. Thread closed.

For what it's worth, Mozart used to have a less-than-stellar reputation as a management company. I would not consider them too strongly unless really necessary.

I think it will help. Goldwaters are not easy to come by! I think it definitely will be more than a "nice line on your resume."

DreamingCat -- I don't think they're allowed to do this? I was under the impression that the Council of Graduate Schools passed a resolution stating that all students have until April 15. Here is a copy of it: https://www.cgsnet.org/ckfinder/userfiles/files/CGS_Resolution.pdf They have a list of schools. Check to see if "School A" is on there. Good luck!

Is anyone going to the Mt. Sinai (Icahn) re-visit next week?

Have you looked at the Friendship/Bloomfield/Lawrenceville area? They're more young and "hipster" areas and absolutely accessible by bus. If you're looking for something cheap, stay away from Shadyside and Squirrel Hill. They are definitely trendier areas and you will pay for it. You could potentially find places on the South Side that are within range, but I think your best bet is to stay in the East End. I just looked quickly at Craigslist and found these places: http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/apa/4383796126.html http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/apa/4355106098.html The University has some apartments on Oakland Ave and Atwood St, which would be maybe a 15-20 minute walk to BST. I lived in one on Oakland Ave my senior year of college, and, though it wasn't terribly modern, it was very clean and well-maintained. If you don't mind living in South Oakland, which is sort of dirty (generally) and innundated with undergrads, they would be a good choice. Again, Oakland=dirty, university apartments=not dirty. I think there is value in living within walking distance of the lab. http://www.ocl.pitt.edu/university-owned

In case anyone needs some advice, I did my undergrad at Pitt and lived in the city after it for about 5 years, so I'm pretty knowledgeable (if I say so myself) in terms of housing, etc. Happy to help.

JUST got my Mt. Sinai interview for those still waiting. Can't seem to find a rhyme or reason for how they're sending them!

Re Mt. Sinai - I e-mailed them and they got back to me with this: " ...many have already been sent out but we are still in the process of doing so." As there are only two on the Results Search maybe not that "many" have been sent. Just FYI for those of us waiting!

Well this is disappointing.

Has anyone heard from Mt. Sinai? Saw one on Results yesterday.

I am going to e-mail them. I can't handle this anymore. If I could see even ONE rejection or or acceptance on the results search I would be satisfied.

Are we the only two who applied? If so, easy! We're both in!