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I have some pleasant stationary that I was planning on writing a hand written thank you. Yes, nothing beats a well thought out letter received by post! I was also considering getting a few postcards. My writers have some connections (personal or family attendance) to some of my programs so I feel it would be appropriate. I took pictures! Mostly of the campus, my hotel room, and some of the facilities I thought were cool. I'm hoping it wall jog my memory when it comes time to making decision of which program to attend. I snapped a pic of a banana tree in the greenhouse and the plant biochemist giving the tour had a proud smile. I think it shows that you are interested and engaged in their program. Taking pictures of laboratories or data might be a no-no.

I met a few others the first evening who have interviews lined up at top tens, and they all seemed to be under the impression that the decisions are largely made before the interviewers come. I was skeptical until I broke the numbers down and met some of the other interviewies. First the numbers. (50 interviewies)x(2 recruiting weekends)=100 total interviewies. The gateway program explicitly tells us (75% offered)x(100 interviewies)=75 offers extended and they can be sure that 30-35 will accept and decide to matriculate. So during my interview weekend there will be 12.5=13 total people who will be not getting accepted, and will likely be 'wait listed'. There were about six students I met whom I believe will be waitlisted. I have to be delicate here, but give you my honest feedback. Some weren't able to distill their research into a cohesive story/question/hypothesis. In fact most of their research experience was quite limited. They applied to a spread of other schools with no discernable pattern. Many hadn't received any other invites. Finally they talked non stop about the school and how they have been planning to come here for years. Please, please don't take what I said and let it fester you with anxiety. I think everyone was qualified, albeit at different calibers, in their own way. And again, I'm not the committee and I'm not a grad student. I could simply be flat out wrong. This is my first interview and I think every department is going to be different. The school I interviewed is a top 50 (don't feel comfortable naming it). I expect top 20 schools to be really different. sorry for typos I'm really tired, but I hope this can be of some help. He didn't just pull out the data and ask me the question cold. He asked me about my research and I told him what I've done. He then started talking about his research and gently began asking me questions about some of the data on the page. It was very natural and I was kind of surprised I was able to give him answers lol! But I think it was the way he asked the questions very carefully and made me feel comfortable. Don't be afraid to take a few moments to furrow your brow and really think. If you don't know just say so (try not to get flustered and just mumble jargon). He was the only guy who asked me questions about data of the five interviews. There was one question I got asked over and over: "what are you interested in?". By the end of your first interview you'll have it down.

Anyone else finishing up their first interview weekend? I would very much like to here others experiences. Here's a few thoughts regarding mine, 1) wow interview weekends are fun! 2) I'm really glad I didn't bring a suit. it's quite cold and I actually wore my coat during the interviews ha! I'm a guy, wore some nice leather shoes, khakis and a button shirt on the interview date. corduroys and sweaters on the day before and after interview. 3) one professor talked the entire half hour. another showed me RNA seq data from a recent experiment and asked me what protein interactions it might infer. 4) I think it's pretty clear who will be receiving acceptance invites and who will be waitlisted.. thats not to say the weekends aren't important though. 5) I've made new friends that I plan on staying in contact with (same interviews elsewhere). 6) enjoy yourself. you will be in an intellectually stimulating environment. you will see some incredible technology. you will hear research being done that will excite you!

Focus your energies on whatever you were doing before the application season. You've submitted, it's time to relax! Before you know it you'll be getting interview invites.

I plan to travel by plane, first time alone. Yes exciting! I'll wear x1 business casual wardrobe with winter coat. School backpack can hold toiletries, book for pleasure reading, randoms (iphone charger, snacks), and school specific information. Carry on luggage can hold x1 interview wardrobe including shoes, x1 extra business casual wardobe, x1 PJ's. Slipping on my palm tree pajamas will feel good after a day of interviews My school specific information will be travel papers, profiles of professors+research, map, etc. I'm hoping to get by with minimal materials. As long as I can still smile and be engaged in what's around me!

Not to beat a dead horse, but I'm worried about clothing. I've got two pairs of shoes: day shoes and gym shoes. My wardrobe is a collection of shirts and sweaters that have accumulated over the past five years. I've got a suit, but I can't take myself seriously when I wear it. I want my clothing to be a non-issue. Comfortable, modest and inconspicuous. Gosh I'm so picky

I received a call from the program director letting me know to expect an email from admissions. Received the official interview offer via email two days later.

Yes, Michigan State University. I think it depends on the department, program, and admissions. To me a longer decision time suggests the department is careful in considering your application and putting in the time to make an informed decision. Best to be patient!

I just received my first interview from MSU's biomolecular science program. What a rush!!

So.. I'm looking at my completed application to make sure everything is in and I see that one of my LOR writers has misspelled my last name. It might give the wrong vibe to admissions to see that a writer has misspelled an applicants name. On the other hand, the writer is getting near retirement and the misspelling is a small, common mistake. e.g. change of vowel 'a' to 'e'. Besides feeling slightly offended, I'm not sure what to think. I'm so toasted from going through this application process it hardly phased me. Do I do anything at all?

I use dixon tri-conderoga pencils. They are jet black, have wide triangular diameter, and a thin rubber coat that feels great in the hand. http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR36j4KN8zJiBi2Btqwb7EJVkmt2x8MQ54PQovol7PmwlrSmtg9 (img) I don't go cheap on my everyday essentials!

Just finished all my applications. I did one a day for the past week and a half. Whew. Good luck to everyone still going through the process, push through!

I have finally submitted all my applications!! Now I just have to email PI's and communicate with the departments to make sure they have everything they need. BBQ I read your post in the 2015 thread and I think you're a strong applicant for the programs you've applied. best wishes

I've applied to two out of my nine programs. Hoping to finish them by tomorrow morning. I guess my advice for us is quit worrying about it and just get them submitted!

I'm reposting this as I have finalized my program list. I would very much appreciate input and thoughts on my applicant strength and appropriateness of the programs I have selected. Cheers! Undergrad Institution: Public, Midsize, Liberal Arts University Major(s): Microbiology GPA in Major: 3.68 Overall GPA: 3.66 Type of Student: domestic Caucasian male GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 158 V: 159 W: 4.0 Research Experience: 1 summer + 1 winterim REU, cancer genetics and gene expression, viral mutagens, back-burner author in publication, 1 LoR from PI beginning research in plant molecular lab (total of 3 months experience by the time I apply), 1 LoR from professor Pertinent Activities or Jobs: organic chemistry tutor, general biology lab TA, president/founder of undergrad cell and molecular journal club. 1 summer in clinical lab, molecular hematopathology, 1 LoR from MD lab director Special Bonus Points: My LoR's have explicitly told me they will write supportive letters highlighting my enthusiasm. few weak name connections to some of the programs I’m applying. I talk science well. My interests lay in human genetic disease at the molecular level Applying to Where: all PhD University of Utah – MCEB (Departmental interest: Genetics) Michigan State University – Genetics Dartmouth – MCB Genetics University of Wisconsin Madison – Genetics University of Massachusetts Worcester – Biomedical Sciences University of Massachusetts Amherst – MCB, Biomedicine University of Oregon Eugene – Molecular Genetics University of Iowa – Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics

Undergrad Institution: Public, Midsize, Liberal Arts University Major(s): Microbiology GPA in Major: 3.68 Overall GPA: 3.66 Type of Student: domestic Caucasian male GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 158 V: 159 W: 4.0 Research Experience: 1 summer + 1 winterim REU, cancer genetics + viral mutagens, back-burner author in publication, 1 LoR from PI beginning research in plant molecular lab (total of 3 months experience by the time I apply), 1 LoR from professor Pertinent Activities or Jobs: organic chemistry tutor, general biology lab TA, president/founder of undergrad cell and molecular journal club. 1 summer in clinical lab, molecular hematology (fragment analysis, rtPCR, sequencing, exposure to dPCR and NGS technology), 1 LoR from MD lab director Special Bonus Points: My LoR's have explicitly told me they will write strong letters highlighting my enthusiasm. few weak name connections to some of the programs I’m applying. I talk well about science and my (limited) research experiences. Applying to Where: Colorado State University - Cell and Molecular Biology (Fort Collins) Michigan State University - Micro/Cell and Molecular University of Massachusetts - Amhurst - MCB University of Oregon (Eugene) University of Utah - MCE Dartmouth College - MCB Brandeis University - MCB Tufts University - Genetics and Molecular University of Vermont - MCB Universty of New Hampshire (Durham) Washington State University (Pullman) (I have taken molecular-oriented courses despite being a "microbiology" major) I'd like to make this list a bit shorter. I feel out of character taking this shot-gun approach, but I feel it's necessary to ensure admission. I picked umbrella programs that require lab rotations. Molecular genetics is my general area of interest but haven't specified my interests further than that. looking for input and advice. cheers!

I'm a rising fifth-year senior exploring graduate programs for fall 2015 application. I'm somewhat of a green in the lab. I come from a non-science family and didn't have the pleasure of weaning off a pipette. I began studying microbiology midway through sophomore year, simply for job outlook sakes. I had my first wet lab experience last summer, where I was introduced to research and utterly seduced by science. For I was blind, but now I see. credentials in brief, studying microbiology at a midsize state, ~3.7 gpa, 75 percentile GRE scores 1 summer + 1 winterim REU, cancer genetics + viral mutagens, back-burner author in publication, 1 strong LoR from PI 1 summer in clinical lab, molecular hematology (fragment analysis, rtPCR, sequencing, exposure to dPCR and NGS technology), 1 strong LoR from MD lab director beginning research in plant molecular lab (total of 3 months experience by the time I apply), 1 LoR from professor 12 months of tutoring organic chemistry active in science journal club I've networked well and have some, albiet weak, name connections to the programs I'm applying. I'm applying to mid-tier MCB umbrella programs in the North East coastal region and hoping for the best. Is this realistic? I'm also teasing the idea of a post-bacc research assistant position at a reputable university, gathering experiences and narrowing interests, and applying to competitive programs after a couple years. This idea has been discouraged by most researchers I've talked too; they see it as a way of slowing down your career. I have to agree, I'd get awfully anxious to start my PhD. I greatly appreciate honest, constructive feedback.

Give your honest opinion. Be respectful and prepared to back it with reasoning but never go on the offensive. There's something to be said about those who don't take the middle ground by default.

1) Are you the first in your family to pursue graduate education? Are you the first to pursue higher education in general? Both my father and mother have four year college degrees in business. I'm the first in my nuclear family to seriously consider applying to a PhD program (focused in a STEM field). I say considering because I haven't actually sent any applications yet, but I've started the process. I have an Uncle that has a PhD in pyschology but he has been of no influence in my decision nor a source of help. 2) What struggles have you faced as a first-generation applicant? To say I have had struggles would be sensationalizing my experience. I think in terms of new experiences and the challenges that come with. Throughout my undergrad my parents have been supportive in financing my education and caring for my general well-being. In all other aspects, they are passive. I'm thankful for this because it has allowed me to unbiasedly discover my own academic interests and develop independently. I grabbed my own bootstraps and pulled myself to a higher education and it certainly has changed my outlook on life. Applying to graduate school has proved to be an entirely new experience, but then so has college so I've taken it in stride and it's prooved to be a fun and useful introspective exercise. 3) What have you accomplished as a first-generation applicant? Whenever someone calls me a pessimist I correct them; I'm a dose of reality. Let's face it, I'm a fourth year junior in my undergrad and I've accomplished nothing of real importance. My high gpa is an indicator of how well I read the syllabus and how well I've mastered the material. This takes a bit of time and effort, but in no way do I let it affect my ego. I see my grades as a small cog in the machine I am building to get into a graduate program. I'm fortunate to have some research experience in the field of cancer genomics and even have been published as a back-burner author for a couple papers. But again I must maintain my modesty; I didn't design the experiment, nor did I contribute any real intellect into the project. I was a lab grunt and my PI and his post-doc are generous. So what have I really accomplished? Despite the above paragraph, I'm a true optimistic. I enjoy every day of learning and now that I'm pointed in a direction I feel a sense of worth in my studies. I like to think my good nature improves the lives of those around me. I think I'm a likeable person and enjoy meeting new people and having a laugh. I'm also a very perceptive listener and learner and I like to think others value my insight. I've matured emotionally and intellectually and I attribute this to the education I've received. 4) What has helped you reach your educational goals? The people who I've found the most support are those in positions I hope to be someday (professors, research scientists, etc). I can thank my current PI for seducing my inner scientist. He has instilled confidence and planted the seeds of grad school into my young undergrad mind. My undergrad professors and their enthusiasm for the life sciences have transmitted to me with profound potentcy. I enjoy their presence more than most of my friends lol! I can't ever forget my parents! They are incredibly supportive. Just because I can't share my excitement for phylogenetic trees and transforming e. coli doesn't mean they can't help me in my endeavors. Many of my friends from highschool and early college have been of little or no support at all. I'm very confident in my future and try to help my friends find their passions. Sometimes I feel they think I'm being cocky, when really I'm just excited! Despite changing interests I still value my friendships. Although looking to the future, I can't imagine maintaining them throughout graduate school. I think the time has come to establish a new friend group and I hope they don't feel left behind

Judgment is a natural and safe response when meeting new people, but to act upon that judgment can often lead to poor first impressions and reinforces formalities. Carry a happy disposition when meeting new people, realize that most people just want to be liked and valued by their peers. The more you smile and share interest in others, the more likely you will receive. If you don't connect with someone that's okay, it's more than likely beyond your control.

Practice, practice, practice. The more you read, the better you get. As you become more scientific literate words will hold more meaning to you. Print and annotate is always helpful. Differentiating between papers that are relevant and not is an important skill. If the title sparks my interest I first read the abstract to determine if the paper might be worthwhile. I go on to skim the introduction and conclusion. If the paper presents information that is useful I'll read the the entire paper. Published literature isn't holy script. Read with skepticism and don't be afraid to check their sources.