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Raerosk

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Posts posted by Raerosk

    2014 Biology Grad Warriors

    in Biology

    Posted

    I got two offers, one from Purdue (PULSe) and another from the University of Utah (Molecular Biology program). As an international student, I don't have many criteria (appart from the stipend) to decide, as I've never been to any of those places and don't know much about housing, living in those cities, quality of research... Someone who has been/studied in any of them have some advide/suggestions? Someone got accepted in any of them? I can't make a decision!!!! :unsure:

    I visited Purdue for the molecular pharmacology program, was a smaller program and wasn't particularly impressed. The other programs might be better, and I can't compare to Utah. West Lafayette was pretty meh I'm my opinion too. There were a couple people there doing decent research though. Try to look at papers and look for PIs, and try to figure out what kind of equipment is available to you too.

    2014 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results

    in Biology

    Posted

    Several people that I interviewed with heard back very shortly afterwards, but I've still heard nothing. I'm not sure whether all acceptances are out or not. I contacted Christian Schlieker so hopefully we'll have some news (ANY NEWS  :blink: ) soon

    I've heard nothing as well. Will you post if you hear anything from Christian?

    2014 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results

    in Biology

    Posted

    All of mine are silent too. Einstein, Stony Brook, Purdue, and the California Schools :(

    Had a Skype interview at Purdue in December and official offer by the end of the month. This was for their biochem program so not sure what department you are waiting on but I figured I'd give you that bit. I fly out to see the campus next week and compare with other options. You might be wait listed though...

    2014 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results

    in Biology

    Posted

    Raerosk thanks for sharing your interview and your perspective.  I think it really depends on which faculty member you are talking too.  When I was talking to a faculty member they are wondering how can I balance my ambitions with doing research.  If I was planning to be in a R1 institution they expect publications  in high quality journals if not in a R1 then I don't have to worry about # of publications, citations, etc.  When I explain to him how the system works I actually got praised.  On the other hand it might be a good idea to stay with the hardworking and perseverance speech, unless you know the professor wouldn't want to hear that.

    That was Etern

    2014 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results

    in Biology

    Posted · Edited by Raerosk

     

    Well, it was a 30minute interview. I was tired that day cause I got up at 5 in the morning to get to the interview in time, so that didn't help. Anyway, the interview started the way I mentioned before and then they asked me if I had identified any other potential research groups I would like to join. I said no because I had only looked at the groups working on malaria. The interviewers seemed very disappointed at my apparent lack of preparation.

    They then asked me to summarize the scientific paper that I had to read for the interview. At this point I was really nervous and tired, so I was unable to explain the paper in any coherent way. My inability to do so made me even more nervous, creating a vicious circle. In the end it seemed like I didn't understand the paper.

    We the went on to talk about my research experience which went decently well. They then asked me what I wish to do after I finish my PhD. I told them that I wish to do a post-doc and then apply for a lecturing position. This is where I started to spew stupid stuff again. I was asked what I would need to have to get there and I replied 'publications'  :o. They looked surprised and asked me to explain. I simply said 'if you have enough publications you can get a faculty position anywhere. Of course the quality of the papers matters too'. They then asked how to judge the quality of a paper, to which I replied 'citations'. They then asked to get a good publication and I said 'good research'. They asked how to do good research and I said you need to be in the correct field... We then switched topic.... It is apparent to me now that they wanted me to say that you need to be hardworking and persevere to get a lecturing position.... I was being far too rational and in the end appeared to not really care about the science. It seemed like I looked down on the professors like they are only there because of their publications. I don't know why I spewed all of that stupid stuff... Anyway, at the end they asked if I had any questions, I said no and left. That was it. Done. Secured my rejection.   

     

     

    Thanks for sharing. There is always something to be learned from any interview, and I think everyone will get some ideas as to what to expect on the interviews from this. Good luck with UC Davis and the rest of your interviews.

    2014 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results

    in Biology

    Posted · Edited by Raerosk

    Can anyone confirm that Stanford has sent out all their interview offers? I have an interview offer for that weekend and I don't want to confirm prematurely, but it seems like I'm just waiting for a no at this point.

    I contacted them by email and they were able to tell me I was rejected. Try to find the program coordinator on their website. Good luck!

    2014 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results

    in Biology

    Posted · Edited by Raerosk

    Not sure of the deal with Stanford. But for anyone that wants to know, I got my email invitation on Friday and also received my snail mail packet today even though it is just the same info that was already attached to my email (this was for immuno). Although I guess some people didn't get an attachment for some reason? I'm surprised the snail mail packet came so quickly.

    eep! Has anyone else heard back?

    And btw, is anyone having trouble getting the logistics scheduled with Baylor?

    I haven't sadly :-( Scripps

    2014 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results

    in Biology

    Posted

    From what I understand about Yale which is currently my top choice, they send out invites to the people they are ready to make offers to, and as long as you don't botch the interview you'll make it in. Due to admissions in other schools, and that people that have interviews there likely will be interviewing at Harvard and Stanford etc. they get about a 40-60% acceptance rate to their offers. A lot of this information is second hand word of mouth, so take it or leave it. The letter sent out to interviewees though says "We anticipate that most visitors will receive offers of admission" for what it's worth.

    Best and worst applications....

    in Biology

    Posted

    Worst: UC Boulder - Ruled out the app completely when they said I needed to fill out a paper form and fax it in to supplement what I put online.

    Yale's website was difficult to actually find the application link, although the application wasn't hard. Just couldn't find the Apply here section.

     

    Best: Scripps was pretty easy, I agree there. They're pretty awesome all together.

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