peachypie

As far as I know you don't get an online copy of the essays but you do get your score. Your AW score should be available with your official score report in 1-2 weeks following your test date.

can you ask your letter writers to get it in by the due date? I feel like if the deadlines, assuming you gave them a little bit of lead time, its not unrealistic to ask that they submit by the deadline. If you can't get your information specifically from the website and know the situation is unavoidable then contact the admin for the program or the DGS and explain/ask about the scenario.

I found this time to be the worst, you have no idea what is going to happen but everyone is asking you if you have heard (at least my friends and family were). there is nothing worse than saying... no word yet. But after the first one comes in time will start to fly as you prepare and anticipate travel plans etc. I heard from my first school in December, so just enjoy the upcoming holidays and hold tight! We had a gradchat on this site but it was suspended mid interview session, talking to others was helpful since it gave me a group to be paranoid with. There is an off site chat I am sure you can search GC for those who have posted it.

I would caution you from using a term like bleeding edge that ended up coming off strange to me since it sounded like you meant something else but got an awkward sentence. I believe it is something but for someone in the scientific field and someone who reads and writes a lot (as well as scored very well in verbal and AW on the GRE) the "bleeding" is best to tone down a bit. You should not be writing for admission types but rather for your committee for that program. You can keep it brief and simple but often the typical applicant is doing a 1-2 page SOP. Mine was 2 pages to the T. You want to make sure you address things in here, this is really your time to TALK to the committee as much as you can to show why you standout. Keeping it brief and pointed is great (scientists love that too) but don't do it to the extent that they don't know who you are! This is the rare part where you get to show personality, writing ability, fill in the blanks of your CV. Fill out the why and how, don't leave them wondering more. Answer it in the SOP.

Its interesting, because in my program everyone says first semester is the hardest though it doesn't seem that way considering quals are next year! Anyway, I think if you are really struggling in coursework then I would talk to an adviser ASAP since at least for my program a grade under a B is a failure and you won't be able to proceed. I assume you are under a similar situation, but not sure. Anyway talk to them first, see if you can figure out what may work better. It takes a bit of time to get used to the whole thing and figure out what you can and can't handle and how you can best proceed in day to day life as well as school. Talk to other students if you can to see if they have the similar feelings as you (a lot of times they do!) and also it is a good opportunity to see if they have tips or tricks to relieving stress and anxiety over the difficult obstacles of graduate school! Best of luck.

I can't tell if this is an outline or your actual statement of purpose. But regardless there are some things to improve on. After your intro sentence of what you possess, I'd give a statement of evidence that shows why. What inspired you, what drives you? the big question is where did this develop from, at least give it a sentence to backup that statement a bit. There are a variety of practical applications, SUCH AS..... I think what you meant instead of bleeding edge is cutting edge? Unless I am unfamiliar with some vernacular here. "good enough" is not the type of English you want to be saying. Say something like you hope to develop research ideas and applications that can be funded through its XYZ ability (interdisciplinary or whatnot). It is a competitive world out there for funds, so you need to give direction of why your research is going to be any different than your cohorts. The program statement should be specific, write the name of the place and the actual specific program you are applying to then end that sentence with HOW it fits your research interests, get specific here. As for your second section I assume you are going to extrapolate more on this and not just list bullet points. If you want to keep the bullet points that is fine but again I would explain what is the aspects of research that you find these topics to be of interest to you. Why are these the things you want to pursue, what in your background has led you to these directions and why do you think you would be a good candidate to pursue them. its data science, not sci-ence? Your last sentence, that you hope your extensive work experience and benefits will bring a new perspective to the field...again, why. What are your unique attributes that would make you a great candidate, what is your work experience that would end up being beneficial to this new field. You need to basically clean up the writing style, less passive and more active as well as focus on backing up your statements with evidence for why. You are going into the bench science world and you know how they like to write. Here is my statement, here is the evidence I have to back it up. If you have no evidence its as good as saying you did a bunch of experiments and proved a new cancer therapy drug is available but have no data to show how it works or why you think it'll revolutionize the field. Back up all your statements with evidence of WHY and HOW. Best of luck.

I would think that on ETS your official scores won't be available until your essays have been graded. I feel like it will take maybe 1-2 weeks to get your official scores. I think you will have the official scores prior to December 1st since ETS is pretty quick in the turnaround time of these items. However it is a busy time, it may even take your school's a little bit until after December 1st to update that they have received the scores.

Again, I think regardless of biochemistry or chemistry this would still apply. I think chemistry can be highly rote memorization, organic chemistry in my opinion is very memorization-oriented. Also most of those chemistry, such as gen chem and o chem as well as biochemistry often have labs associate with the course work and are frequently part of your first or second year in school, thus why I think again it wouldn't really make a student less able to appreciate the research. I think it is highly individual specific and it is more about the good students being the ones who do not see learning as purely course-based but rather what they have taught themselves as they go.

@pastel tomato- I feel that your understanding of the benefits of lab work are fairly compartmentalized. Typically people learn more in a laboratory setting than in the rote memorization of coursework. Thus someone who started two years earlier even before the courses are provided would have to learn and probably have a good working knowledge of the material they use in their laboratory. They wouldn't simply sit stagnant until they reach the coursework. It also is an important understanding that working in a laboratory includes active learning constantly. A student who starts their freshmen or sophomore year, if they are a good laboratorian, will have done their own research to expand their working knowledge. Having courses does not allow you to appreciate your research experience whatsoever. Now research isn't just about time, so just because someone has 4 years compared to 2 doesn't mean their experience was "better". But there is a lot to be said about having a good amount of experience and comfort working in a lab setting and being exposed to a variety of different techniques and obstacles. Obviously they more time you spend there the more you learn what it is like to be in a lab setting. Personally I think undergraduate research, though important, isn't even close to the experience you gain working full time in a job setting in the lab. So to me, 2-4 years of undergrad is great but I still doubt that a candidate has a real feel for laboratory research as those compared to having spent even 1 year in a 40+ hour/week laboratory setting.

You will or should eventually get a paper copy of your results. At least when I took the exam I got an official score report by mail maybe within 1-2 weeks of taking the exam. If you have not received one maybe contact ETS.

For my interview day (lady), I wore a suit (pants, blouse, blazer, reasonable heels). For the days when we were out and about I wore nice pants (dressy or casual but not jeans) and a sweater or another blouse. Again sensible and low heels or flats. For anything in the "evening" that wasn't attended by faculty or if it was a day social activity just with grad students I wore nice jeans, sweater/blouse, and boots. I always had one much more dressy outfit and then 2 that were semi-dressy that can go either way (business casual) and then some truly casual for travel days or grad student only events. I felt it is always safe to be more over dressed than under dressed. Business casual ranges from anything but jeans for pants/skirt (not anything too high) and then tops include: blouses, nice sweaters, oxford "button down" shirts, etc. Business casual for shoes is not tennis shoes, but anything that is reasonable...short heels or flats, dressier boots. I made it so that all my outfits would go with a black, blue or tan shoes. Everything was neutral except for one item. I didn't do anything flashy, just standard like what you would expect for a job interview. Even though grad students and faculty will be wearing jeans, it does not mean you should wear them. Winter weather happens, just make sure to bring items like hats and mittens for the colder places. It could be snowing and you may be outside for a quick tour (although places are usually aware that its not fun to walk outside in the cold). Also a lot of times you walked to different parts of campus for each interview so bring shoes that are comfortable to walk in but durable in the cold. One of my interviews was in a very cold and snowy place and I ended up bringing some boots to swap into for the trek across campus and then quick slipped on my heels before my interview. My buddy who was walking me around not only totally understood (even though he was a guy, but also was impressed I had planned ahead). Airport can range from taking a cab where you will get reimbursed. The university organizing a pickup or shuttle from the airport OR having a grad student retrieve you. Each will make it clear the best way to do this and what information you will need to get there. Some places gave me my own room, others I shared. It can be a positive to have someone around so look at is as a positive, who knows they could be your classmate so they may not be a stranger for long! Everyone has to manage this and its not as big of a deal as it feels like. Obviously girls will be roomed with other girls and such for the boys. I would say 50% of the time I got my own room and 50% of the time I shared. Not a huge deal really. If something like that happens where you say something incorrect, apologize and explain you are nervous. I wouldn't get into your stresses causing you issues because...well grad school is one big stressful moment. So you have to learn how to manage it or at least figure out ways to cope with it. Don't show them you are going to have difficulty being normal and a good student in stress. I am not quiet or very shy but I do understand that people feel that way. Most of the people I interviewed with were quieter, there were always a handful that were bold. Sometimes I think people end up talking to me because I will talk to anyone, so maybe find someone that you feel comfortable with and get chatting with them. A llot of times they can make it easier for you to talk in small groups. I would encourage you to try to move past your shyness since I've been told by socially awkward grad students that they appreciate someone who talks since its a lot less awkward for them. Try to push yourself a bit out of your comfort zone if you can. Faculty don't expect you to be super boisterous but maybe try to loosen up with one or two students or some of your fellow interviewers. A lot of times the social students are the ones that grad students like, and they get a say in the matter too. So try to make the effort and if the grad students suggest going out to dinner or grabbing a drink, go with them. This is an easy way to get brownie points than the people who decide to go back to a hotel. The only exception being if you are studying for an exam and you are currently still an UG. Best of luck, please feel free to PM me any additional questions you may have.

I would apply this year, you can always apply for a certificate or obtain one if the graduate applications do not lead to success. I'd use the most appropriate LORs I could and then go from there.

I think the academic dishonesty alone would lend itself a huge issue here regardless of the GPA thing. If you can't clear that up I feel it is going to cause you some pretty big issues.

Probably was rejected for the sole reason of constantly referring to it as UWM.

@ballwera, I applied to case BSTP, interviewed and was accepted into their BSTP program. So I don't think it is necessary to apply to both unless you have a reason. Not to mention other places I applied let you list a second option program if you are so inclined (without charging you an additional fee) This unfortunately only helps Case Western by getting more money from the same applicant, don't waste your money to apply to two programs at the same school and not even bother to change the SOP! Is there one program you were applying to specifically? My understanding is you are applying to the BSTP and then the specialized program within it, essentially one puts you in the program right away and BSTP eventually feeds you into the program you are also applying to. The applicant numbers will be different, and obviously only a certain about of BSTP can enter each respective program although as with any other PhD program I am sure there are some work around to that if multiple people from BSTP want to go into one field.

You can also check your application file and see. A lot of times those places list the time of your entered recommenders submission and name of your requested LORs. It also frequently has an option to "resend" or "send a reminder". Many of the times you would see a "submitted" or checkmark next to those that have been completed already. Maybe double check in the applications for those schools you are unsure of.

No, those letter writers sound the most relevant. I graduated and worked and then applied, all of my LORs came from my post-bac time not from undergraduate. I also applied from UG to PhD not masters, to clarify. As long as your three letter writers can speak well to your abilities and relevance in that field I think you are fine. A strong letter from a relevant source is the most important. They know you are a good student, they can see that from your GPA they will love more to see your success as well outside of school which in this case will come through from your LOR.

I definitely would think you can still apply but the first thing I thought of is "why?". Do you have a relevant experience for why this interests you and do you have a reason for why you think you'll succeed? I gather you have 3 years of analysis experience and my guess is it is in business not in sciences? Do you have any formal education (post-bac classes), organization involvement, or any public health or related field volunteer or work experience? I think those are the bigger things you need to address more than your formal education at this point. Nothing of what you presented tells me you have any clue what you are getting into and no evidence to show its your passion or this is a field you can succeed in.

Obviously if the forms in those cases are so rigid that you can't appropriately put that information in, then I would try to make it as accurate as possible since no one would be able to correctly fill it out. IF they mention that it should be listed regardless of if for degree or study abroad than I would also assume they would "get it" if you wrote that the dates when you studied abroad to when you finished you study abroad, and then had your actual degree granting institution with the full time encompassing that semester. If they need clarification because it is that important then, they will ask for it. I am not sure if you had your study abroad transcript, grades also included or relevant but it would be immediately clear to them in my opinion if you had one semester at a random university in a completely different place that you were clearly doing that. This isn't something to spend a lot of time focusing on so try to do it within the form to the best of your ability. Maybe also put a note in your CV as "study abroad experience". One time I had written something in a form that a program later told me they never even glanced at...they mostly were going off of documents I submitted. So....don't overstress about general forms that are set up by the university or a third party that they use. Any clarification make sure to address in a document if you feel that it is necessary.

I don't think it makes an impact. Also a lot of programs like to diversify their pool at PhD level, which is why a lot of programs don't select necessarily from its undergraduates (thought not impossible at all, much less likely).

Honestly, I think you have a decent shot. The GRE scores should hit the minimum you need. The GPA for UG though low, comes from a reputable institution, you did 4 years of research and you grad level courses (assuming they are relevant to your future path) are enough to offset the slightly lower gpa. At that point, experience and research is going to get you further than a 3.3 to a 3.6 from an ivy. Strong letters and a nicely written SOP are worth it. Apply to the programs you want, the worst that happens is you don't get in and you can figure out what you need to do differently for next year. Just apply, Best of luck.

I understand your feelings, and I would like you to consider if there is anything that may allow you to feel happier in your current situation. I am a first year as well, in the sciences, however I am attending a school that is in the same area I have lived in for about 2 years now. I would like you to know that if this was my first move to the city (that I know I can be happy in) I would feel miserable on first impression. Right now, though my family is far away my current friends are here and I rarely get a chance to see them (due to the grinds of what is first year science courses). If I had just moved here, I probably wouldn't like the city that much anyway since I never have time to do anything or explore and certainly not the funds I once had. However, I would maybe suggest you try to get a better feel for the city OUTSIDE the university as well as explore with fellow cohortmates. I think at a minimum it gives you a chance to see if it is just the conditions of school and not getting to see the city outside of your own first year world, or if you truly aren't happy in that locale and/or program. I would be cautious to proceed with applications for a new program since I think any new program may wonder if you will do the same thing in one year to them. Did you initially not like the idea of moving to your current city or was this something that has developed since the semester began? Graduate school is hard, and you feel lonely and/or not happy sometimes. That's normal. I made sure to pick a program where I knew that I was ok with the city so that when I needed to escape from the coursework and university, I could. It sounds like you are living in a pretty big city based on your "high cost of living" so I'd guess there should be free and/or cheap things to do and organizations and groups outside of your university that you could get involved that may give you an outlet it sounds like you are looking for.

If you can, take the test again and try to think of it as just a practice test. work on trying to relax yourself in text situations. I know that is easier said than done I'm sure. But the more you tell yourself this is nothing the less your brain will likely try to spazz out on you. If your application deadlines allow you to see your approximate scores in a December gre test and you are happy go with it. A lot of times one outlier (like good gpa nd good letters but not so hot gre will be ok). Maybe set yourself a cutoff like as long as i hit this quant and this verbal I'm happy. If you make it send it out, if not you are ahead of the game next year. I wouldn't necessarily NOT apply just because of a gre score especially if your LOR writers have already written letters and you've done most things. You may be surprised by your results. Also if you don't get in, this is all good practice for next year.

I think it is perfectly fine if not advantageous to take some time off in between undergrad and pursuing a PhD in the sciences. Gaining experience in a true research lab is something that comes as a big plus, and no I am not talking about research when you undergrad...because its different than holding a job or position that is 40+ hour/week research related. That being said I would look to apply for positions in academic labs if you can in the field you are interested in, or at least somewhat related. Basically get in and start doing research. Now to improve your profile for your application in the future you named a few things you can do. Certainly having a job, gaining experience would be good. If you'd like to show your continued abilities for academic success you can enroll in a course after graduation in the field you are interested in or even take some graduate courses if you are able to. (either audit them or enroll with special permission). Getting a masters would certainly prove your abilities in graduate school and would give you more research experience. Between the two I don't see a huge difference in which route you take's ability to show success other than that a master's will like cost you money and may be a bigger burden. Your gpa is lower but not below any cutoffs for most programs. A really good gre as well as a trend upwards in the last year would certainly give credit to your ability. So i'd say taking some time in a job or masters will: increase your research experience (important), allow you to secure good LORs to your abilities (good) and taking in classes in degree or otherwise will show your continued abilities, a high GRE score (important) would be good. There are also post-bac programs for people in the sciences, look into NIH for example. There are things out there that are competitive and will give you a really intense experience into research as well as allowing you to network within the field. Best of luck.

@Floodgates any reason you are getting a LOR from a religion professor?!? Is there any other professors that are more related to immunology that you could ask? You have to have taken more than a microbio course in biochemistry major? I'd try to find someone else over that recommender, personally. I'd also not leave it to my recommenders to address the death in the family in the middle of college. They aren't going to speak that as much as you would if it had an impact in your profile (grads, time off etc). I'd add in as part of your SOP or as part of an extenuating circumstances addendum.