darmok

Didn't get it. VG/G E/E VG/G Lot's of great feedback, though. Back to work.

Why is everyone feeding the troll?

Anyone planning on visiting UPenn, Cornell, or UD? I'm not sure how many visits to go on, but I'd like to visit those three campuses, at least. Does anyone know how meaningful/ valuable campus visits are in making a decision, especially for cheme programs?

You just made my day.

Player Piano (yay Vonnegut!)

Stockholm syndrome

My GPA was pretty decent, but since I came from a no-name school, I think my research experience and recommendations were what really pulled me through. So I wouldn't rule it out yet. Hope this helped - good luck!

Dude, I've wasted hours reading/listening to that man. I totally feel you. Not to mention too much Carl Sagan, Brian Greene and NOVA in my free time... anyone who isn't interested in astrophysics just hasn't been exposed to it enough!

I've always been into classic literature and philosophy... I generally agree with Mr. Bugle. My childhood dream was to be an astrophysicist, but I don't consider it unrelated to my field.

My school is unranked in my field and certainly not a flagship. I chose it because it was close to home and lowered my costs. My GPA wasn't even close to perfect, but good research experience and publications, along with a strong resume and SOP (asked a lot of people for help) got me through my applications. Grad schools judge by a lot of things, and coming from a big name undergrad is, from my experience, not very high on that list.

"Oh, you're going to grad school? Don't you want to make money?" "Don't you want to get some real work experience?" "More school?! You're insane!!" Overheard conversation today: "I want to make money, settle down, have a family and enjoy my life... I don't want to waste it away getting more degrees." I don't think people understand that graduate study takes serious hard work, you can get paid, and you can still live your life. Or that it can be a very fulfilling experience.

This thread kinda made a 180. @Loric - sleeping around without being in a relationship doesn't make you a 'hobag', and casual dating can be a stress-free way to avoid commitment while you're focusing on other aspects of your life (for example, grad school)

@Kamisha: YES. Or maybe we should just start a "How to be awesome forever" thread. @CorruptedInnocence: Wanna switch? I'm kinda tired of sticking out.

This thread is the best. Can we also have a "How to avoid getting married while in grad school" forum? I think more people need that one.

Mainly just waiting for acceptance/ rejection from MIT - leaning toward UPenn right now. Intend to visit UDel, Cornell, UPenn - not sure about CMU. Also - CMU visit date is March 7th-9th, alternate March 21st-22nd