MackF

Well I'm sure fees won't be too bad. My stipend is also based on peer institutions/cost of living, they were quite explicit about that. The school I'm at will give you another 10% of your stipend if you secure a grant, I think. Good stuff!

Wow that's pretty generous. Does that mean your total pay for Fall '14 to Fall '15 (one calendar year) is $33k? Way to go either way! My healthcare and fees are covered as well.

I see. The program I've been accepted to is a stipend as well, along with health insurance that is covered by the college. You have to do 1 semester of TA'ing, but the money isn't dependent on that for me. I've got the funding guaranteed for 7 years but I really hope it doesn't take me that long ha.

For all who've been accepted, what are your funding offers like? Stipend? TAship? Health Insurance? I thought it might be a nice side discussion to get away from the application/admission stress.

Hi, I'd like to weigh in here too. I had a rough time my first year of college (ended with a 2.96). Now, I'm graduating in May and my GPA is just under a 3.5 (3.46, probably will go up a little after this sem.). I recently got admitted to graduate school in genetics. The main issue I see with your post is similar to what LMac said. Most schools had deadlines by Jan 15 at the latest. Many schools are interviewing/rejecting/accepting currently as I've done all three. Also, many schools have a 3.0 requirement, and while you may have a chance with a 2.99, a 2.7 is pretty far below that line (I don't want to sound harsh, but it kinda came off that way). I'd say your best bet is to get into a post-bac or Master's program, strengthen your GPA and show graduate schools that you do have what it takes to survive a PhD program. Your research experience and LORs won't hurt, and hopefully (as mentioned above) you have an upward trend in grades with your upper level bio courses having "A" grades. Getting in this year is unlikely, but there's always a chance in the future. Good luck!

Had a friend get into UMass Amherst today. I didn't apply there so the info is 2nd hand but better than nothing.

Congratulations! That's still a step towards what you want right? Take it as a great thing.

Hi all, I recently got admitted to U of R for a PhD in genetics (I'll be attending the school of medicine and dentistry if I decide to go there). I have a car and am in a fully funded program. That being said, does anyone have any advice on how to go about finding an apartment? I could easily go up to Rochester for a weekend to look at some places but I don't really know how to go about finding anywhere. Also, any word on neighborhoods within a 15 minute or so drive? I don't mind commuting back and forth. I've never lived in an urban area, always a suburban guy (originally from pittsburgh PA).

Technically, yes. I believe they are few and far between, however.

Just got my first acceptance at University of Rochester Medical Center for the Genetics, Genomics, and Development Program!

No problem. Maybe you'll talk to one of the same profs I did, since their GGD program spans a lot of different departments. Either way, if they are anything like the faculty I met at U of R they will be extremely nice. Is their program administered through the med school or through the undergraduate campus? Also, I didn't prepare a powerpoint, but my interview was in person, so YMMV

Happy to help! Obviously that's just one example but I think its best to keep it short and sweet.

Just did an interview with a portion of the AdCom from Syracuse Genetics this morning. It was just a prof and a student rep. Went exactly like a regular interview, asked me about research, why I'd like to go to SU, etc. Then they gave me a chance to ask. It was about 20 minutes and they said they'd be in touch in the near future. You'll do fine! They'll speak one at a time to you, not like an all out attack Edit: I actually did an in person with Rochester Genetics, Genomics, Development 2 weekends ago. Everyone there was extremely nice!

Hi [sender of the interview offer], I'm writing to let you know that I will happily accept your invitation to interview at the [PROGRAM NAME HERE]. I am extremely excited to see the campus and meet the students and faculty at [sCHOOL NAME HERE]. My preferred method of transportation is by plane, as I am several hours away in Pennsylvania. However, the University is within driving distance, and I do own a vehicle, should that become necessary. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Have a great weekend! PS This school asked me about transportation to the interview so that's why its included. Feel free to omit that.

I was there for the Genetics/Genomics program at the Genetics institute. Just got back home last night

Anyone else interview at/schedule an interview at University of Florida?

Yes. A lot of the time, a POI may not be available to do interviews on a given weekend. Also, they try to have at least one interviewer on the admissions committee. I wouldn't worry too much about it, because your interviewers don't determine what labs you could be in once you actually enroll. When I was at University of Rochester, I had an interviewer that was running late and they subbed someone in, and I had an interviewer that had to cancel a few days before, so I got someone that I knew nothing about their research. As long as you know your own work and can carry on a scientific conversation you will do great. Make the best of it!

Good Luck! I decided not to apply to Einstein even though they spammed me with emails. I'm sure you'll do great!

Thanks for the input. I'm not intending on going there anyway unless all else fails. Their program isn't medical genetics but the others that I applied to are. I'm actually on a plane to Florida right now for an interview. Best of luck to everyone else out there.

I'm headed to Florida tomorrow. Pitt ibgp I didn't hear from but a lab mate did. Don't count yourself out.

They didn't say in their email. I'll have to find out from their program coordinator. Thanks for the input.

Just got an invite to skype interview with Syracuse. They aren't my first choice, but that's off topic. Does anyone know why they'd elect for a 20-30 min skype interview as opposed to an in person visit? I've never heard of skype interviews for domestic applicants before. Additionally, a lab mate of mine received the same email to skype interview with them, so its not just me. Any thoughts?

No big deal. Happy to share information. I'd bet you're spot on in your prediction. Probably on a wait list of some sort. I imagine they sent out interview invites already at least for the first round.

Hi Activationenergy, I got my rejection via e-mail on Jan 24. Here's what it said: Dear [real name] We recently completed a major round of review of the applications for the Fall of 2014. Unfortunately, we were unable to offer you a position. The application process was extremely competitive this year, and the number of high quality applicants far exceeded the number of students that we could accept. We thank you for your interest in our program and for your patience with the review process. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Best regards, Jon Boyle, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Member, Graduate Admissions Committee LSA 102 Pittsburgh, PA 15260 USA

Congratulations!