fr0sting

Did others hear back from Columbia, in the neurobiology and cognition track?

Yes - got the formal acceptance already !

Yes - I got an email that I've been recommended for admission in Berkeley by the dept chair.. Did anyone else receive this?? Can I just consider it as an acceptance?

Nice, thanks Torple! I keep checking my email, haha! Did you get an acceptance from Berkeley then?

Has anyone got any news or updates from Berkeley for psych?

I'm wondering the same.. I didn't get an email response either (but I also emailed close to the holidays).. Does anyone know if most UC's send out invites in waves or at once? For instance, is UC Davis done sending out invites?

Hi rachliny, nope I still haven't heard back! Been checking the website daily too, so hopefully something will come through soon. It just says 'Submitted' for now. Congrats on your acceptance!! So exciting

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has heard from the Neuroscience and Education program yet from TC? I applied in mid-feb for their summer admission, I'm wondering if I applied really late..

Thanks for all your input too, SpartanNerd1021, eteshoe, biochemgirl67, peachypie!! Still haven't decided on the exact program, but this thread definitely gave me some direction. Will let you know how it goes!

PlanB - Thanks for this information, seems useful and helpful! I've been across that paper/survey before, just never read it entirely, so I think I should now, considering how relevant it is! I think you might be right in that a Masters in biology or neuroscience would help the most. brainsandeggs - I liked the tips about how to improve the SOP, I'll definitely take these into account in writing a better SOP for the next cycle! I had thought about using pubmed to see their latest research, but I think looking at their grants is even a better idea.. NeuroMetro - yes, it seems like I'll need to do some searching for these neuro themed biology masters programs.. Most in my area require 2 years, but there are several out of state that are just 1 year. neuro_queen - thanks for sharing! JW, did you begin applying for neuro PhD programs already? I'm interested to see how it goes for you! biochemgirl67 - I was kind of hoping the research job would be enough, since I've had it for more than a year now. It gave great experience in the lab, and we're looking into publishing, but everything takes so much time! So I know that I have to try something different, and think taking additional classes is what I need. Just a few more questions left if anyone feels like answering : 1. Do I really need to take that general GRE test over again (156 Q, 156 V, 4.5 AW) ? What about subject GRE - would it be worthwhile studying for the biology subject GRE test too? 2. Do you know whether graduate GPA is weighed more than undergrad GPA though? I have to say, a post-bac would be easier, but it would boost my GPA by .2 ( => 3.5 GPA), while a graduate GPA would be separate, and could be a 4.0 on it's own? Seems like grad schools would care more about the grad GPA then.. Thanks for everyone who has already put in some advice! Very helpful!

peachypie - thanks for your advice! I'll start looking into nearby post-bacc programs, to improve my GPA and show that I can handle the coursework. I actually did have my SOP critiqued though, by two researchers/MD's, one who edited it, and the other who read the edited version, and gave only positive feedback. My SOP was great in his view, but I think in the end, I feel that maybe I didn't personalize it enough to each university and/or POI. brainsandeggs - thanks for the encouragement and sharing your story! I can see from your signature that you are indeed doing terrific in getting those interviews! Congrats :). I would agree, a Biology related Masters would be a stronger move, I just hope I can find a program that would still interest me for that long if neuroscience is not the main part of the Masters program. Once again the only part of my SOP I think could've been stronger is the tailoring to each university. PlanB - thanks! Just wondering whether in your view, would a Post-Bacc be less beneficial than a Master's for improving my chances?

Congrats on getting an interview, misappthrope! maybe there is still some hope for us..

Hi guys, I'm concerned now that I'm not getting interviews for neuroscience PhD programs, about what kind of Masters program I should consider, to increase my chances? I have a psych BA, and was wondering if I should get a Masters in the same field as the PhD (neuroscience) I'm aiming for? There aren't too many neuroscience Masters programs that I could find, so would a different subject for a Masters suffice? Would it look ok to get a masters in something else like Psych or Physiology? My stats: Overall GPA: 3.3 in undergrad college, not counting the courses I took in CC (apparently grad schools distinguished between GPA's in different colleges?) Major (Psych) GPA: 3.8 GRE: 156 V / 156 Q / 4.5 AW Research: 4 years in 2 neuroimaging labs, will be 1.5 in other clinical lab no pubs Again, I just think it's my overall GPA that weakened my application. That and re-taking the GRE will probably help. Or please suggest what I could do better next time!! Thanks!

Anyone heard from UC Davis yet? I think results page has a few applicants who got invitations from Davis last year on Dec. 11 2014.. eh maybe not the same this year.

I like the fact that we have our own neuro thread actually.. will be easier to check here. I'm so anxious about hearing back!