workingonit

I feel like you've described me utterly. I know I've got some great options (and feel appropriately blessed), but I really, really don't want to be 2 years into my PhD, wishing I'd made a different choice.

I definitely agree with the comments about an uber-competitive environment and fit above--from what I've heard, the number of apps are WAY up (read, like twice as many for the same number of--or fewer--spots). And as for fit, since there are so, so many more applicants, adcoms have the luxury of striking someone from the interview list because they didn't say *exactly* what the adcom wants to hear in terms of fit. Also, since most PIs are really holding onto their funding in the current economy, many are going to avoid taking on a new student and/or be even more choosy about who they take. Keep your chin up. I got rejected across the board two years ago, and it sucked--but I was a much better applicant this time around. Taking time off before grad school can be a really, really good thing.

Other Person: So what are you doing next year? Me: I'd like to study neuroscience. Other Person: Whats neuroscience? Me: *headdesk* Other Person: So what are you doing next year? Me: I'm hoping to start a PhD program in neuroscience. Other Person: So you want to be a neurosurgeon? Me: No, I'm not going to medical school--I want to understand how the brain works. Other Person: Isn't that the same thing? Me: *headdesk*

Definitely don't turn down the interview if you want to go to the school (or at least want the acceptance)--most schools will turn you down if you decline the interview offer without either (a) a makeup interview date/phone interview/some kind of extended contect or ( a very, very good reason.

Has anyone heard from UC Berkeley Neuroscience yet? (No results on the results page.) You'd think that they'd be sending out offers, as the first interview weekend is Feb. 7-9.

I didn't mention it at all in my SOP for any of the 3 schools I reapplied to. That being said, two of the schools asked in the application if I had ever applied to the program in the past--and I didn't lie. I also thought alot about what it was that made my application stronger than the previous, so I was able to answer the "Why should we let you in now?" prompt. Good luck!

I think my worst experience was with Rochester--they have an online app, but the only method of navigation is a series of numbered (read, numbered, not labeled) links at the top of the page. You just have to page through the whole application to find an individual section, which sucks if you're like me and completed the application piecemeal. Also, they didn't have a mechanism for printing the completed application for personal records after completion. They literally make you print out every screen. SO IRRITATING. And I heartily second/third/umpteenth the comments above about the lack of updated profile/bio information on school websites. Its even worse when the school wants a list of people with whom you want to interview and you look like an utter idiot when you request someone who retired two years ago. UGH.

Most of my programs (including my top choices) notify for interviews next week. I can't decide if having this knowledge is a good or a bad thing.

When I applied for Neuroscience PhD programs two years ago, I got rejected from all 7 schools. Without going into the details on why, I can say that it utterly blew me apart and that I stayed depressed for close to a full year. I was lucky though--I changed labs and have been working full time for the past almost-two-years with a fantastic PI. He's allowed me to develop and work on my own project, present at conferences, write papers and grants, everything. Its given me the time I needed to rebuild my shattered confidence and remember why it is that I am so drawn to research. Regarding applications, the huge degree of breadth and depth of experiences I've added to my CV over the last two years has utterly changed me as a graduate school applicant. I went back and reread my previous applications, and I can honestly say that the time off allowed me to really mature and grow as a scientist--and it shows in my CV and in my SOP. I'm happy to report that I've already received interview offers from 3 of my 9 programs...but it certainly has been a long road. So the bottom line is that I agree with the above comments--if you don't get in, find someone (either in the US or in your country--experience is experience) who will allow you to really dig in deep with the research, if possible who will allow you to work on your own project. Adcoms seem to really respond to applicants who have taken control of a project and seen it through from start to finish, because it is a direct indicator of the applicant's ability to handle a thesis project. I'm not saying it will be easy--it wasn't for me--but it will push you to grow. You may also find that, if the worst happens and you have to reapply, your path may be smoother in grad school for the time taken to build up the level of experience. Cold comfort, I know. All of that being said--don't give up yet! We're way early in the response/interview season!

I had a dream a few nights ago about the head of my department (current job, also one of the places I applied to) turning into a commando and chasing me around with a machine gun during the interview.

^^ A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison. Excellent memoir on the experience of dealing with bipolar disorder--the author actually managed to successfully finish a PhD program at UCLA and now conducts research and treats psychiatric patients even as she continues to deal with her illness.

Congrats, iggy and NsciApp--looks like we'll all be partying it up in Ann Arbor together. Looking forward to meeting you guys next month!

I received my interview offer from Michigan on Tuesday (12/15)--so yes, definitely call them back. (Also UM is one of the few schools who seem to be actively extending interview offers now, since their interview is the middle of January--check the results page.)

Found a really interesting analysis of cost-of-living for biomedical science stipends by university/program, and thought I'd pass it along: http://www.wendychao.com/science/stipends/2009-10.html Enjoy!

Yum to the above. Depending on the stress level, I usually had water (unstressed), tea (moderately stressed and needed help focusing), or a bloody mary from my favorite English pub (very stressed, wanted the downer effect).

Its a delicate balance to find--mentioning enough names so that you indicate your flexibility as a student (and give yourself ample wiggle-room if several of those faculty don't have the funding to take another student), but not so many that your research interests appear to be too broad. I mentioned 3-5 faculty for each school I applied to, and mentioned that I was looking forward to rotating through labs before getting settled.

I agree with peoples' advice on to keep your lips sealed for the time being--an SOP is the time to project your motivation and excitement about pursuing this type of program, not to spend your entire time explaining away the gaps in your application--but don't ignore the red flags in your application entirely. I got some really good advice along these lines, when I was trying to figure out how to account for the fact that my undergrad research advisor wouldn't be writing me a letter of recommendation--have your recommenders handle the explanations. It (a) gives you credibility regarding the explanation of your withdrawals/incompletes, ( keeps you sounding positive and excited, and © shows that, despite your struggles with depression, you've still managed to impress good people and have them go to bat for you. It handles an awkward situation quite well, because it really highlights you as the prepared scholar you are and doesn't label you in any kind of negative fashion. If you're candid with your recommenders, most of them will be happy to help. All of that being said, I've dealt with depression too--and it royally sucks. I definitely think you should shoot for the top though--you're an excellent candidate, and you have every reason to expect some good options come March/April. Don't sell yourself short by not submitting the applications, because you can't get into a program if you don't apply. Best of luck!

I've submitted 5/9--including my top 3 this weekend (all of which had Dec 1-4 deadlines). Hope to have the last 4 done this week...

I know the feeling of being torn between just wanting to hit 'Submit' and wanting to make ABSOLUTELY sure that your SOP/sample/whatever is perfect...but keep in mind that rewriting your material for the upteenth time runs the serious risk of making it read as overworked. Try to make sure that the enthusiasm you started with still comes through on the 15th draft of your essays...otherwise, you may never get your application off the ground.

Caffeinated: I suggest having one of your recommenders address your ICs/low grades in their letters. It addresses the problem without making you seem whiny (and also gives the explanation some degree of credibility). You really want to focus on the positive in your application--it is NOT time to dwell on your negative experiences. That being said, reviewers DO notice if there are red flags in the application, and it is best to make sure that they aren't left with any outstanding questions after they finish reading. Same goes with grad school apps. Decaf: each appliation is evaluated independently each year--which means that regardless of whether you got an Honorable Mention the year before, it doesn't increase or decrease your chances of winning the award at all. Your reviewers (2-3, depending on if your application makes it past the first round) will almost certainly also be different people year-to-year as well. Not to mention the fact that your competitors will be different each year you apply, and that (probably more than anything) determines who gets funded. Good luck!