[NSF GRFP 2016]

On 1/27/2016 at 2:15 PM, pterosaur said:

As a programmer - that's probably trickier than it seems. They'd have to hire someone to write code to do that which wouldn't be worth the cost to them. 

(I know I'm late here, but..) Honestly, I don't think this is that hard. I was rejected this year (notified 11/30/15) for incorrect margin size and/or text size. It is funny, because I have submitted two years in a row using the exact same formatting document, and my application was reviewed the previous year (actually, got some pretty good reviews).

When I questioned them about it, they told me my margins were 0.9in rather than 1.0in, and that my font was 11 rather than 12. Whether or not they are correct in their measurements (my editors still says 1.0 inch and 12pt Liberation Serif font), their system for accepting proposals is ridiculous and desperately needs revision. What is the point of PDF verification? Can a human visually discern 0.1in margin, or delta-1pt font size in a different font, via a PDF?

If they cannot write the code (and I don't blame them), they should at least impose a hard character limit and allow for the uploading of 1-2 graphics with a finite area (say, equivalent of 600x600pixels total). That is how the CSGF does it (no pictures though), and its extremely reasonable as it gives candidates a way to validate their application!

I finished my app nearly a week in advance, after refining and proofing my statements carefully. Its a shame it was rejected, and that too for such a petty reason. Sighh.. I'm done venting.

[Got Owned -- no more ee PhD for me.. :(]

Guys, guys.

 

Offered PhD at UCSB with funding. So stoked

 

To those who may find this: I wish you the best of luck, never stop fighting.

[[Biotechnology] UCIrvine or Columbia]

As for the place, I am not a fan of big city so NY is not really attracted to me. I guess I will like Irvine more.

It seems you are in UCLA. Do you know whether there are lots of pharmaceutical or biotechnological companies in this area?

Thanks!

 

Trust me, Irvine is really nice (I grew up there). You won't be disappointed.

 

LA is cool, but the biotech scene is huge from Irvine down to San Diego. Lots of high-technology start-ups I've never heard of.

[Emergency question about multiple offer acceptances]

I agree. Deposit =/= registration.

 

You're only in legal trouble if you filled out the SIR (Statement of Intent to Register). This document usually has clauses about not attending other institutions. Usually you can even back out of these without trouble, before you're paid your first quarter/semester tuition.

[[Biotechnology] UCIrvine or Columbia]

Wow, tough choice.

 

If you're looking to jump into industry right away (and are sure about it): I'd go for Columbia. Its well-known, can't hurt you.

 

If you're looking to get into research and development (and are sure about it): I'd go for UCI, according to you its a better research program. I can attest to the fact that they are an underrated campus (they have tons of new stuff!). Good in physics and sciences.

 

Maybe you should go visit. If you feel like you can rock it, New York might be good to you. Otherwise, peaceful, serene, amazing Irvine is always there for you.

[Got Owned -- no more ee PhD for me.. :(]

Still waiting for OP to answer this question.

 

I guess I misspoke. Not "best-chance", rather "best-case". Berk/Stanford I think were within my reach, if I had a better GPA... Oh well.

 

Rejected from GT. Waiting on UCSB/LA/SD.

 

But, I talked to my Prof about my future plans, and we found a cool physics project that I could be a part of for a Master's project in my current lab. I'm not going to expect any admits, hoping to re-evaluate PhD in 1-2 years.

[Got Owned -- no more ee PhD for me.. :(]

Thanks for the comments, guys.

 

I'm curious, why do you want to pursue signal processing / information theory while being without formal background in those? (I would assume your DSP to be classical transform-based signal processing.) My doubt is, it is possible that the adcom doesn't see how your research interest is realistic, given your experience. If that's truly the case, were I you, I would try to build up my formal experience in signal processing / information theory, either by works, or Master coursework.

 

What does it mean to have a formal background in DSP? I've taken several signals and system classes, feedback control, used similar considerations in analog circuit classes, programmed an embedded processor. Is this enough?

 

In parallel to my research in the Photonics lab, I'm working with another professor to develop a new Computer Vision algorithm for biological signal analysis. This is where the core of my study began, trying to compare digital signals mathematically. Feeling empowered by my ability to understand (theory) and apply (code) DSP/linear-algebra, I applied to grad school to study (digital) information.

 

Maybe I'm thinking about it wrong: I view doing a PhD as the chance to become an expert by solving problems in your field. I tried to convey this in my personal statement, but I guess I wasn't convincing enough for the Admissions Committee to extend me an offer. But its OK. I'm not really caught up in having a piece of paper justify my credentials, I care about learning the stuff and solving cool problems. What should I do? I need some way to support myself !

 

Things I was thinking of pursuing:

- an extended internship, apply in 1 year

- a entry-level job, apply in 4 years if really want to

- a job at a small company that does circuits / dsp, build my way up. forget about the PhD.

 

What do you think?

[Got Owned -- no more ee PhD for me.. :(]

Hi guys,

 

Feeling pretty bummed here, got rejected from my best chance schools, Berkeley & Stanford, and I haven't heard anything from any of the other schools (Georgia Tech, UCSB, UCLA, UCSD).

 

I have a pretty low gpa, I know (3.3), but surely my work and project experiences demonstrate how I am able to excel at several different fields! I currently attend a big UC school and work for a great professor, but I want to become an expert in study signal processing and information theory, not photonics. Too bad my dreams have been crushed  . What to do now?

 

Any advice? I have thought about trying to get a small job in the bay, CA, but I don't know how to pursue my goals in DSP without grad school..

 

Experience:

- Nano-photonics laboratory - Paid research assistant for 1 year, using TCAD to prototype and study devices

- Big Electronics Corporation - testing intern for 1 year, tested volumes of boards, wrote automation tools

- Carbon Nanotube laboratory - volunteer for 1.5 years, imaged and investigates samples

- Few other internships

 

- Several original "design" projects and applications built

- Experienced in C/C++, Python, Web

- Background (in order of familarity): DSP, Systems, Nanotechnology