SarshTheAwesome

yep

Scripps is finally sending out rejections. Anyone headed to the UIUC analytical visit this weekend?

I think the cost of living for all of the schools I've been admitted to are relatively similar. International students, just search cost of living and the city. I like this summary from forbes of Ann Arbor Michigan. http://www.forbes.com/places/mi/ann-arbor/

I think the February weekend is soon enough that if they do invite more people for interviews, they will want people to go during the March weekend. I need to book travel to UMich for that weekend, assuming I don't get an interview, so they should hurry up and reject me already.

I guess this is anonymous enough that we can talk about funding. Is it a good idea to weigh stipend differences when we are deciding between schools? What about the differences between fellowships, stipends, and being an "insert fancy name here" Scholar?

Nah, the professor changed subjects pretty quick, so I don't know why she dropped.

Yeah that's why I judged you as non-Midwestern. Everyone I know who doesnt drive is from big cities, and doesnt need to. Sorry to hear about your past ailment! Personally, I would still consider driving to be pretty important (unless you enjoy spending a lot of time on campus), so maybe you should weigh that in your decision when picking schools? Here's the vague reason I think UIUC might be difficult: the head of my small schools chem department, who knows me well, was telling me about one of our students who went to UIUC and didn't make it through after the 4th year. She stressed how bright this student was, and I got vibes that she has less faith in me completing the program than she did in the girl who dropped out.

Also I'll be visiting the analytical weekend (March 20 something)!

Haha, I can tell you guys aren't from the midwest. UIUC doesn't seen like the middle of nowhere to me, but I can't imagine life without a car. Public transportation ,beyond getting to scool and back, is horrible in this area (Atleast my midewestern state). Good luck getting groceries or going anywhere interesting without a liscense. On a postive note, driving isn't scary here like I would imagine in coastal areas. Pros: good stipend for cost of living, I really like the professor I've been in contact with, prestigious, they have been very personal and supportive so far! Close by for me. Cons: I've heard its harder than the other schools I applied to, maybe not as prestigious as UMich?

Thank god. My friend is doing dental school interviews, and lectured me when I said I wanted to wear a cardigan haha!

Dumb question, when we go to visitation weekends and are running around the campus on tours, are we supposed to wear suits the whole time? I ain't classy enough for that, might have to do some shopping!

Normal person checking in. Freaking out completely because I just got in at UMich. =D Is UIUC elite?

I know atleast with UIUC, they have different weekends for different fields of interest. The analytical one may conflict with ACS, so they told me if I need to I could switch weekends and go with a different department. They also said they would pay for a flight from Denver to UIUC if need be. Maybe other universities do that as well?

Anyone else still waiting to hear from UMich? I know atleast with applications to professional programs, they take foreverrrrr to get anything done, but I'm starting to worry! I'm applied for analytical and have been in contact with a PI.

I'm analytical

So is UMich done sending interviews? People who got an interview, what was your field?

This is a bit of a delayed response, but I turned my app in on the due date (Dec 15th) and heard back four days later. They are on the ball with the application process!! Question, were you in contact with any of the professors there? I'm wondering if thats why I heard back so fast.

Thanks for the responses everyone. I did look through both chem and bio programs and found atleast one or two professors at every university I applied too!

I've known forever that I want to do neurochemistry (specifically relating to psychological disorders). Its a bit hard to find this kinda stuff through chem departments, but I know it exists! Anyone know of places other than KU, Scripps, and University of Illinois?

I completely understand this. I want to do neurochemistry focused on psychological disorders. I'm lucky if I find 1 professor at best per university through the chem department. I would suggest emailing the professors you are interested in and asking if they will be accepting more students. Personally, I've decided that I am only applying to schools that have that very specific interest, even if its just one professor.

I am a psychology and chemistry double major that is about to enter my last year of undergrad. My school is small and not very prestigious, but I have a great gpa (3.94 overall and 3.85 science). I expect to do quite well on the GRE because I'm a good test taker. I've done a bit of undergrad inorganic research at my school (but haven't taken the class). This summer I got into a chemistry REU and I absolutely love the bioanalytical research I'm doing. I want my career to focus on psychological disorders from the chemical/medical perspective and I know I don't want to go into academics. My question is: chemistry phd, pharmocology phd, or pharmaceutical chemistry phd? Also, what tier school should I be aiming for?