Octopus28

Hi kjweber, Welcome to Reno! For a 1 bedroom apartment, I would check out the Old Northwest or Northwest neighborhoods. These are west of the University of Nevada and are excellent places to live. South Reno is really nice as well, but a bit further away. Avoid north and east of the University. I would also avoid downtown! I've been in Reno for less than a year, so I'm still figuring things out as well

First post since waiting to hear back from grad school (a year ago)... now the waiting game for the NDSEG fellowship

Thank you for both your comments. I definitely do feel guilty, but I guess I need to do what is best for me!

Hi everyone, Hope someone can help me out. I just found out I was accepted off the waitlist, but I already accepted another offer. Anyone know the standard protocol for this? Thanks ahead of time!

I'm so excited to accept my offer at Nevada! Hopefully my stats will help someone in the future who is hesitant about applying because of low grades. Undergrad Institution: Community College transfer to State School Major(s): Molecular Biology Minor(s): N/A GPA in Major (undergrad): 2.60/4.0 GPA in Graduate level courses: 3.70/4.0 (MS program at a small state university; will not finish degree) Overall GPA: 3.30/4.0 Position in Class: Average Type of Student: Domestic Male GRE Scores (revised version): Q: 167 V: 155 W: 3.0 Research Experience: ~2.5 years of research during undergrad in 2 different labs. 2 poster presentation by the time of application. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Best poster voted by attendees. Pertinent Activities or Jobs: 3 years of work experience as a research associate for a small biotech company. --Results -- Rejections : Cornell University - BBS OHSU - PBMC Tufts University - Biotechnology Engineering Portland State University - Biology Interviews: City University of New York - Biology (waitlisted) Acceptances: University of Nevada, Reno - Molecular Biosciences I knew coming out of undergrad it was a long shot at a PhD anywhere. I took the time off to work in industry as well as take a courses for a Masters in Biotech. I definitely could have worked more on bettering my GRE scores, because I took it on a whim. Regardless, I said it from the beginning and I still believe it; Nevada is the best fit for my research interested (regenerative medicine + immunology).

Thanks a bunch!! I know the deadline is approaching soon, so I just needed a second opinion! Just making sure I don't seem too eager.

Hi Everyone! I've definitely been in and out of here a lot, especially after being called out by a friend for being obsessed with the forum. Anyhow, April 15th is approach really quick and I'm not sure if it's appropriate for me to email about a program I've been wait-listed for. I went in last Tuesday for an "open house" where I learned I was wait-listed. Is 1-week too soon to email? Thanks again for everyone's advice thus far!

Congrats to everyone who have gotten into schools already! For those who are still waiting to hear back; hang in there... we're almost there! To add onto the excitement of hearing back from programs, I'm personally getting nervous about going back to school after being out for 3 years!

Hi JML, I am also in the same boat as you. UNR wanted me to respond by this Friday even though I have yet to hear back two other programs. I kindly asked for an extension for making a decision. I believe smaller programs will put my pressure because they want people to commit to their program so they can ensure the slots will be filled for the year. My understanding is that these smaller programs are more looking for declines rather than early acceptances so they can offer the position in the next wave. I kindly sent an email to the program directors telling them I am interested in their program, but cannot reach my decision on such short notice. I'm sure if you give them a sense that you are interested, they will gladly keep your spot!

Thought I'd throw in my two-cents into this discussion. I always knew I wanted to go back to grad school for a PhD, but knew my credentials were not strong enough to get me into a programs straight after undergrad. I talked to my undergrad adviser and he told me to gain experience in the field. I've been in the biotech industry for 3 years and have been working on a Masters in Bio. You gain insight on how to work in lab efficiently and effectively. Grad schools also like that you spent time in a lab, because many students end up disliking bench work. I would strongly recommend at least 1 year break even if you have the credentials. You'll learn a lot about yourself

Still says "Complete ready for review"

OHSU has updated the PMCB website saying if you don't get a response by Dec 26, to email the coordinator. Eek. This just makes celebrating the holidays more stressful

Same boat as you. According to the PBMC website, decisions are finalized today!

Congrats!!

Gah! Someone posted they got an interview for Cornell BBS... I'm so nervous now

Thanks! On the website, they said invitations for interviews for PMCB will be out by Dec 22. This waiting is so nerve-racking... I just want to know! Haha

What program did you apply to? I applied for PMCB and haven't gotten that email.

Yay! That's great to hear. I know OHSU has a "hard deadline" of Dec 1st, but didn't even update status of supplemental documents till Dec 2nd (meaning they probably didn't even start look at apps yet). You should be in the clear for a fair consideration!

Hey virus guy, I'd definitely considering re-taking the GREs especially for applications that are not due December 1st. You're credentials otherwise look great. I just know a few schools explicitly say "combined score of X minimum."

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I've applied to 5 schools thus far, all in-reach schools. Nervous for applying for my two (huge) reach schools! But I think I'm going to do it... Being denied is probably better than not knowing at all.

Hi everyone! I'm curious how many school people are going to apply to. I originally had a list of 5 schools. From there, it expanded to 11. Now that I submitted 3 so far, I'm starting to think to go back to around 5-7 schools. Any advice?

Hi there! The most important part is getting lab experience. Aside from positions at a research institute, check out positions in industry.

Has anyone gotten to the point where they don't want to apply anymore? I'm there right now

In my honest opinion, there's no right answer. Whichever molecular biology course you decide to take will help you one way or another!

Masters programs are definitely a lot less stringent when it comes to research experience. You are definitely not screwed by any means!