SNPCracklePop

If it makes you feel better, seek out CVs of PhDs in your field (many members of academia post theirs on their departmental webpage). You likely won't see GPAs, but their publications are emphasized.

Unless of course you plan on applying for professional school after you get your doctorate, then you better get your As.

Think about your responsibilities after graduate school whether it's in academia or industry. Your future employers will want productive researchers and creative thinkers. They'll see that you met the requirements for the degree then dive head first into your publication record. Your productivity and creativity will be judged there, so who cares if you tested well in classes? You won't be taking exams when you get to that point of your career. Don't stress too much about the curriculum hoops you have to get through, just get through them. Focus your energy on your research.

I'm a bound composition book person. Durable, bound, and they make a cheap lab notebook substitute.

I won't sugar coat this, and I won't sell grad school to you. It's not for everyone, and about half the students that leave develop the distaste for it in the first year. Coursework is one of the hoops, no way around it. The job market isn't promising or guaranteed, you will have to fight for a job when you're done. You pursue this regardless, because you have at least some interest in your field. If you hate it, really hate it, you're heading in the wrong direction. Take a moment to determine what you want out of your career. If grad school won't take you there, figure out what will. Once the final outcome's clear in your head, the path will come to you. All the best to you. Good luck.

Was blasting Michael Jackson the other day while on the microscope. It really helps. Got some looks, of course.

I also try to remind myself what I've already accomplished with a glance of my CV or transcript. We (Grad students) tend to look upward at the mountain left to climb, but it helps to look back down once in a while.

Deadlines always work with me. Reminding myself that my kids aren't getting any younger also helps. I'll find essays about graduate school success for that needed spark (bio.research.ucsc.edu/people/thompson/StudentSuccess.pdf).

Really, really think hard about leaving before walking away. You may not get this opportunity again. That said, situations like this are more common than they should be. Be the squeaky wheel, and you'll get your oil. Talk to the department head(s) and anyone at the top of your group that can get you your scratch. I can't imagine your frustrations right now (frankly, I'm very disappointed that such a highly-rated department within a prestigious (and heavily endowed!) university would do this to their students). Very unprofessional of Berkeley. Stay in the fight. If it looks bleak, communicate with the other programs that accepted you. Worst comes to worst, you're at a program that treats you fairly and miss only a year of time. Good luck!

Love my Timbuk2!

Unfortunately, http://nanomag.ucsd.edu/ is down, but they followed the Mystique template from Wordpress.

Sorry to be a pain in the butt, but you're better off getting a Mac. I've had a couple of PC laptops, and they just don't have the longevity of my MacBook. You could use a comp that will last the entire program, and a Mac is the safest bet. It's worth the student loan $$$.

This thread has been a great help. Also designing a website for my advisor's lab. To contribute, there are some great free programs to create your page with. I've been happy with Seamonkey so far: http://www.seamonkey-project.org/

dealoz.com It's another one of those "sweeps the web for the best deals sites"

I don't think the "Name, M.S." looks too snobby if it's used for professional purposes. My advisor will put M.S. after my name for publication submissions, and I've seen many posters and presentations where it's used.

I'm sure you'll be fine with either a Time Capsule or WD. If you can, hold out until Black Friday or Cyber Monday, and you'll save a bundle. There are always external hard drive deals.

I'm in a similar boat (w/ a MS and experience), and I would lean towards leaving it out. If you really want to exhibit your Master's, you can consider listing your name as "Joey Smith, M.S."

Picked up a Western Digital 1TB about a year ago, and so far, so good.

Eigen's totally right about making opportunities. Take advantage of social networking sites. Look up past graduates of prospective advisors as well, find them on Facebook, and send them a message. They'll tell you what you need to know.

I see your points. I forgot to mention in my last post the uncertainty factor of assistant profs. If he/she doesn't get tenure, or moves on to greener pastures, you're in a predicament. Your options could include finding another prof who is willing to take on your research or following your mentor to another institution. This adds significant time to your program (and these are happier outcomes). Just tread with caution. There are tenured profs that are well funded, very productive and sympathetic.

Oops, last thing. Get an idea about their availability and what you need. Do you need an "On call" advisor where you can have their attention and input at a moment's notice, or do you mind if they're running a large lab, a member of many committees and departments, have many students already, etc. Availability can be a VERY important factor.

I had strict criteria when shopping for my advisor. 1. NO ASSISTANT PROFESSORS!! Possibly the most important tip. Those who work for profs seeking tenure become workhorses, and this seems to be the norm in any university. You're seeking the same degree regardless, don't torture yourself. 2. Know their publication activity. If they (including their students) have multiple publications every year, you might want to put a bullseye on them. 3. Have an interest in their research. Not to say you must love it, but your dissertation will follow you as you start your career, so at least like it. 4. $$$ as mentioned before. You need to be funded to finish quickly. Grading papers, waiting tables, teaching undergrads keeps you away from your research, delaying you from progressing in your career. 5. Must have a family. This was my most important criterion as I have two children, and my second was born during my first year. If you have a family, you'll need an advisor who understands what it's like to change diapers at 3AM, be utterly sleep-deprived, and know that there is more to life than (gasp!) research. 6. You know you best. Ask around for how these people advise. Do you need someone breathing down your neck to get work done, are you very self-motivated, do you need a relaxed atmosphere, do you need structure? BE PROACTIVE! This may be the only time in your life where you hire your boss, so select the one most tailored to your interests, personality, personal life, and any situations that must be addressed. Happy hunting!

Besides your profs., department advisor, and eventual advisor, the most important people in grad school are your fellow classmates and the department secretary. You and your classmates will rely on each other with notes, support, study groups, sharing experiences with potential advisors, practice exams, the list goes on. Your department secretary can always find you extra $$$ for travel, moving expenses, etc. if they're your buddy. With the profs, be enthusiastic, willing to learn, and SPEAK UP if you're interested with working with them or on a specific project. Unless you're planning on professional school afterwards, don't stress the courses. 4.0, 3.0, GPA means little without that dissertation. Have fun! Many don't have this opportunity, enjoy and embrace the challenge ahead. Good luck!

Don't worry about it. Many students walk into PhD programs without a MA/MS or a Honors Thesis from their undergrad studies. I also entered the program with a non-thesis MS, and things are going well. Writing research papers is like learning a new skill, and you'll pick it up. Don't forget to check if your MS credits will transfer. Hopefully, you'll get to save a lot of time out of the lecture hall, leaving you more time to write

Go ahead, jump in! The sooner you're in, the sooner you're out. While I didn't start classes the summer before, I did pick up a research assistant job in a potential advisor's lab. Gained lab experience without interfering classes in the way, got a feel of the campus, and the summer counted toward a required lab rotation. Go on, get started!