Ragneo

Your research experience is enough. I started my research experience in January 2014, and turned in my grad school applications in December 2014. Got accepted into one of the programs you applied to. My GRE scores and GPA were a bit better, however. But don't think your research experience is meaningless! Also, I went to the same undergrad as you, so I'm rooting for you! Good luck.

Why don't you just punch me in the face while you're at it? Haha. They're projecting opinions that aren't true, personal experience. And 90% (okay I made that up, but I bet it's close) of everyone else I talked to at these interviews didn't go to prestigious universities, and they got interviews at many of the places you mentioned.

You have nothing to worry about, honestly! But let's face it, you're going to worry about it anyway (which is natural). I hope I can give you some relief. Just make sure your SoP/Personal Statement is great, have some people read it. Best of luck.

I really don't think you need to worry about your list, in my opinion. From my experience at interviews, there was plenty of representation from smaller, liberal art schools. Just make sure your Statement of Purpose/Personal Statements are top notch and have people input suggestions as much as possible. I went to a well known, flagship research university with stats way less impressive than yours and I got interviews at a couple of those places you mentioned. Don't sweat it, you'll be fine!

I'll go ahead and say this process is a crapshoot as well, in regards to figuring out what went wrong with your application. I got into some good programs (by my standards at least) even though when I turned in my applications, I had less than a year of research behind my belt. Granted, I think I really utilized my time conducting research effectively, but that's besides the point. There's a very close acquaintance of mine who has a stellar GPA, research experience, and GRE scores, and I must say I am confused on how he was rejected from most of the places he applied. He was accepted, but to less prominent programs. This goes to show you how difficult it is to really determine who is the perfect candidate. As everyone has said: it's probably your interviews that are screwing you up. But it's really up to you if you're going to try again next application season. Best of luck, acetylcholine.

I just officially accepted my offer to Yale! Moving to the north east this Fall--I am so excited!!!

Speaking of making decisions... is it bad to accept pretty early? I have heard of people getting fellowship offers to convince people to accept their admissions. I don't know if this is true or not, but I really just want to accept my offer already!

I have a feeling some schools do... For example, one of the admissions committee members, who I interviewed with, told me that they really wanted me, and that's why they nominated me for a training grant and fellowship (there was about 2 of us out of 20). He was saying how they wanted to lay it all out on the table to make it clear they wanted me and make it convincing for me to accept their offer. Although, I have no doubt in my mind they would have rejected me if I had done anything behaviorally concerning.

Just thought I'd bring this up since this is pretty important to me: how LGBT friendly is New Haven/Yale?

BBSB!

Got accepted into Yale!!! One of my top two choices! Now onto the stressful part: picking which grad school to actually go to...

I actually thought the same thing about Yale BBS (that it was going to be super-competitive, like an Ivy-league is supposed to be.) However, my friend convinced me to apply--I got an interview and attended. And I can say, at least from my impression, that it was a super friendly environment and that most labs collaborate. If I get accepted, there's a high chance I'll be choosing Yale over my other schools!

I got accepted into Vanderbilt IGP! I'm going to graduate school guys!

Oops. Wrong forum!

You mean the Molecular Biosciences Training Grant? I got an e-mail about that too (and I haven't interviewed yet as well)! I wonder how selective it is.

I'm curious--how did you know who was receiving an acceptance or being waitlisted? (I'm more curious if this will be apparent to me at my interviews, haha)

I guess this means I probably wasn't selected for an interview. Oh well. Congratulations guys!

I e-mailed the coordinator last week because I may have had conflicts and I wanted to know when the decisions were going to be made, and she said the latest decisions will be made is today. And judging by previous years, they said they sent e-mails. So I'm assuming they're going to send you an e-mail later today. However, that doesn't show on my application page... So now I'm worried. Goodbye top choice...

Did any of you guys applying at UCSF hear anything yet? (I'm assuming you guys applied to the CCB program)

There's always a chance that those specific labs may not be looking/can't afford for more students that the time of the application. Therefore, they want to admit students who are interested in many labs. Being in a lab you like = higher rates of success.

Would you say that you tend to make friends with the other interviewees? Just wondering! Also, do you tend to see the same people at all your other interviews? l None of these are particularly vital questions to the interview process, but I'm just curious.

I have a separate question that may have been answered, but I haven't seen it: How many other interviewees tend to be at the weekends with you? Or did you observe that there was a large range of numbers?

Speaking of which--this made it super difficult to find out what kind of program I should apply for! Technically, my subfield is at the interface of biology and chemistry, but I could have applied to Biology, Chemistry, or some other Biochemistry programs! (And most of the faculty were in multiple departments anyway).

I also sent in my application maybe two weeks early if that helps ease any worry! I hope you get the interview, Penn State is a good program! (Sadly both of their weekends for me are already booked, so that dashes any chances of us meeting, haha).

I heard on Dec. 27th sometime at 6 AM in the morning!