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I applied to 1 program for my masters (got in) and 7 for my phd which was slightly more than I planned but I only applied to places I could realistically see myself attending and living (which geographically limited my choices slightly).

As someone who doesn't have a clue about your credentials or preparation I would say that it's not worth applying if you don't plan on improving them within the next year. Now if you want to truly go down the PhD path, then you can apply to a masters program in neuroscience (as for which ones - that is up to you doing the research). You can also apply to post bacc programs such as like the ones at the NIH or in industry in order to gain the necessary skills to succeed. A lab tech position is also useful if it is a similar setting to what you would like to get into. Taking a year or two to up your stats and really consider if this is the path you want to stay on shouldn't be a problem since you adamently seem to want to go into academia. Those are a few options but remember you only need one acceptance and the rest won't matter (if that one place is somewhere where you can see yourself living and researching for the next few years), but judging by your sig - you seem to have given up hope. Don't do that until you have confirmed rejections. And if that were to happen - it's not the end of the world. I know students who have gone through similar situations and are now loving their doctoral programs.

Depending on the structure of the post bacc program (if they have you taking relevant courses and doing useful research/projects) then I would definitely say that it's a good idea. At the same time if it would be too much of a burden for you (financially or otherwise) then I would advice against it. I would say that your work experience would give you a unique perspective and if you are able to score well on your GRE you should be deemed a competitive applicant. Make sure you research the programs in your field and see how the funding situation is and what kind of research is being done at each of the institutes. Hope fully this gives you an idea of where to start.

As long as you applied to programs that you actually want to attend and you met the minimum applicant requirements, you have a chance. I don't sit on a adcom so I can't tell you any more than that. However to not "lose it" waiting to hear back I would keep busy - school, work, exercise, tv, etc. and breathe, you'll survive this waiting period.

It's one thing to be nervous (understandably) for your first interview but don't put yourself down like that - if you were invited then the department decided that are a qualified potential student. The interview process is just to help them decide whether you are a good fit. You cannot tell whether you are a less "qualified" applicant based solely on your scholastic aptitude, at this level your research experience and potential will be better indicators of your ability to succeed in the program. It's good to have a backup but until you have a confirmed rejection - don't start putting yourself down. Good luck this application season.

Just don't - it's not necessary

I've been called "intense" - which doesn't bother me too much since its who I've always been. I've been successful in my graduate pursuits thus far but I know plenty of "chill" individuals that have gone on and been quite successful in academia. Everyone has different strengths but your research ability and dedication to improve it are really the most important skills you'll need to be successful in graduate studies.

When the undergrads I TA complain about me grading too harshly - I reply by saying that "I'm pretty lenient on most things but I give out a grading rubric that I will always follow, so the very least you can see what I will be looking for in a report, plus upper level engineering classes tend to be less nice and accepting of blatant disregard for the assignment instructions" Also when undergrad students complain about their "heavy" course loads and tell me that I wouldn't understand since I'm a grad student. I'm sorry but I already went through it and life isn't all peaches and creme at the grad school level I may have less coursework but I make up for it with my TAing, research and other miscellaneous projects.

Well it can't hurt to treat it like an interview day. Which means read up a bit on the profs in the department and have a good idea about their research, but more than anything know your own research since you'll most likely be talking to someone about it. Dress appropriately and try to relax, most likely the program is trying to see if you will make a good fit and if nothing else it gives you an opportunity to address any concerns and questions you have about the program and see if you can see yourself pursuing graduate studies at the institute. Hopefully this helps a bit and good luck.

I'll give a couple of tips since I did my undergrad in chemical engineering (with a BME minor). Taking some pre-requisite courses at a community college is not a bad idea to get you up to speed with the area of interest. Just an aside but tissue engineering is one of the faster growing fields of research in biomedical engineering, not really molecular bio (although it has aspects of it). I would make sure that you take some physics and mechanics courses (biomechanics if you can) since you seem interested in prosthetic devices. I would also suggest that you take some basic electrical system classes coupled with the computer science if you are thinking about biosensors. When applying to grad schools you will have to provide a transcript of all post-secondary courses taken, so these community college classes would count. They would also show that you are serious about transitioning to this area of study. Also if you have time working as a lab tech (paid of course) in a bio related lab would be very beneficial since it would give you transferable skills when you try to pursue advanced studies in BME. Another option would be to get an internship or work in a medical device company to give you a better idea of what the field entails. Now since you are coming from a CMB background, you are at a disadvantage since you'd be competing against mostly other BME students; however, if you score well on your GRE (honestly you have to be scoring around the 90th percentile to be competitive), illustrate your understanding of the area of BME research in your statement of purpose, and get some strong letters of recommendation (preferably from previous professors who can attest to your research and scholastic ability) - then you should be able to gain admission into a BME graduate program. Just remember to research the various schools and see which profs are doing research in areas you want to pursue (rule of thumb is 3-5 profs per school) - big name schools are nice but don't only concern yourself with rank. Hopefully this helps and good luck with your endeavors.

They can usually get your info if you agreed for ETS to release your contact info when you took the GRE. So it's common if you specify your intended field of study and scored within a range that Princeton is looking for. If the due date hasn't passed and you find the program to be a good fit, I say go for it - it can't hurt.

21 when I started my MS, 23 When I start my PhD

First, relax this is just a program visit. If they have set you up with 4 short professor discussions I would come prepared (read over some papers of the profs & their research) but don't worry to much. 1) Business causal is typical - you can where a tie if you want but this doesn't sound like a official interview so it shouldn't be necessary. 2) Talk about your research, career goals, why you're interested in their program and ask them about their research and what they expect from potential grad students. 3) From the visits I went on before applying, profs tend to be pretty helpful on these visits but be very polite since you would never want to come off as someone who wouldn't be a good fit for the program. That being said, be observant and don't be afraid to ask the important questions pertaining to graduate research at the program (funding, TAing, research areas, etc). Just have an adult conversation with the profs and learn all you can during the visit. Hope that helps and good luck.

Yea as long as you keep a 3.0 and above (B or Better) it won't really matter since they deemed your credentials worthy of their program

If anything filling out a FAFSA doesn't take that long and you can use estimated values for now and just submit a SAR (student aid report) once you have done your 2014 tax returns.

I just have a few simple goals so far: 1. Successfully finish writing up my Master's thesis and defend it 2. Submit my manuscript for publication (and it being accepted) 3. Relax a bit this summer 4. Start my PhD program in an excellent program that fits my career goals

Alright thanks - I'll definitely PM you

I'll be there - hope everything goes well.

The day I submitted my last application I dreamt that I had dreamt that I finished the processes and actually hadn't started the application process at all and repeated all the stressful steps during the dream. What an exhausting nightmare

I wouldn't stress research as much (maybe project work or internship if applicable) but that isn't to say you shouldn't mention your research experience. The biggest thing you have to convey in any SoP is why the particular program you're applying to would help you achieve your academic and professional goals and what you would be bringing to the table. There are many ways to do this so don't stress if you have some research experience - it won't really work against you. Also if you know the sort of coursework you would be taking in the program and you have been exposed to similar work or prerequisite work, you could mention how your previous class experience would help you succeed in the program. Good luck with your applications.

At this point my undergrad (hopefully the school I choose for my PhD works out well). I went to the top undergrad program in my field (engineering/STEM) and it was a hellish ride but I definitely appreciate the environment and the people I met a lot more than when I was a college freshman.

During my last term as an undergrad, I had a very heavy course load (~ 24 credit hours) since I was a double major who was working on my master degree at the same time. It was difficult but I view those sort of sacrifices as an investment in my future and honestly the only way you can improve yourself academically is to be "battle-tested" to some degree IMO. Just remember to pace yourself, start assignments as early as you can and finally take a break once in a while.

Good I'm not the only one who noticed this

I regret procrastinating every time but I just can't bring my self to do all the grading I have to do as a TA over holiday breaks until the last possible moment.

I just don't understand how coffee can smell so good yet taste so bad. I could never wrap my mind around that and thus could never join team "coffee" (sometimes I wish I could - it seems like a popular team )