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Schools have definitely pushed back deadlines a day or so before (usually if there was some sort of issue with the online application system and they got a lot of complaints, or some other reason). The order that your application is reviewed varies from program to program. Some programs review applications on a rolling basis and thus it is most beneficial to get your material turned in as early as they'll accept. Other programs have a set date on which the adcom will start reviewing applications and the chronological order they review them (earlier -> latest applicants, vise versa, or some other order) depends on the program. I wouldn't worry too much since you got your material turned in before the deadline - the committee will most likely not start reviewing applications until after the holidays.

Explain you situation to your employer and see if they would be willing to be a little lenient in terms of taking time off. If you at least let them know the situation at this point, it'll ease the tensions that would come up if you wait until you have concrete dates before requesting time off. Good luck with your applications and interviews.

The fact that the History Channel now only has a bunch of auction reality shows, ice road truckers,etc. instead of actual science and history documentaries

You could look at computational biochem/bioinformatics programs since someone with your background would be looked at quite positively.

I've had some good roommates in the past but since I started my Master's I've lived on my own and can say I thoroughly enjoy the decision. I thought it might get lonely sometimes, but to be honest I spend quite a lot of time on campus and some of my friends are my neighbors so I get to socialize when I want and enjoy some alone time at the end of the day. This experience is quite relaxing but as was mentioned above - try both and see which you like more.

Thank them for their confidence in you, and explain that you have prior commitments on the proposed interview date and if it would be possible to schedule a Skype interview. Just be polite since you never know if the person who reads the email may encounter you later down the line at some academic function.

That's good to know since I also have a Skype interview coming up

^ I think you posted this in the wrong sub-forum

^ You summarized all the lessons I learned the hard way a few semesters ago when I started grading for my labs .

I definitely do this - found out I had a grammatical error in one of my SOPs after I got an invitation to interview with the program so it must not have been that big of an issue.

Usually the universities keep a copy of an application for about 1 year, so you should be fine.

I would think that spaces are not included in that character limit.

I'm glad this thread was started since I'm a little nervous about what to expect with my upcoming interviews

On top of all the nuggets of wisdom that have already been given, I probably would not have applied to as many programs. All the programs that I applied to "fit" my research interests but trying to balance interviewing while finishing off my master's thesis may have been made easier if I was just dealing with 4 schools. Also I would have tried harder to get fee waivers because I didn't realize how large of an investment this process would be until after the fact.

I would say that continuing your GRE prep and getting comfortable with the format and taking some practice exams would help you achieve a high score. If you have time I would strongly suggest that you take on some sort of research or project work before applying. This sort of prep coupled with a continued upward trend in your grades in CS classes would help you get some strong letters of recommendation. If you have the chance, doing internship work in CS would also be very helpful. You can address why you hadn't performed as well in college A in your SOP but honestly I do believe you have a fighting chance at most of the schools you listed as long as you get some research/project/internship experience, do well on your GRE, write a strong SOP and get strong LORs. Also you may want to start drafting your SOP early and consult professors that specialize in the area you want to get into during your graduate studies. Anyhow hope that helps and good luck.

Usually it's single spaced for SOPs.

Congrats - one more left and you have all the interviews!

If you are admitted into the program you will need to submit your final transcript. Since they will most likely see your grades, you might as well submit the most competitive transcript.

While the Quant score is quite important in engineering, the AW actually plays a very significant role since both the Q & V sections can be "gamed" via memorization, etc. The AW section helps these programs differentiate candidates who usually have very high Q scores. Just keep that in mind - I would go with the second set since high 80% scores in Q won't really disqualify you. However, you could just send both sets and they may just pick and choose the best scores since you did pretty well both times.

I can only speak for the US application process. Usually as long as the professors submit their applications before or by the deadline you should be fine. They usually have computerized systems that will put together all the material on your behalf (application, transcripts, GRE, recommendations, etc.). Just make sure that your name is spelled correctly on everything in your application package or that could lead to delays which may negatively impact your admission status. To be safe try to submit your material as soon as possible and get your recommenders to do the same - it helps in case there happens to be some error to have a little bit of cushioning before the hard deadline. Hope that helps a little bit and good luck with your applications.

Honestly the Biochem subject GRE is perhaps the toughest of them all. A score like yours could easily help you in top programs. Usually programs are understanding if you struggled when first arriving at college, as long as you show progressive improvement and excelled in most of your science courses. Also high general GRE scores can help you usually offset a lower GPA. Best of luck.

I would just briefly mention it but there's no need to write more than 2-3 sentences about the experience and just include it to show that you have some exposure to the area in which you would like to work.

If you have the chance, you should try to take a biochemistry course. The other suggested courses would be helpful but with your research experience, I think that would be fine. Just make sure you can get strong letters of recommendation.