LoveMysterious

Hey you guys, after almost giving up hope and crying..I finally got my first interview for Molecular Cell Biology & Genetics, PhD at Drexel University. I'm so excited. Don't ever give up hope, everyone's time is coming! Interview dates are Feb 6-7, Feb 16-17 and Feb 27-28.

Interview from UIUC Biophysics and Quantitative Biology. 

I am so glad there is a thread like this!

I had a low uGPA as well (2.8), was accepted to a Masters program (GPA 3.8) and then was admitted to a PhD program outside my field. 
Just finished my first semester with a 4.0! Haven't been able to say that since high school

Anyways, I would like to encourage anyone who has a low GPA and is considering graduate school to go for it! Your GPA does not define you!! I have a lot of issues with the way GPAs and GRE scores are used to weed out "weak" applicants. These factors matter the least when you look into what makes a successful graduate student/researcher. 

If anyone is looking for advice or reassurance, feel free to reach out!

Really happy for you!  That's amazing!  I'm also coming from a lower uGPA side, but hoping my Masters helps with admissions! 

INTERVIEW AT UIC GEMS!! I am in shock!! For those wondering if you can overcome a 2.6uGPA, apparently you can!!! 

Now, I don't know your institution, but I would go to the CS department chair or Academic Dean and be like "Man, you guys are supposed to be giving me a future, not screwing it up". Maybe in slightly better terms than that, but yeah.

Applied to the PULSE program
Haha. I doubt fewer people apply to these programs because the ivy leagues can only accommodate so many people. More likely there are fewer people like me on the website who didn't apply to top ranked places. The rest of us mortals have to go somewhere too

Posting here as well as comp bio thread because I'm so excited.
Sanger Institute/Cambridge 4-year PhD program invite!

MIT BCS interview by phone this morning!

Interview invite this morning 1/3 Duke Biochemistry. Available dates- Feb 9-12 and Feb 23-26

Got an invitation to interview with UIUC MCB! February 24-25.

Got interview invitation from Harvard Systems Biology

Thought I'd throw my update out there:
 
UPenn CAMB/Cancer - waiting
Pitt IBGP/Cell and Molecular Pathology - Interview March 3
Tufts Sackler/Biomedical - waiting
UChicago Biomedical/Cancer - waiting
OHSU Cancer Bio - Rejected
UW (Seattle) MCB - waiting
UCSD Biomedical - waiting
UCI Biomedical Gateway Cell and Molecular - Interview Jan 26 (got this offer even before they sent out their "hey, we're reviewing apps" email lol)
Temple - not even due till Feb 15 lol (thinking they won't have interviews? that's why it's at the bottom)
 
Emailed UPenn, Chicago and UW to see if they're done sending invites. I'll update with that when/if I know.

Guys, its only Dec 21st! It is easy to get discouraged when you're seeing a bunch of people get multiple invites from Harvard/Yale/Penn/etc but to put things in perspective, it has only been three weeks since apps were due, and many schools haven't even started reviewing them yet. Panic mode is for February/March ;). We got this! 

Guys, its only Dec 21st! It is easy to get discouraged when you're seeing a bunch of people get multiple invites from Harvard/Yale/Penn/etc but to put things in perspective, it has only been three weeks since apps were due, and many schools haven't even started reviewing them yet. Panic mode is for February/March ;). We got this! 

Buddy, it isn't even January. The best thing you can possibly do for yourself is try to relax (lol I know, right?) and enjoy the holidays. I feel like you're rushing toward the worse-case scenario, which probably won't even happen. Don't feed the stress! 

I want to reiterate how important post-graduate research is in this process. There really is no comparison between undergraduate and post-graduate research. If you applied while you're still in undergrad, don't assume they hate you, just take some time to do this full-time. It'll beef up your application massively.

Guys, its only Dec 21st! It is easy to get discouraged when you're seeing a bunch of people get multiple invites from Harvard/Yale/Penn/etc but to put things in perspective, it has only been three weeks since apps were due, and many schools haven't even started reviewing them yet. Panic mode is for February/March ;). We got this! 

Guys, its only Dec 21st! It is easy to get discouraged when you're seeing a bunch of people get multiple invites from Harvard/Yale/Penn/etc but to put things in perspective, it has only been three weeks since apps were due, and many schools haven't even started reviewing them yet. Panic mode is for February/March ;). We got this! 

It still feels early in the application season, so I wouldn't be too down yet. However, I completely understand your feelings - this is my third time trying! I don't know what you're situation is, but if you qualify (graduated undergrad in the last two years), I would definitely look into postbac positions at the NIH. Or anywhere, but I went through the NIH fellowship and recommend it if you don't get in, or don't feel ready for grad school.

INVITE TO WEILL-CORNELL IMMUNOLOGY!!!! YESSSSSSSSS 

Invite from Weill Cornell BCMB

Same. Seems we have similar interview schedules. 

Don't be embarrassed! You're obviously a great applicant if you're getting interviews for neuro at Case =). Mine is even less than yours - I had to go do a post bacc.  Good luck to you too! 

Are you by any chance the person with the low gpa who posted on the survey results? Rooting for you all, but especially for my fellow low gpa-ers!!  Congrats!