Bioenchilada

As a fellow labmate of mine used to say: "Being in a top school automatically puts you in the loop" There's just an inherent bias with big names when it comes to publishing; thus, it is more likely to get published in a top journal if you go to a top school. However, you can still do so even from a "lower ranked" program. In terms of your question, I think it's easier to reapply than to transfer.

Okay, let me say a few things. First, did you ask for a rec letter from the professor that didn't like you? If so, this is probably what killed your application (and the GRE). A bad letter will get you rejected almost immediately from anywhere. It's better to even ask one of the instructors with weak credentials for a rec letter than to have a bad one. I was in a similar situation with one of my labs and did NOT ask for a letter. For cancer immunotherapy, one of the best schools, if not the best, is definitely The University of Pennsylvania. Not only this, but they are extremely strong in translational research as well, especially since they are affiliated with CHOP and HOP. In terms of commenting on the school, Indiana University- Indianapolis is probably different from the one that the other fellow posters are commenting about since IU-Bloomington is the only school referred to as IU. IUPUI is not as strong as Indiana University (IU) in terms of biomedical research. Rankings aside, you seem rather dissatisfied with the outcome of your application season and it seems that you are not going to be happy at IUPUI. If you were, then rankings really don't matter because you're actually content. Based on the tone of your post, I would probably suggest your reapply, if possible, once you make your application stronger. However, maybe you should try to work in someone's lab in the mean time to look for a replacement letter.

What were your specific credentials when you submitted your apps? What things can you change?

Why are you so concerned about ranking though? It's important to an extent, but you seem to be obsessing over it. I don't really think US News is very reliable, especially considering how to haven't updated their "Biology" rankings in two years. JHU is #3 in terms of medical research, just like Penn. NRC and PhDs.org are definitely more informative, though they don't cover everything. For example, you can't use any ranking system to 100% accurately gauge a school's ranking in certain specialties, like cancer biology.

I just came back from an official revisit and had meetings with the people I wanted to work with. My first rotation is basically official. I'm starting in June, so I can do science without having to worry about coursework.

I think I got my first two rotations figured out!

I think it depends on the school's reputation, its ego, and the personality of the chair of admissions. I have a friend that straight out told the UChicago chair of admissions during their interview that they had gotten into Harvard. They still got in lol

"Should I suck it up and just get the degree where ever I can?" NO. You have to do your Ph.D wherever you think you will be happy but at the same time being aware of your chances to get admitted into the schools you're applying to. I think that to aim for the schools you did, you really have to put a lot of work into trying to improve your GRE score and maybe even excelling at a subject test to make yourself stand out. Overall, the GRE doesn't really matter but it becomes more important as your GPA decreases. If you had above a 3.8, I wouldn't know what your problem was. The thing is that while your experience and your rec letters indicate that you're a great candidate for a doctoral program, there are also many people in your position... with better numbers. Also, maybe you could improve your SOP one way or another to make your passion more evident, it can REALLY make a difference. Feel free to PM me if you want feedback or anything

What schools did you apply to? Who wrote your rec letters?

I think that your credentials are pretty great! (Cumulative GPA is a little on the low side for the schools you're applying to, but it's fine) However, a lot of these programs are about fit rather than picking perfect candidates, numerically speaking. Luck is also a factor, but this is out of anyone's control. In all honesty, I don't think you can be equally interested in 16 programs; thus, you should cut down your by half or even a bit more. I had 5 interviews during my last cycle and it was extremely exhausting. Avoid letters from people that were not your PI's and postdoc rec letters. In terms of studying in the UK, I was advised against it because the length of the training is typically shorter, but I don't have an opinion on the matter. Overall, I think you have a great chance of getting into at least a top 15 school.

It's official. I'm going to Penn!! (Cancer Biology)

Same

I spent a summer working at Harvard Medical School with professors that are BBS faculty, and got to interact with plenty. I'd say that these rumors are mostly unfounded given that the people there seemed very friendly, the graduate students were happy, and the labs seemed collaborative. Of course, there's going to be cutthroat PI's and labs everywhere, but that's not the vibe I got at all, which comes as a surprise since I went in thinking that it going to be super intensive. tl;dr I'd go for Harvard.

As of last weekend, I'm officially done with interviews! It feels pretty good to not have to stress about having to travel and balance interviews with my studies. I'm also incredibly satisfied with the results (4/7 acceptances)! I wish the best of luck to those that are still interviewing/ have yet to hear back from some places. Now to decide where I want to spend the next 4+ years of my life lol

I feel that your GPA is kind of on the low side for the schools you're applying to, I'd suggest branching out more and retaking the GRE to compensate for it. Also, how much experience overall would you say you have? If you have more than 3 years, I'd say you'll be fine then.

Same

Got my first post-interview rejection!!

I didn't contact anyone at any of my schools either. I don't really think that's necessary because the only thing that you'll find out if if they're taking students, and the websites often show available rotation projects.

What schools did you apply to?

It particularly sucks if your first choice is your first interview and you get admitted way before you get to the others. hahaha

As general advice, I'd strongly advice against applying to more than 7 schools. It's a lot of money and there's just a limit to how many schools you can ACTUALLY be interested in. If you make it to the interview, they'll be able to tell if you only applied as a safety. Also, interviewing is a very tiresome process, regardless of how much fun you have during these weekends

Why would you ask the postdoc in your lab for a letter if the PI is already writing one? If you bring up your GRE to 320+, especially a higher quant score, and write a pretty good SOP, I think you'll be fine Being LGBT might also help if the school's you apply to ask for diversity-related affairs! I was in a similar position as you in this regard.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. My Dartmouth roommate just got rejected too :/

What Dartmouth program did you apply to?

Congrats!! <3 Was that your top choice?