Shawn3007+

Undergrad Institution: Top Australian University (Consistently top 100 worldwide) Major(s): Biochemistry and Cell Pathology Minor(s): GPA in Major: 3.0 Overall GPA: 3.4 Position in Class: Somewhere in the middle Type of Student: International, South Asian, LGBT GRE Scores (revised): Q:162 (82%) V: 160(85%) W: 4.5 (82%) B: Not taken Research Experience: 2 years undergrad in proteomics, 1.5 years in health policy post-grad Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Summer Research Scholarship Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Special Bonus Points: Solid Recommendations, 2 from University Professors. Third from Employer who is a Harvard/Oxford grad and top of his field (although not in biomedical field). Applying to Where: UNC Chapel Hill - Biomedical Baylor College of Medicine- Biomedical University of Utah - Biological Chemistry University of Virginia- Biomedical UMass Medical School- Biomedical I think other than UNC which is clearly my reach school I have a reasonable shot at the other 4 universities. However after a full round of rejections last year I am not too hopeful. 2

So this round of applications has been widely unsuccessful for me.I received 5/7 outright rejections. Was unofficially wait-listed (i think) at UC Davis, but rejected after the first week of April. My final hope is BU's MCBB program at which I am waitlisted. Even after the April 15th, according to admissions I am still on the waitlist and a decision has not been made on my application. They say they expect to make a decision in a week or two, but that's what they always seem to say and the drag is just becoming quite draining emotionally. I have already been making other plans, applying for RA jobs and contacting potential supervisors in Australia. (I'm an international student with a degree from the University of Sydney) However its quite difficult to make concrete plans until I know the final decision on my application. I would just like to know how long they can actually drag this out? Is there some sort of final date by which Universities need to finalize everything?

Hey guys, I emailed admissions. They said that "International applicants can expect to receive Skype interview requests in early to mid-March as faculty have not yet finished reviewing these applications."

Let me preface this by saying my previous comment was harsh, and it should have been worded better. I stand by my opinion though. Most of the arguments against me automatically assumed that I am a straight white "privileged" man. I am not straight or white and come from a middle class family in a developing country ( I survive on less than 400 USD a month) . I have been the only person of colour working in an all-white lab. I wasn't treated any differently as an international student or a person of colour when living in "white country", and honestly I have faced more discrimination in my home country where everyone looks the same as me, due to my sexuality and bookish nature . Sometimes we assume because there is no one else "like" us that we would not be accepted by those around us, but that is more often our own issue. Sure there are racist, sexist and bigoted people out there, but should a program change the standards of admission just to make everyone feel "comfortable"? Moving outside my comfort zone is when I have grown the most. Finally, since I don't live in the states, this is only my perception of the situation, it could be that programs downright discriminate against women and people of colour. If you have some research on it I'd love to read it. (<not sarcasm)

And you are the reason for even more women not going into PhD programs. You can't expect things to magically change for you, everyone who is different has had to fight for what they want. If you go into a PhD program the lone woman, you may inspire other women to follow suit and breakdown stereotypes that your male colleagues hold about you. Stop expecting men to come "save" you.

MCBB.

BU PIBS or MCBB program?

@bioconfused thanks for the advice. Since it was my first time applying and I am fine with having to wait an extra year I thought I should try applying to the dream schools just so that I know I tried. I will probably diversify my applications next year. Probably UC Davis range and below. I might also take some time off work and sit the subject GRE.

Still nothing right?

@kreimer Did you have any publications as well? I feel like that was probably the weak spot in my application. Probably my GPA affected it a little as well.

Yeah I am quite happy with it. If I have to reapply will try and do the subject GRE.

BU is my last hope, pretty much.

Undergrad Institution: Reputed University In AustraliaMajor(s): 1. Biochemistry 2. Cell PathologyGPA in Major:N/AOverall GPA: No official GPA, roughly 3.5Type of Student: internationalGRE Scores (revised):Q: 162 (85%)V: 160 (83%)W: 4.5 (80%)Research Experience: 1 year part time paid research assistant, 1 research project, 1 summer internship, Currently working in a different area of research.Applying to Where: So far I have rejections from UCB, CSHL, Rockefeller, and UCSF. Expecting rejections from Scripps and UC Davis. Hoping for something from BU. I was probably too ambitious this year, but its my first time applying.