blc073
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Posts posted by blc073
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26 minutes ago, Cervello said:
As far as being an east coast vs west coast person, I don't think there's really such a binary. I'm in NYC where many ppl are transplants from elsewhere, many from the opposite coast. Can't really distinguish between us. I went to an Ivy for undergrad where, like all its peer schools, nearly 1/2 the student body is from 3 states: CA, NY and MA. Again, we had more in common than not. And SF is full of classmates of mine who grew up out east but got jobs in tech straight out of college. So I don't think weighing which "type" you are should matter. But the rest of blc073's advice is right on point, solid, and well said.
I think there are fundamental lifestyle differences between living in the Bay Area and living in NYC. People with certain personalities will gravitate to one lifestyle over the other.
One's experience at an Ivy League university is not representative of the popular college experience. Furthermore, graduate school is completely different than undergraduate.
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2 minutes ago, meep95 said:
thanks! I probably should have mentioned that my boyfriend will be moving out with me, but unfortunately not until December (he has an extra semester of undergrad). Because of this, I am trying to get a place by myself so that he can move in, and it can't be university housing since its a one year contract and he wouldn't be able to live there since he isn't a student. I'll see if I can find any complexes though, seems like my best bet.
I'm surprised he can't live with you in university housing. Most universities allow "domestic partners" to live in university housing. My girlfriend isn't a student, but she's living with me in university housing. They even gave her a family ID card.
Anyway, I definitely think a complex is what you're looking for.
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I know the struggle. My girlfriend and I moved to Boston from the Midwest, and we were in your exact position.
Here are a couple of suggestions:
1) Look into university housing. A dorm, subsidized apartments, anything. It may not be ideal, but it is a place to stay. Most universities in big cities have university housing for graduate students.
2) Look for apartment complexes. Avoid apartments run by independent landlords. A complex will have an office that will work with you. You can ask for a Facetime tour of the unit or detailed photos. Complexes typically have units ready for the future. They will post a unit and say "Available 9/1." Or something like that.
3) If you find a place you like that is operated by an independent landlord, ask your university administrators to look at the apartment for you. They should be willing to visit the unit and take photos. You could also ask any of your cohort who already live in the city to visit the unit.
4) Look on craigslist or another online site for people in apartments who need a roommate. Working with someone who is already in a place and who is in need of a roommate is probably the most flexible option. To this point, see if your university has a Facebook page or website for finding roommates.
Don't worry, you will find a place. Every year thousands of incoming graduate students face this exact problem and figure it out.
Good luck!
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11 minutes ago, Epigenetics said:
Had the same experience, just got the Stanford rejection in the mail and I'm more offended that a school with such a mediocre app they made us use couldn't be bothered to send an e-mail.
- SysEvo, Epigenetics, Kaede and 1 other
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First, I will echo what others have said: you will get out of your PhD what you put into it. The program you choose needs to be right for you. Look for PIs doing work you want to do. Forget courses, forget everything other than the work being done and whether or not it's the type of work that will keep you up at night.
If both programs fit your needs, think about SF vs NYC. Rent is ridiculous in SF, but it's also high in NYC. However, I believe Columbia provides subsidized housing in Washington Heights. Does SF provide affordable housing? In general, it seems like there are west coast people and east coast people. If you know which type you are, the choice should be easy.
As far as science goes, I was under the impression that Columbia pretty much invented modern genetics. Depending on the type of genetics you like, Columbia could be a great fit. In my mind, as someone reading papers everyday, I see more biochemistry coming out of UCSF. I'll just say, there are some amazing publications coming out of UCSF. There are also outstanding PIs coming out of UCSF.
In the end, you're in a really great position and you will be happy either way. Ask yourself, 1) If my top three choices for labs don't work out, will I be happy with my fourth choice?, 2) Do I see myself living in NYC or SF for five or so years?
I know this post is unorganized and prattling. I've had way too much coffee today. But I hope the general ideas are conveyed. Feel free to PM me if you would like bounce around ideas.
Congratulations, regardless! You're in a very fortunate position.
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15 hours ago, abcd1 said:
Thanks. I am an international student so was wondering if the tax rate might be different for me.
I am not international, so I am not certain, but I believe taxes for international students depends on your country's tax treaty with the US. I've heard that if your country has a tax treaty, you do not owe any taxes for the first two years.
Look at the information on your country's embassy website. For example, look here.
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On 3/20/2017 at 10:51 AM, GCapplicant said:
Regarding thank you notes -- is it more appropriate to send a handwritten one or an email?
Always do email for a professional correspondence. Even if you are writing a thank you note for a professor or close colleague, type it, then print it and deliver it in an envelope.
In short, never hand write anything in a professional setting.
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58 minutes ago, abcd1 said:
Anybody know of a website or calculator that lets you estimate the tax on your stipend? I assume it will vary depending on the state but just looking for a rough number.
The general rule is to set aside 20% for taxes. In Massachusetts, the actual tax is closer to 14% total.
My girlfriend and I came out ahead on taxes this year and planned a trip to Spain! #savemorethanyouneed
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The best way to approach this situation is to always have a back up plan. Academia is ruthless, and you do not want to be left empty-handed. My advice is to assume rejection until you are accepted. In the meantime, plan for the future. Look for post-baccalaureate opportunities, MS programs with late admissions, or tech positions. Then, if you are rejected from every program, you will still have something going, and you can start looking forward to the next admissions cycle. In short, do not sit around waiting for rejection letters, hoping for the best. Be proactive. It's the only way to be successful in academia.
My girlfriend applied to several programs for neuroscience. By March, she had several rejections and no interviews. She started applying for jobs and MS programs in Boston (where I was going). She had two job interviews and an MS acceptance when she finally got an interview and subsequent acceptance for a PhD program.
Keep your head up and be aggressive. Look for exciting ways to spend a gap year so if you do not get into a PhD program, you'll still have something going.
- FailedScientist, Nomad1111 and SysEvo
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14 hours ago, MCF10A said:
Still 50:50 now. It's a tough one.
Yeah I learned about HU housing options, but the $900/mo dorm room in Vandy is not as attractive as the $850/mo room in 2b apartment in Uppereast lol, and I want to live close to Longwood in G1.
BTW good to see you here, I probably know who you are
I believe you do know who I am.
You are in a great position right now. Relax and know that whatever decision you make will be the right decision.
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On 3/5/2017 at 5:48 PM, MCF10A said:
I'm facing a similar decision (Harvard BBS vs. GSK) so I can totally feel you.
I pretty much agree with all of your pros and cons, and just want to add a few points: (1) GSK has many PIs doing comp bio/genomics work too. They recently added a new "computational and systems biology program", and recruited Dana Pe'er from Columbia to be the chair. Those PIs are doing amazing cancer related work (Berry Taylor, John Chodera, Christina Leslie, to name a few). (2) There are several faculty members in MIT Koch doing cancer immunology (their cancer immunology program has 10 faculty members according to the website). Their work might not be as transnational as those done by GSK researchers tho. (3) GSK is not necessarily cancer biology focused. They have a top-notch structure biology department (arguably the best in the nation), and many top-notch scientists doing non-cancer related developmental biology, stem cell biology, immunology and cell biology research.
I think at the end of day, the major differences between GSK and MIT Biology are (1) translational vs. basic science research; (2) New York vs. Boston. The whole impression of the GSK program gives me is that they want to train the grad students to be ready to solve the problems in cancer clinics (clinical program, many many researchers doing translational research). Most of the cancer biologists at MIT (both Whitehead and Koch) focus on the deeper mechanism questions about cancer. Scientists at both places are doing outstanding science. Which aspect of cancer research interests you the most? As for New York vs. Boston, I haven't lived in either city, but I think both are awesome cities from my interview experience. The stipend should be similar at both places. The subsidized housing from GSK is a great deal, I don't know whether MIT provides subsidized housing too (Harvard doesn't so that's a big headache
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Anyway, both are awesome programs and you really can't go wrong by choosing either
Where are you in the GSK vs. BBS decision?
Also, I would consider Harvard Housing to be subsidized. They guarantee a cheap dorm room next to the medical school and they have apartments and houses in Cambridge that are cheaper than market price.
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20 minutes ago, Epigenetics said:
I'm not keen on staying at Harvard, since I already have a Harvard undergrad degree and two years as a staff scientist here. However I only applied to programs that I could see myself attending and had faculty I wanted to work with, so we'll see!
Well I'm sure you will have your choice of program!
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13 minutes ago, Epigenetics said:
I realized I never did my little introduction!
I'm applying to: Harvard (Systems Biology), Harvard (BBS), MIT (Biology), Stanford (Biosciences - Genetics), UCSF (TETRAD), UC Berkeley (MCB), and UWashington (Genome Sciences).
Already heard from UCSF (12/15), Harvard BBS (12/16), and Berkeley (12/16). Still waiting on the rest.
I'm actually a computational biologist in an HMS cancer lab, so if you have any questions about Boston or Harvard PhD programs I'm well-versed, about half my lab is BBS and the other half is Chem Bio. Happy waiting to all!
I trust you will make the right decision by staying Boston?
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7 hours ago, myhairtiebroke said:
What's the dress code for interviews? I've been told "not a tshirt and not jeans" by most people in real life and I see similar advice online. I'm still worried, because "not jeans" is quite a range - though I'm assuming a suit and/or tie is unnecessary. Sneakers? Chinos? Any collared shirt (assuming it doesn't have a guady print or distracting color)? For guys that have already gone through interviews, what did you wear? Or, if you're not a guy, what did you observe the male interviewees wearing?
I wore the same thing to every interview: casual dress pants (I have a casual pair of slacks), comfortable dress shoes, a white button up, and a sweater.
Remember, you will likely be walking a lot, so you need to be prepared for that. I also interviewed in really cold places (Minnesota, Chicago, Boston, Denver), so I had to wear clothes that would go well with a big coat.
A suit is not necessary. My Harvard invitation specifically said to dress for comfort.
I would pack nice jeans or pants for nights out, nice pants (slacks or chinos) for the interview, comfortable shoes that look good but can be worn while walking a lot, button ups, and maybe a sweater or two.
Finally, know that will not be denied an offer of admissions based on what you wear. Honestly, any school with that philosophy is not worth your time. Dress nice, but be comfortable.
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19 minutes ago, Hernandez22 said:
Hello!
I applied to the P.h.D in Education program and the Rutgers Graduate of Education request my university to send official transcripts for the application process. The thing is, I was born and I live and Brazil and here universities do not send transcripts. They (my university) gave me a official transcript which I took to a certified translator and then, I uploaded through the "supporting materials" page. Do you think they might decline me because of my transcripts situation? Are they so "stricted" about it?
Thank you very much!
This forum is specific to biology, but you might have better luck here.
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40 minutes ago, kindsoul101 said:
This was very helpful - thanks for the details. Looking back I realize that this thread's focus isn't Harvard BBS so perhaps I should have started a particular thread to seek detailed information concerning Harvard BBS.
But this is very helpful. I will of course have to decide which school is right for me after I go through interviews, get admitted, and perhaps go on a 2nd look to see.
You shouldn't take things so personally BTW... If I can upset you, then you've got to get out more...
I think you are incredibly rude and arrogant. If you are this abrasive online, I am concerned how you will be in person. I sincerely hope you are able to adjust how you come across to people before you interview - interviewers at every institution will see right through any facade.
- SysEvo, nguyel1995, kokobanana and 2 others
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2 minutes ago, Epigenetics said:
I can confirm a lot of this good stuff from my labmates that are in BBS. The downside as I've understood it from them is its quite an impersonal program, because of the size and how diverse experiences are, you can get lost or not get the support one might need. And part of that does lie in having so many lab choices, it's hard for a program to address all those varied needs and experiences.
I agree that it can be impersonal, but the folks in the BBS office really work to know everyone and to make it an inviting environment.
I forgot to mention the BBS retreat. Every year everyone in BBS is invited to a free vacation (food, alcohol, hotel, transportation) in Provincetown in Cape Cod. It's quite the experience.
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8 minutes ago, kindsoul101 said:
I would love people who go to Harvard BBS to talk in detail about going to Harvard other than saying I went to Harvard. If you recommend certain labs/can elaborate on something other than the actual name "Harvard"...that would be appreciated...perhaps talk about the independence you have in a lab or your experiences
For example, I gave you examples of why I thought MIT was strong (ellowships/funding for independent research/in some cases you don't even have to rotate under PIs and can just choose a lab)
If you can speak about Harvard BBS more specifically and what areas you feel it is strong in and the level of independence of your research/help with postbacs/fellowships that would be appreciated.
Again, it's all an opinion but still isn't that what we are here for? To get generalizations and opinions? Since there is no objective way to prove any one correct? No, I just want an opinion.
I love being in BBS. It was my top choice, and the interview weekend confirmed every expectation. We have a cohort of 75, so it is not hard to find a group of friends.
The coursework is amazing. We are required to take 32 credits of courses: eight credits are required (BBS 230 and BBS 330), 24 credits are for electives. I can take courses through any science department at Harvard, MIT, Brown, and Tufts. The lecturers are all leaders in their fields: I've had lectures from George Daley, Phil Sharp, Bob Horvitz, David Altshuler, George Church, etc. Contrary to popular belief, the teaching here is amazing.
Everyone in BBS is fully funded throughout their PhD. There is no question about funding. Everyone gets the same funding regardless of how long they have been here. In addition, the stipend for Harvard BBS is around $5k higher than the stipend at other Boston universities.
The lab work here is outstanding. There are over 800 labs in which BBS students can work. I can work in the Harvard Quad, Beth Israel, MGH, Boston Children's, Brigham, Broad, Wyss, DFCI, Harvard College, etc. The lab work itself is what you make it. I've completed two rotations and I am currently in my third. My first was in yeast genetics. I told the PI that I was interested in autophagy, so I was put on a project looking at selective autophagy. The PI was always available to chat, but he really just left me alone with a grad student and we went to work. I set my schedule and got good work done. My second rotation was in cancer biology. I told the PI I wanted to look at metabolism in cancer, so I got put on my own independent project looking at the role of a specific pathway in breast cancer. Again, the PI could meet whenever, but I was independent with the guidance of a graduate student. My third rotation is at MGH working on the human genetics of neuropsychiatric disorders. My PI does several things, but I told him my interests and now I am on a project doing exactly what I said I wanted to do. In short, research here is incredibly independent with enough guidance to learn what you need to learn. Many PIs want to train graduate students, not use them for free labor. I feel like I am in an environment to learn how to be a scientist.
Many BBS graduate students do great things. I know one who is the senior scientific advisor at the White House. Another is in Bob Weinberg's lab. My PI is a Harvard graduate. I'm also on the executive board for the Harvard Biotechnology Club, and many of the speakers we bring in are BBS graduates.
There are a lot of student clubs. I am always being invited to free events with free alcohol and food that are put on by other students. Student life here is great. Boston and Cambridge are also amazing cities with a lot of culture.
But anyway, it doesn't sound like Harvard BBS is right for you, so good luck at Hopkins!
- SA01RSE, Epigenetics, MCF10A and 3 others
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4 minutes ago, kindsoul101 said:
I answered your question in the way I wanted too... that comment was my opinion based on my experiences, however generalized... it is an opinion... so I told you to go read more about Hopkins' history of research so you could form your own opinion, however generalized
there is no right or wrong answer, there is just a question and someone's opinion
I guess I would just point out that your assessment of Harvard BBS is not an opinion, rather an inaccurate description.
My advice would be to be careful being overly critical of institutions during your interviews. It's a definite red flag.
- kokobanana, Epigenetics, SysEvo and 2 others
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11 minutes ago, kindsoul101 said:
Dude, seriously, just google Hopkins and read about their history in the field of medical research - really? They are sorta a big deal lol...
When I think of medical research, particularly neuroscience or anything related to neuroscience/neurology, I think of Hopkins.
When I think of of public policy/law/business/medical school, I think of Harvard. Furthermore, I'd choose MIT over Harvard for anything in the sciences if I wanted to live in Cambridge/Boston.
Like seriously I've been to top schools already so I don't need a name to feel justified... so I am going based on objective criteria such as student/faculty interaction, whether or not students are collaborative, and funding/time to do your own research and not just being a PIs bitch... and hands down I actually think MIT is best for people that want to also have resources to carry out their own research as opposed to constantly rotating and being a PIs bitch. I also think MIT phds in the sciences do extraordinarily well in highly competitive postbaccs...I think they also place extraordinarily well in actually creating graduates that go on to teach and run their own labs...
There are some strong areas of Harvard BBS of course, but make no mistake about it, they definitely have drawbacks to which just getting the "Harvard" name isn't worth it...especially since I've already graduated from 2 top 5 schools.
I was just asking for an elaboration on your Hopkins comment, which I'm not sure you gave me. However, your description of Harvard BBS and MIT has not been my experience.
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11 hours ago, kindsoul101 said:
Question to anyone
I don't see much discussion about Johns Hopkins Medical school graduate programs... anyone on here waiting to hear back/applied?
I guess I'm surprised to see so many people talk about Harvard while Hopkins to me seems to define medicine... interesting to hear what people have to say.... it's just I'm shocked to see more people waiting on results from Dartmouth than Hopkins medical school grad programs... but I may be missing something
Can you elaborate on what you meant when you said Hopkins defines medicine?
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19 minutes ago, DGD4L said:
Just looking at the results for harvard bbs. Why do some people say they got invites on the days other than the main day? Do you think that's a typo or what?
I believe that is a typo.
To the best of my knowledge, the meeting was yesterday and invites went out today.
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4 minutes ago, AGradStudentHasNoName said:
I'm dying here. You are getting so many interviews. At least its just that none of my programs have sent any yet. Now it won't be until Monday at the earliest. Well, I'm going backpacking this weekend to get off the grid and away from email...
Sad for all of you who got disappointments today. It's tough. Have some comfort whiskey... lol
Congrats to everyone with invites!
I do not advise drinking out of sadness.
- cosiva and Janiejoneswoah
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Columbia vs UCSF
in Biology
Posted · Edited by blc073
This is my point. It's not a fact that San Francisco has better weather than NYC. Personally, I much prefer the weather in Boston compared to California. Clearly I am more of an east coast person. All I am saying is that each coast has little things that make it more appealing to some people.
In the era of alternative facts and Trump, I have to say this is a ridiculous argument. There is just so obviously a difference between west coast people and east coast people, it's unreal. There's the West Coast-East Coast hip hop rivalry, there's the term "best coast" in reference to the west coast, there's a Huffpost article entitled "33 Reasons the West Coast is the Best Coast," there's a Buzzfeed quiz called "Are you more east coast or west coast," I can go on. I actually can't believe someone would dispute the notion that there are west coast people and east coast people.
Also, I know you meant well, but I would avoid telling people they are well spoken. It's incredibly condescending.