masonm15

Hello All! I suppose this may be just to quell my anxieties, but I was wondering if anyone had any feedback on my qualifications or ideas for future programs for me to consider. Because I am ok with being an RA for a year or two before graduate school (I have a few opportunities lined up already), I am only applying to the one program I know I truly want to be a part of: Stanford's Affective Sciences program. Of course I know this sounds absurd, but I see no issue in reapplying to Stanford (along with other programs) if I don't get into the Fall 2017 student pool. Undergrad Institution: Top liberal arts collegeMajor(s): Behavioral Neuroscience and Classical StudiesMinor(s): BiologyGPA in Major: 3.8Overall GPA: 3.7Position in Class: Top 10%Type of Student: Domestic white maleGRE Scores :Q: 160V: 163AW: 6.0Research Experience: I've been working in my current lab since the fall of my first year, and I developed a close relationship with my PI after I showed early commitment and interest. I've been developing my own projects since my Sophomore year (I am currently executing my 5th solo project), and I make that clear in my statement of purpose. These projects are also very well aligned with my POI at Stanford, which I also discuss in my application. I have also been a research fellow at 3 different institutions for 3 summers (in Cincinnati, New York, and Portland) as part of SURF/SURP programs. My most recent summer was with a very well known researcher in affective science, from whom I'm receiving a letter of recommendation. Unfortunately I haven't yet produced any publications, but have a couple of manuscripts in the works (not yet submitted though). Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Honorable mentions from 3 poster symposiums, academic award for Latin Studies, Dean's List most semesters, Student Representative for my major, recipient of research grants for two summers worth of research (not any extremely notable/famous grants, however) Pertinent Activities or Jobs: TA for 4 semesters of psychology courses, a student mentor abroad (Kyoto, Japan) for a psychology of mindfulness course, research assistant at 3 separate institutions, tutor in Biology, Neuroscience, and LatinAny other info: I have given about 30 research talks at 4 different institutions (most of them have been at my own college) and multiple poster presentation at several conferences. I have also committed much of my time to contemplative practice by leading students and professors in meditative exercise, for which I collaborate with a committee of professors who started a contemplative studies initiative at my school. I am the founder and leader of the student group that meets to share contemplative practices (this is all reported in my CV and alluded to in my personal statement). I also founded a literary magazine and a poetry venue for students- although I'm not sure how relevant this is. Because I have not yet been published, I included in my supplementary materials along with my CV an APA writing sample of my last summer project that includes several significant variables as well as complex statistics, and that used a novel paradigm (virtual reality) in its method. I believe this shows I can produce publishable* science that's near the forefront of the field's methodology/technology. *statistically significant across multiple variables Applying to Where: Stanford Psychology PhD (Affective Science subprogram) Any critiques, chances, or ideas for where else I should look if I don't get accepted are appreciated I have considered programs at ASU, Columbia, Harvard, and NYU- but I believe I'd be the happiest at my target lab in Stanford