FailedScientist
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Posts posted by FailedScientist
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On 8/3/2018 at 8:06 PM, Telepathy said:
Hello guys! Could you please give me some advice on my list?
Undergrad Institution: Top University in China
Major(s): Biomedical Engineering
Minor(s):
GPA in Major: ~3.6 (not sure)
Overall GPA: 3.60 (upward trend, last 60 credits: 3.87 using WES calculator)
Position in Class: top 20%Type of Student: International/Asian, Male
GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q: 170 (97%)
V: 157 (76%)
W: 3.0 (18%)
B: To take on Sep.15Going to retake on Aug. 23, hopefully may get my Writing higher
TOEFL Total: 105 (R29 L29 S22 W25) To retake on Sep.8 mainly to improve the speaking part
Research Experience:
- 1 summer research (~3 months) in neurobiology at Harvard Medical School (should get a good LOR)
- 6 months undergraduate research related to neuroscience at my home institute
- 1 year undergrad research in mitochondria in the same lab at home institute
Have 2 review articles (one 3rd/6 author published, one 4th/6 accepted) although the journal is not so good.
If lucky enough, may be on a Science paper (surely not first author lol) prior to application submission.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions:
- 3 university-level awards
- 2 university-level scholarships
- Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design 3rd prize
Pertinent Activities or Jobs:
- Physics tutor
- Research assistant
Courses:
- Undergrad biology (neurobiology, molecular cell biology, biophysics, etc.), chemistry, psychology
- a LOT of math & physics
Applying to Where: Neuroscience programs, maybe also some cell biology and cancer programs- UCSD
- UCLA
- UPenn
- Columbia
- Duke
- U of Washington
- Weill Cornell
- NYU Sackler
- UChicago
- UMich
- Brown
- UTsouthwestern
I know the competition in neuroscience could be very intense, especially for international students. I just skip the top schools like Harvard. Do you guys think I am still aiming too high? Any advice as to where to apply would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
You have a great profile! One thing about applying as an international is that there are significantly less spots (if I were to guess probably <5%) due especially in state/public schools. I had a lot more success my second round of applications when I applied to more privately funded schools which don't have these restrictions (e.g. BCM where I go takes in closer to 50% of internationals). I would take that into account when finalizing your lists.
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On 4/25/2018 at 10:37 PM, rising_star said:
Are there other PIs at Scripps you could see yourself working with?
Based on research interest and funding yes. Never met anyone there so can't say much for personality and mentoring style.
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16 hours ago, rising_star said:
For the questions about a Scripps stipend, the environment, etc., you really should reach out to current Scripps grad students. Before making any sort of decision, I would speak with the DGS at Scripps to reach an understanding about how much of your coursework would transfer and what requirements you would still need to meet.
Also, if things don't work out long term with this particular PI, would you regret going to Scripps?
Thanks for your reply. She is known to be a very intense PI, but is considered to be very smart and is quite adapt and bringing in collaborations and such. Going with her would be very high risk, high reward. If things don't work out and I end up dropping out of a PhD, yes I would definitely regret it. But if I just decide to switch PIs within Scripps that might not be the worst thing in the world.
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Hey guys and gals, I've come close to the end of my first year at BCM, passed all my courses and such. However one of the PIs I was considering joining is leaving to Scripps in CA. I have been given the option to transfer programs, but I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice on the program at Scripps, or any opinion on BCM vs Scripps as institutions, programs, environment (supportive vs competitive), cost of living and how far a scripps stipend goes in CA.
Any general advice on what its like to transfer and after transferring programs is also appreciated.
Thanks!
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On 1/30/2018 at 10:50 AM, Otinogonnyo said:
Anyone heard from Baylor translational biology and molecular medicine or integrative molecular and biomedical sciences program? Their application deadline was January 1st so I was just hoping they are taking things slow.
Baylor has already started with their first interview weekends for most of their programs. Some programs have more than one interview weekends.
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On 1/31/2018 at 2:11 PM, Bio_123 said:
Hi everyone!
I've just got a rejection from NYU Sackler.
I wonder if there is anyone heard back from Brown MCB or Columbia Biological Science (GSAS).
My application was transferred to my second choice of program Molecular and Cellular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine, but ı haven't heard after that. My application is still under review.
I also haven't heard back from UNC BBSP, ı assume it will be rejection.
With Baylor I suggest you contact the second choice program director. Sometimes when the application is sent to the second choice, people forget to take a look at it. This happened to me with IMBS and MVM. Contacting the program director ended up with me receiving an interview and acceptance. Good luck.
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Hi, I was wondering what people thought about someone picking a research topic (biomedical research field) on a disease that they themselves have or someone close to them has. Is it an additional source of motivation, or is it too much stress/pressure? Are there any ethical issues?
Thanks!
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Hi Guys,
I know there are already a few threads on this but I couldn't find anything that is particularly current/relevant for my situation. I am looking into buying a new laptop soon after my coursework year at gradschool (in around 6 months time). Would mainly need it for office, running bioinformatics software, possibly for some data heavy work (genomics/proteomics work). I've been leaning towards an macbook air hopefully with an i7 and 512gb ssd or an asus model with similar specs. I've never owned a mac but have used some. My main reason for leaning that way is durability. I've gotten tired of my pcs slowing down after a year or so of use and I hear that macs work better for longer, with the sacrifice of better specs for the price point. I plan on waiting and discussing it with people in the lab I eventually join as well to make sure I don't have any compatibility issues. Would love to get some feedback from the older and wiser.
Thanks!
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On 6/3/2017 at 7:21 AM, shikkui said:
I would say search for schools earlier than the GRE. That way, you can send in your 3 free GRE scores to schools you really like. Also, reading papers from potential PIs early is pretty important.
Kinda what I meant. For me I was working full time so I prepared for the GRE from around July (sat for it end August). I think thats early enough to prepare your shortlist. A few schools may change along the way.
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Hi Everyone,
So I have been accepted into a PhD program on scholarship, but was a bit curious to know if there are any external fellowships that are available to internationals in the biomedical area/ HIV research area. Particularly those that can be applied for in the first/second years of a program. Does anyone have any experience or insight into this? So far I have just been doing random google searches and haven't had much luck. HHMI was discontinued and several others have very specific requirements. Is it just a major scavenger hunt? Or am I going about it wrong?
Thanks in advance.
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My advice;
- Sit for the GRE as early as possible, at least by August. Start researching schools at around the same time you start preparing for your GRE, so July/August. The GRE allows around 4 universities that you can send your score in for free.
- Write up your research/personal statement leaving enough time for 2-3 people to proofread it. I'd suggest at least one person who knows the field, one who is more of a writer/English major and one person close to you who would know if you are missing out on anything important.
- Select your referees carefully, give them enough notice and follow up with them regularly. (They sometimes leave these things for the last minute)
- Apply to as many schools as you can afford.Several top notch schools have free or cheap applications. I eventually had to apply to 12 schools over 2 cycles, before I got an interview and acceptance. (International student here)
- After application, follow up regularly to make sure that they have actually looked at your application. My application was transferred from my 1st choice department to 2nd choice but it was quite clear that it wasn't looked at until I put in a lot of effort to contact the director of that 2nd choice program. They eventually liked what they read.
Good Luck with your application! It can be tough, especially if you are faced with many rejections but keep at it if it is your dream.
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Well this thread is quite intimidating. So many Ivy level schools. I'll be heading to Baylor in the fall. Good Luck to everyone!
- Kaede, Cervello, facelessbeauty and 6 others
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@Herringk Thanks! This was definitely helpful.
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Regarding looking for a good program, I would look for schools with faculty that are researching ageing/longevity. Its a relatively niche field imo, so it shouldn't be too hard to narrow down your list. Then depending on which departments these faculty are attached to you will be able to select the specific program. I honestly don't think any of these fields are any less competitive than the other. The only advice I would give is take a good look at your research background and work/academics and see which area you have the most prior experience in. You would probably have a better chance at getting into one of those that fit your background and future interests.
You should do a PhD if a career in research or academia is your goal. If you are not sure about this a masters would be ideal, if you can get full or partial funding to do one. (or if money is not an issue) Otherwise I would recommend working as a research assistant in a lab to get a taste of the field.
Good luck!
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2 hours ago, Feanor said:
You're probably fine with just an office shirt, but whenever I had one I tried to look as neat as possible without being overly formal. That meant a white dress shirt with a tie and a nice plain sweater/cardigan and shaving. Can't say how much it mattered though, I'm sure they won't care as long as it looks like you do.
Thanks!
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Hi all. Looking for some wardrobe advice for a male for a Skype interview. It's with a university in texas if that makes a difference. Will an office shirt suffice? Tie or no tie? Shave or trim my beard? (Basically look like a toddler or stereotypical terrorist) thanks!
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7 hours ago, Bioenchilada said:
Compared to what?
Just in general compared to other non-tier 1 universities/ non-ivys.
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Hey guys, has anyone heard back from University of Utah as yet? I see only a couple of responses on the results page.
Also, I would like to know what the opinion of this school is within the US. I am an international, and a lot of the time have to gauge reputation by various rankings. -
Thanks for the input everyone. Cleared my doubts. Hopefully the info will be useful to others as well.
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International student here. Applied to 5 schools this cycle. Got rejections from 3 from feb-now. Still waiting to hear back from the last 2.
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4 hours ago, PhD_RPs said:
OP your username is annoying AF, your posts always make me cringe. Does GRE matter when you consider yourself a "FailedScientist" good luck in your future, I'd suggest choosing a different career path if you've fucked up on interviews so many times. Peace dawg
I'm sorry my username offended you, no need to be so toxic. I created the profile at a low point hence the pessimistic name. I am an international student with average stats, (3.5GPA, >80th percentile GREs, top 100 university in most world rankings) and I tend to apply to very competitive programs as personally doesn't feel worth it to me to make all the sacrifices to go to a school that I am not happy with. Unfortunately this has led to many a rejection. I'd rather keep working as an RA until I build up the research background to go somewhere I would be happy with. P.S I haven't had the chance to interview with the US but every other professor I have interviewed with in other countries have supported my applications and/or offered me jobs.
- pitchfork, MCF10A, LoveMysterious and 1 other
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Hi Guys! Now that the GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test has been discontinued, do you think universities expect students to sit exams in either Biology or Chemistry, or are subject tests just not important at all when it comes to the application process? Anyone with some insight on this new change?
Scripps (TSRI) CA vs. FL
in Decisions, Decisions
Posted
Well my reply comes a bit late, but here goes. Students who get accepted to the CA campus program are allowed to rotate in the FL campus but not vice versa. I believe Scripps allows you to apply to both in one application and I would go ahead and do that and would suggest going with CA as you can still rotate with your POI, but have more options.