FailedScientist

Hi Everyone. Just wanted to find out how many international students have heard any good news, bad news or are still waiting to hear anything from schools this cycle. So far I got rejections from UNC-BBSP and UMMS(Worcester). Still waiting to hear anything back from UVa, U of Utah and Baylor College of Medicine.

Thanks Lycaon pictus !

Anyone in any of the biology/biomedical graduate programs at these universities or with any insight about these institutes? I am an international so it's hard to know how these schools are viewed in the US. Rankings-wise they all seem to be mid-tier, with decent reputations. Any other insights on biotech industry and living standards in the surrounding areas would be appreciated as well. Thanks in advance.

I admire your perseverance and optimism. I'm really struggling with believing in myself and keeping the optimisim after 10 rejections over 2 cycles.

Hey there, I'm not an australian citizen but I did do my undergrad there. Been widely unsuccessful in applications both last year and this cycle as well. Got 3 uni's that I'm still waiting on; BCM, UVa and UoU.

I'd say its good because you probably meet all of the basic cutoffs for the program. i.e. GPA, GRE other requirements. However its probably not great because you are probably not at the top of their list of students to invite. You are probably middle of the pack in their list of applicants.

I guess you have more experience in the matter. But I would think after having 13 years of experience in biotech and taking grad courses molecular wonder would have his/her research interests figured out and more experience than most applicants? I'm just trying to figure out what areas could be lacking in his/her application.

Sounds like the schools you chose were pretty competitive ones even for the younger applicants. My impression is typically the top 25 schools in the field require an ivy league or equivalent undergrad degree and/or solid publication record.Having lots of bench experience is a plus but without research publications it doesn't show that you were more than a lab tech. This is what I understood from some of the feedback I received on my applications last year, including the one to UC Davis. They obviously phrased it much nicer but this is what I got from reading between the lines. I'm 25 but I am an international student so I do understand some of the frustrations. After two rounds of failed applications I've decided to take on a research job that will help me build a publication record. The pay sucks, but that's my current plan.

Head Case

Well I applied last year and was wait listed. Got my final rejection in April. I'm international though so unsure if it is similar for locals.

Thanks jougami. I've been thinking since I have gotten a really good RA job at an immunology lab studying Dengue Virus, I should put my head down and work hard here until I get a strong publication out of it. Maybe do a masters in Australia next year or year after if I get a full ride. I don't have particular obligations of family within the next few years of my life so I guess I can take the time to do this.

So my undergrad is a bachelor of medical science and my previous research has mostly been medical related so I applied to mostly biomedical phd programs this time around. The first cycle I applied to a mix but the feedback I got from the more basic science departments was that I would better "fit" a med department. My public health experience was part of a major project for the Malaysian government, as part of the team from the Harvard School of Public Health. I also worked on another project which was more local but politics was stalling it too much and I eventually left that job to get back in the lab. I think at this point I may end up taking some time off from applications to the US to work on my resume. Just not sure what would be the best thing to focus on. If I stay in my current lab I may get published in a mid tier-low tier international journal eventually. I can also try applying to Australia for an Mphil which is 2 years research with full scholarships available. I'm turning 26 this year so I do still have time but I also dont want to waste too much time either. I will look more into the private vs public schools. Call It ego but I don't want to apply to universities in the states that are too low in reputation (aiming for top 200 world rankings roughly) . As for many other internationals it's too much sacrifice for too little reward imho.

Thanks. The thing is I have read one of the recommendation letters and it was amazing. The other is from my thesis supervisor who has supported mr many times throughout. Gave me a paid research assistant job as an undergrad and fought for me to get a high Mark for my thesis. The final is from my previous boss a Harvard and Oxford graduate who is at the top of his field in health economics. I have heard from multiple people that he thinks I am intelligent and capable. I have given my SoP to a couple of PhD holders (one in my field, one in physics) as well as a writer to edit.

Hi guys! So I'm getting close to the end of my second application cycle with my 10th straight rejection out of 13. I could really use some advice on where my application stands or just if I do not have the qualifications to seriously pursue research in biomed as a career. Undergrad Institution: The University of Sydney Majors: Biochemistry, Cell PathologyOverall GPA: 3.45Position in Class: AverageType of Student: International (Asian)GRE Scores (revised/old version):Q:162 V:160W:4.5B: Havent done it.Research Experience: 1 year part time, 1 year for undergrad thesis both in proteomics. 1.5 years research in public health. Just started in imm/viro lab and hoping to continue in virology.Awards/Honors/Recognitions: summer research scholarshipApplying to Where: 1st cycle :Ucsf, Rockefeller, UCB, WSBS, Scripps, UC Davis, Boston Uni, university of Sydney (all rejected/ no schol) I know I was ambitious with these schools but i didn't want any regrets. 2nd Cycle: UNC (rejected), UMass med (rejected), Baylor college of med, University of Utah, UVA Was really confident that I would get one or two acceptances or at least some Skype interviews. What is going on? I know it's still not over but seems like I'm not a first round invite for the remaining schools either. Is it that I don't have the gpa or is it the pubs. I really can't afford to pay my way through a masters. GRE subject test has been discontinued. Any advice would be great.