yash13177

Hi! I'm applying to two UC schools (UCSD and UCSF) and neither require a personal statement in addition to a statement of purpose... I think you should always assume every part of your application will be seriously considered. Otherwise, turning in a half-hearted statement may cause concern on the admissions team. That being said, if they do require both a PS and SOP maybe your SOP can be more academic/research based while your PS can talk more about your motivations/your "story". Hope that helps~

Hi! I agree with the comments from BabyScientist, I would add more programs if you are able to. I'm a US citizen currently doing a Master's abroad, so I've helped students at my foreign institution apply to places in the US. Many international applicants focus on a great GPA, great GRE and publications. So, my suggestion, is to work really hard on your SOP (for some reason I've met so many international applicants who overlook the importance of your SOP...not sure why). Not only can this demonstrate your English proficiency, but it tells the admissions panel more about you rather than some numbers. In my opinion, a really good SOP stands out when you're able to connect all of your experience into a cohesive, convincing story instead of just a disconnected list of achievements. SOP will also give admissions teams an idea if you have the capability to succeed in their program. Best of luck!!

Hi! I think that you don't have to send in both. In fact, I would suggest you send in your 165V 162Q and 5.5W score because your percentile rank for quant is better. Your 169 verbal is impressive but so is your 165!! Really, your scores are great so it probably wouldn't hurt you to send both but if I were you I would send just one. Best of luck!

Thank you both for your responses!! I sent out an email to some programs but they haven't responded. But, I think I am siding with you two on this~ Thanks!

@loffire Whoops sorry to double ask! I'm going to email some schools' admissions and see what they say. I will update! But would appreciate others to provide their opinions/answers!

Hi lemmabear, I think you definitely have a shot! First, GPA and GRE scores are only a part of your application and programs really only care if they're really really bad (which yours aren't). Additionally, many programs are opting to not require GRE scores, so in your case you can consider not reporting them (unless your re-take goes well!). I think programs care most about research experience and LOR's, which you have aplenty. Since you have so much experience you have a lot of material you can talk about in your SOP, which can really benefit your application. Also, contact professors you're interested in working with. This is so important and can really help you! To sum it all up: you can do a master's if you're concerned about your ability to get back into a program (versus an employment position) or if you don't feel really sure about applying to Ph.D. programs. Let me know if you have any questions!

Hello! I have a very simple, technical question. Many schools ask you to list citations for any publications resulting in your research. My peers and I have gotten into a debate over what this means. Do they only want papers? Or do big conference (national or international) posters count as well (those technically have a citation)?

Hi! I'm from Neuroscience/Biology but let's see if I can help... To me, the difference between research on your CV versus in a SOP/PS/other prompts is that in the latter you can talk about your motivations, your challenges, what you learned and how your research experience fits together. For NS/Biology, the CV usually tells admissions/professors your technical skills, who you've worked with, your research output and your projects. One of the best SOP I read (that was required to be very research centric) talked about why the individual decided to get into their first lab position, what they learned, what they felt like the project didn't answer and how that led them to their next lab position. All in all, not only did it weave all of their research experiences together, but it told a story about what they were 1) interested in 2) the research question they want to pursue at the institution they were applying to and 3) how their accomplishments have prepared them for a PhD. Hope this helps!

If you're still looking, I can help as well!

Hi Moods, This sounds like a great opportunity, congrats on getting a visit! Here is my opinion on your questions: 1) Always better to be better dressed. I say, business casual. For men this means nice pants (not jeans), nice shoes (no sneakers), a button-down and a tie. Jacket can be added. For females I think nice pants (again not jeans) or knee-length business skirt and a nice blouse. Heels are not necessary. For both, be professional with accessories/makeup/outfit/etc. 2) YES!!! I totally think so!! I mean this is such a perfect time to do so! Plus, you can get an idea of what they would be like as mentors/PIs and see who you would be interested in working with. I also suggest to visit the posters of the labs you're interested in and talking to the graduate students. You can learn so much from the students currently in the lab! 3) Sorry not from the area 4) When my friends went on campus/program visits and interviews they told me some tips: Stay hydrated (lots of water). With so much talking/interacting/traveling it's easy to get sick. Write notes! At the end of the day try to summarize what you remember, what you like and things to do. Keep in contact. I think it is completely okay to email anyone you talked with after your visit to say "thank you" and to also gently remind them that you're interested. Have fun!! Programs, PIs and grad students are looking for someone that they can get along with. Make sure to be yourself and get a feel for your maybe future peers and faculty! Best of luck! Hope this helps!

BabyScientist, Funny you should mention University of Virginia, I just was looking into them today!! Turns out Tufts University has a big glia section as well so I might add them to my list as well... hahaha!! And yes, I'll definitely be at the grad school fair!! Maybe see you there! ?

BabyScientist Thank you so so much for your opinion!! I think I won't be retaking the GRE and I'll make it clear in my application that I'm really interested in attending interviews, maybe we can work something out. Right now my list is quite skewed with really competitive, amazing programs and there are so many truly amazing people applying... My list is currently expanding as I look into more programs/Universities. I think I'm adding University of Washington, NYU and University of Rochester to the list. And the list will definitely change when I email PIs and see if they have room in their labs and the feel I get from this year's SFN meeting!

Hi.... sorry to quote...but anyone have any suggestions/comments? :/

Hello! My suggestion is to take advantage of your network! If you have a chance, talk to your mentors/PIs/bosses in science/research and ask if they have any suggestions for labs! My PIs from my undergrad gave me a nice list, not only do they usually know the research background of the PI/lab but they can speak to the mentoring ability! Even if your PIs don't know anyone specific to senescence/aging, I think they would definitely be able to suggest some PIs in biology! While your research topic should be something you're interested in, I suggest you consider PIs that would be good mentors and that you could have a good relationship with during your program! Best of luck!

Hello! I agree with lovekilledinos! But, if there was something that was really unique about the university I think it wouldn't hurt to talk about it. I think the strongest aspect you could mention is if you met professors while you were there that you maintained contact with and thus have good professional relationships. (I don't mean just "name drop")

To add to the support I completely agree with everyone! So much about grad school is not about the letter grades you received. For my field they really are looking for passionate, creative students. Many PIs have told me that it's easy to teach students any type of research methods, what's not as easy is to teach them to be curious~ I think you will do great!

Hi! Fellow applicant here! I think your profile looks great! Your research experience is solid and if your other publications go through it would be even better for you. The only concern schools may have is your GRE score, your quant may be a bit low. If you have made up your mind about not re-taking it I suggest you spend your efforts on contacting faculty at the institutions you're interested in. If you can establish a relationship with them I think they can help you when you apply. Also make sure you have a very good SoP and really strong LORs. Best of luck!

Hi bozwell15, So my perspective is as a fellow applicant, but many of my friends have already applied and gotten in so I am also sharing their wisdom. It honestly sounds like your research experience is sound but what might make programs worry is your academic history. If you don't want to take time to do a Master's, you can compensate for your low GPA with a stellar GRE score. I also highly suggest you address why your academic history is not optimal when you apply to programs. For neuroscience in particular, I think they are looking for individuals with research experience and creative minds. If you show you are aware of your academic history (but demonstrate your proficiency with a good GPA score) and what you have done to address your challenges/problems I think they are more than willing to overlook your GPA. What will help even more is if you can get a LOR from your PI who can attest to your research experience and success! Hope this helps!

Hello! Little late to this party but here is my profile! Any comments/suggestions are welcome. I am sifting through universities/faculty as I post this so that is why my current list is sparse. Best of luck to everyone!! ? Undergrad Institution: State University well-known for undergraduate student research (attended 2011 – 2016) Current Institution: Went international to get a Master’s at a University ranked #3 in Asia (2016 - currently attending) Undergrad Major(s): Neurobiology, MCB Undergrad Minor(s): Biochemistry, Music Performance Undergrad GPA in Major: 3.86 (Neuro)/ 3.511 (MCB) Undergrad Overall GPA: 3.622 (Had a rough first semester, luckily my last 2 years are 4.0) Current Major: Life Science Current GPA: 3.767/4.000 (major GPA: 4.167/4.000) Position in Class: Graduated cum laude, current position unknown Type of Student: Domestic White & Asian Female, currently abroad GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 160 (76%) V: 158 (80%) W: 5 (93%) B: --- Research Experience: 1) Undergrad lab experience: started in Spring 2013 two labs where I stayed a year each, was looking into getting different types of neuroscience research experience. One was neuroanatomy/neuro-evolution the other was computational neuroscience Most significant undergraduate lab: 2.5 years. Absolutely loved it, mainly dealt with neuron-glia networks and my PIs were just phenomenal! 2) Masters lab experience: started in September 2016 Working on a “high risk high reward” project that is very creative... it is related to mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease 3) Research output: Undergrad: One paper; authorship: 2nd / 8 SFN poster presentation 2015 Many University level poster presentations Masters SFN poster presentation 2017 Manuscript in preparation Awards/Honors/Recognitions: 1) During undergrad I managed to snag about ~10 research awards/poster winning stuff/travel grants and I was also recognized by my university for outstanding undergrad research ? 2) Also have grade-based awards (ex deans list) from 2014 – 2016 for undergrad 3) Current awards: I have a research and teaching studentship award as well as received a travel grant for 2017 SFN Pertinent Activities or Jobs: (Such as tutor, TA, SPS officer etc...) 1) A lot of teaching experience: preceptor for 4 neuroscience classes during undergrad and presently a graduate TA for intro bio lab course Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: 1) Very active in music, both during undergrad and Master’s 2) Professional Development activities: very active in undergrad Student club with longstanding leadership role Nu Rho Psi: active in undergrad chapter with leadership role active in NRP at SFN university research programs that provided funding and neuroscience training bootcamps 3) Outreach activities: again…very busy in undergrad! have some mentions in interviews (news articles/radio shows) about research and/or neuroscience outreach events Summer counselor for a research camp for middle/high school students at a research center (this was between undergrad and masters) 4) Will be attending SFN 2018 (no poster though) so I will definitely take the chance to network/visit posters of potential labs/meet with PIs of potential labs (hopefully)... etc. Special Bonus Points: 1) I will have a Master’s degree! Yay! Obtained this because I was interested in gaining international research experience. 2) My mentors at my undergrad institution and current PI can write me very strong LORs 3) Active attendee to various academic workshops/conferences 4) I have been fortunate to gain very diverse research experience from being active in labs starting from 2013! 5) I have done a lot of networking and my past/current PIs are also well-known and well-connected. Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: 1) Like I said, first semester of undergrad was rough…ended with a 2.0. Worked hard to turn it around but it still weighs down my cumulative GPA. Good news: I was in an upwards trend from there. 2) I am worried about my GRE score…particularly my Quant is lower than I would like. I know that a student is more than a score and I have a decent amount of research experience but I’m still worried! 3) I am currently abroad which makes me worry about whether schools would be willing to invite me for interviews…I’ll make it clear in my application that interviewing in-person is something I really want…but I’m scared it’ll be a turn-off. Applying to Where: Research interests: neuron-glia interactions, neuro-degeneration But, my goal is to find a really great mentor... not as concerned what type of neuroscience it is... I find most things exciting! ? (not final list) UCSF - Neuroscience (Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience track) Yale University - BBS (Neuroscience) Rockefeller University - Bioscience (would like to work with Neuroscience labs) Stanford University - Bioscience (Neuroscience IDP) Harvard University - Neuroscience

Hello! I agree with BeakerBreaker. The GRE is a chance to show, "Hey I do know this stuff even though my transcript says otherwise". If you have a high GRE score (especially quant) I think they are more willing to consider you as an applicant. Additionally, I think it would benefit you to address your low grades in your application. You can show you are cognizant of the problems you were facing and the solutions you employed to correct your study habits/academic performance. Besides your grades, I think you have good research experience! A strong LOR from your PI, a publication and/or a poster presentation would definitely boost your application. Lastly, be sure to reach out to faculty at the universities you are interested in applying to. This can seriously benefit you when you send in your application. Good luck in applying!

th2o, So I'm from a different field (biological sciences) but I would say that your GPA is not the only factor in your application. In fact, as long as there are no red flags (which for you there doesn't seem to be any), it is merely a number they use to screen out candidates. With your awards and experiences, I would say that your profile seems strong. The only thing grad programs may be concerned about is your maturity/age. Admissions panels want to make sure you know what you're heading in for. So, I think as long as your letters of rec and statement of purpose put you in a professional light, I think you should have no problem applying. I do agree with rising_star about looking into classes offered by your university that may better prepare you for grad school. Best of luck!

Hi reenujose, What Ph.D. programs are you thinking of applying to? A Ph.D. in economics? From my knowledge (biological sciences), international students have to be very competitive in applying to the U.S. simply because there aren't a lot of spots at many universities. For biological sciences, international students are recommended to have strong research experience, especially strong letters of rec, a high TOEFL score and a very high GRE score. I think what can definitely increase your chances is to reach out to the professors at the universities you want to study. If you can establish a connection with them, they could potentially keep a lookout for your application when you apply. Grad school is all about connections! Maybe someone in your field can weigh in to your situation better than I have.

Lemma, Thank you for your many replies. I really really appreciate it! So to update you he's on thin, but stable, ice. He's been doing better and I think as long as he continues to show improvement my boss won't consider firing him anymore. Hopefully. I completely agree with your last sentence - I don't want this experience to turn him away from research or STEM in general! I think my boss is just tough and unfortunately this undergrad is feeling the pressure. So actually he does not have an employment contract but he joined our lab through a research program. But, I completely agree that resigning is better than him waiting to get fired. I've been keeping a close eye on him and will suggest it if the time comes.

Hi philopsych, I'm not sure if this is the same as what you experience but for me I tend to lose focus as I get to the latter parts of the GRE. What helped for me was to take full advantage of the break times. I'm not sure if you're including the break times when you take your practice test but it is absolutely helpful to take the time to do a mental reset! For me, I would take a short walk around the room, drink some water, eat some snacks and do some stretches. I did see other students bring face wipes or little bottles of aroma that they would use to refresh themselves during the break time. If your stamina problem persists, it may be advantageous to pause briefly in some of the sections. Maybe for only 30 seconds or a minute. Obviously we don't want to take a lot of time away from your other sections, but it may help your overall performance. Probably best to experiment with different methods while you take your practice tests so by the time you take your real test you have an idea of what works for you.

Thank you for your advice lemma! I actually did end up talking to him. He actually really enjoys lab and the project, he just really has no experience in a lab setting (thus no experience with designing/running experiments, interpreting results, etc.). The best analogy is maybe asking an elementary student who knows addition and subtraction to do high school math.