yash13177

Hi! During the Neuo interview day they mentioned it's a rolling admissions process, so as people make their decisions they will invite more. I was surprised they offered a revisit day so early, as I imagine most people will make their decisions in the next few weeks up until April 15th which may cause them to admit more later. I wouldn't give up hope!
I turned down the offer very quickly because I knew someone else might want to go to the revisit day, other applicants may choose to go to the revisit day and then reject the offer.

Hi Whovian!
I'm not in anthropology either, but my experience and knowledge (in biological sciences) tells me that finding a great mentor outweighs the potential prestige of a program. First, grad school is tough and having a great mentor will go a long way. Second, while the name of a program may carry a certain amount of weight your grad school/research output, mentor recommendation, physical/mental well-being carries more. Thirdly, you always have the option of establishing connections/relationships with POIs in prestigious programs without necessarily attending the program.
I hope this helps! Although it seems as if anthro is quite a bit different, anyways that's my two cents!

Hi everyone,
I have finally finished interviews and have heard from all programs. I have narrowed my decision down to two programs: University of Virginia or University of Rochester. I just completed a Master's and I realized I would like to return to researching an interest of mine: any and all things glia (encompasses a lot I know).
The pros and cons of the institutions are both fairly weighted in my opinion (I won't bore you with the details but if you want to know I can rant hahaha). So, for those of you who are conducting research in neuroscience/glia which institution would you recommend for pursuing glia-related research interests? I also know my interests may change, so I feel both institutions have other areas and resources that could support a potential change of interest.
Thank you all! It's been a crazy admit season, I hope everyone is doing okay¬

Oh my gosh!!!! So cool!!! I just finished my degree in HK. I'm heading back in the beginning of March! Hope you have a good time ?

Hi everyone!!
Thank you all for your suggestions - I was able to survive two interviews in temperatures below freezing. I'm updating this for posterity and to save little fragile desert people like me. Three things helped me: A legit winter coat I bought from Amazon (not Arizona winter coat, an actual winter coat), layers, and thermals. 
Winter coat I bought was Orolay's thickened down jacket, which after reading reviews seemed pretty legit. It's a bit pricey, but since all my interviews are on the East coast I figured I would end up moving somewhere cold. This thing is magical. It's big enough to wear things under it (sweatshirts/blazers/etc) and is pretty resistant to wind. 
My layers consisted of things I owned plus Heattech (see below). Unfortunately couldn't find any good socks, so I just went with the thickest cotton pair that I own.
I am currently in Hong Kong, which has a huge Japanese brand called Uniqlo. There's a line called Heattech that is a literal life-saver. I have some shirts but I bought leggings specific for the interviews. They are the highest grade of warmth and I wore them under jeans/slacks. These were the best thing ever.
 
So! With all of this, I survived temperatures around 20 degrees with wind. I had scarves too but I could just zip up my jacket and that was fine. For most interviews you're not walking around too much, so I don't know how my tactic would work if I had to stand outside for long periods of time. But for me (who thinks 60 degrees is cold), I was warm and toasty throughout my interview weekend. Thanks to all for suggestions! ❤️ 

Thank you. This means a lot!

Hi friend,
I am not going to ignore the realities of graduate school applications, it's getting increasingly competitive and still unfairly biased towards candidates who can afford admission fees, prep materials, taking time off to do apps/interviews, etc. But I also want to offer you my support. If this is your dream, do not give up! I know that at this point in time it seems as if nothing will get you to where you want to be. Please let me know how I can help, whether it be looking at your application, giving you advice on what to do next, or just listening to your story. I don't want to seem preachy or like a know-it-all, but rather offer a peer some encouragement.
Please feel free to PM me! Best wishes to you.

After reading through all 23 pages, I think I've managed to compile the most salient (at least for me) and still relevant pieces of advice as far as grad school supplies 
Laptop - While most people have a laptop, it was recommended by several people that folks in a new laptop (unless yours is less than two years old) and make sure you get an extended warranty (one that will hopefully last the entirety of your program).  Note: look into funding opportunities for laptops within your department. Some will finance a new laptop for incoming grad students!  Desk - L-shaped came highly recommended, given the extra space. While i love my little desk, I may invest in a larger one by year 2.  Chair (Desk) - Investing in a good chair was stressed many times. You will likely be spending many hours hunched over a desk. get one that will be comfortable for your back, but won't put you to sleep.  Chair (Reading) - a separate reading chair was recommended for those hours upon hours where you'll be reading. a comfortable chair or couch was recommended. Printer - there was some debate regarding the pros/cons of a printer. In an increasingly digital age, I don't think a printer is completely necessary. ESPECIALLY because so many universities have printers available and printing costs included within stipends. But this will depend on the person Scanner OR File Cabinet - One person had recommended getting a file cabinet and regularly organizing it so as not to fall behind (if you are someone who likes having physical copies of everything, then go for this option). HOWEVER, someone then chimed in to say screw a file cabinet. just get a scanner. and i thought that was an excellent idea! just scan everything you need and chuck the physical copies (unless its like your birth certificate or something)  Coffee - Coffee maker, coffee carafe (to keep it warm for those days of marathon working), french press. you get the idea. ALTERNATIVE: electric kettle for tea drinkers  Large Water Bottle - lets be sustainable folks!  Snacks - for those long days  Wall Calendar  Dry Erase Board  Noise Cancelling Headphones  External Hard Drive Dongles - actually didn't see folks write about this, so I'm adding it! Dongles/adapters are constantly changing based on your device. Get the one that is specific to your computer to HDMI and VGA, and you should be set for most campus systems!  Paper shredder - unless your campus has a shredding removal service like my current one has. I'd say take advantage of that Travel - Luggage, toiletry bag, international travel adapter/converter, etc. You will presumably be traveling a bunch! Get the right travel accessories if you can Desk accessories - post its, highlighters, pens Notebooks - it seems like everyone has been unanimously pro-moleskine notebooks on here. mmmm I'm not! What *EYE* recommend is going to your local art supply store, and buying sketchbooks from there. They are usually so much cheaper. And most art stores have artist and student memberships available, so you can get major discounts. I just showed a sale and got all my notebooks and pens for less than $30. Just my opinion  Software - Just some of the software that came highly recommended and that I felt like was still relevant today: Evernote. Zotero. Scrivener. CamScanner. Nuance. iStudiez  Most of this is hella obvious. But some of these I hadn't even considered! And its nice to think about these things early so you have enough time to save up or search the internet for deals. I curated an Amazon wishlist based on the information i listed above. Let me know if you'd like me to post it here and make public! 
And remember: 90% (if not all) of this is OPTIONAL. Let's not make academia seem more inaccessible than it already is. You will excel regardless of whether or not you have these things.  There's always borrowing. lending programs through your university. free services through your libraries. There are options! 
Hope this is helpful to those reading this post 8 years later! It was certainly helpful for me. Aside from curating a great list of things i want, it also helped distract me from decisions this week ://////

I just got an invitation for a Skype interview! Interesting because I thought the interview session ended for U of Rochester.... But happy nonetheless! I am a domestic student currently based abroad.

Hi everyone!
For my entire life I've lived in pretty warm places, aka no snow and temps never below 55 degrees. I'm visiting a school on the east side of the USA from 1/31 - 2/2. Based on weather.com's monthly estimates, it'll be about a 43 degree high and 25 degree low with RAIN - probably the coldest I've ever had to deal with ever.
Any tips with how to survive the interview weekend? The thickest coat I have is just like a black trench coat, looks professional but doesn't provide enough warmth for such a low temperature. I can borrow a coat from my boyfriend put it is quite puffy and not really suitable for interviews. How do I stay warm and also be business casual? I'm counting on lots of layers but I'm guessing wearing a thick coat to interviews is normal? Is there anything that is a must buy?
Literally a desert girl who has never had to deal with cold ahahaha!! sorry for such a silly question  

Same here friend... ? now standing with two official rejections and two interview offers.... 

Wear the warmer coat with a professional blazer underneath. Take the coat off when you get inside the building. Or, if you really feel like spending money, a nice peacoat is both warm and stylish. I have lived in the Northeast all my life. We don't really pay attention to the outerwear. If you wear the coat inside, that might be a little weird. Just be glad you're getting off easy. The fun times is when it's a high of 15 and feels like 2 with windchill. 
But yeah, borrow the bf's coat as long as it doesn't have rips/stains and doesn't look comically huge on you. Dress in layers. Maybe bring a scarf and gloves too. If you aren't used to the cold, it will probably feel worse for you. For shoes, I would suggest either rain boots and then change into flats/heels once inside, or wear a nice pair of leather (or leather-looking) boots. Suede is a bad idea if there's going to be rain. 

My fingers are crossed for you!!! That's really what I'm worried about is appearing to be in limbo.. especially if I decided to re-apply next cycle...it'll put even more time after my bachelor's degree on top of my master's degree........ 
Let's stay strong!  

I am in the same boat. I applied to around 6-7 and so far didn't get any interviews. I believe there are a lot of people like us and it might seem like everyone else is doing great but the only people posting here are the ones getting interviews. The ones not getting anything are silently watching in sadness so don't beat yourself up too much on it. We will come back stronger next year!

It's too early to be in disaster mode. Get off gradcafe. Stop looking at the results page. It's unhealthy during this stage of applications.
IF (and I must emphasize IF) you don't get in anywhere this cycle, start with your SOP. Have others read it, think about it from the perspective of an adcomm. Did you convey why you want to go to grad school or just regurgitate your CV? Did you mention specific things you like about that school, or just name the school? Did you inadvertently put in any red flags?
Then consider who wrote your LORs. Maybe there was one you weren't sure about?
And reconsider the schools. Did you only apply to top tier schools that your average GPA may hold you back from?
Again, it's too early for this. Relax. Breathe. It'll be okay. 

Hi @maya123z! So I have a friend there who is a 1st year MD/PhD student. If you want I can put you in touch. I don't know how well he can answer your question but just in case no one here can give you answers feel free to PM me!

First, it's still very early, you already have one interview invite and you could get more. You're freaking out too early. 
Contacting professors isn't required and likely isn't the problem, so don't worry about that.
Your GRE scores are fine and no one cares about the GRE anymore anyway.
You asked if you should reapply if you don't get enough interview offers, but it should be "should I reapply if I don't get the right admissions offer". You only need to get into one school, and you only need to really like one school. UVA is amazing if you're interested in neuron-glia interactions, and I absolutely loved it when I interviewed. It could be the one.
If you don't get in anywhere: re-evaluate your SOP - that and LORs are the most important component and a lot of people unknowingly throw red flags into their SOPs. 
But again, you're worrying about this wayyyy too early. I continued to get interview invites until mid January. Just because people have started to get them and some people have gotten so many doesn't mean there aren't still so many more to come. Chill. You got this. 

See you there!! congrats

Hey everyone, you're probably as stressed as I am so I'll pass on advice that has been given to me (repeatedly) by my loved ones: stop checking this thread over the weekend. Schools will resume sending out invites on Monday. Give your mind a break!

Got my University of Virginia invite today!! I cried! Interviews tentatively Jan 31-Feb 2

Got an interview request from UO Biology (Neuroscience) about 30 min ago! They said their interviews are Feb. 21st to 22nd!

Hey! I submitted on 11/26 and received an email that my app was complete on 11/30. 

I just got my first interview invite to Cornell Neurobiology and Behavior program!!

Wahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!
Interview invite for University of Virginia (Jan 31-Feb 2)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!
Interview invite for University of Virginia (Jan 31-Feb 2)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!