mdavis10

That's a good point. It seems dangerous to throw together half-assed applications and (if those are even enough to get an acceptance) to assume I'll regain motivation between now and the program's start date... I do have a lot to think about. Thank you!

Thanks for your input! To answer your (perhaps rhetorical) questions: I don't think I'd be happier pursuing a different career at this point, and I think that being burnt out is another contributing factor. I'm glad to hear you've found a good lab, and to hear a grad school success story!

Hey all! I'd love some advice from current grad students or anyone feeling the same feels I will describe... I loved biology ever since high school. After high school, I took one gap year and did one year of part-time community college (no science classes). I was so excited to get back to learning about biology and enrolled in a four-year institute to get a bachelor's degree and get into research. I tried really hard on my undergrad apps because I was motivated. I did well in my three years in undergrad and graduated in May with a degree in molecular biology and with two years' research experience. My goal was to get a PhD in molecular medicine or something similar and work in research-intensive academia or industry. Now: It's almost November and I've barely done anything for my grad program apps. I have picked out seven-ish schools that I like well enough, but I'm not actively excited about any of the programs even if the research itself is exciting. I've probably worked on essays for a grand total of 3 hours over the course of months. I am in an NIH post-bacc right now and the lab is a horrible fit- safe to say, I hate it. While my previous research experiences were better (still not great), I can't help but think that, while I love translational biology research, the work environment I require to thrive (well-organized, good communication, respectful) does not exist in science. Hence my current lack of motivation and my hesitation to continue on this career path. Writing this seems stupid, I only have firsthand knowledge of a few labs and work environments... not enough to draw a sound conclusion. Still, I can't change my feelings or my lack of motivation. Thoughts?

Hello, all! So I am at a loss regarding the feasibility of getting into the schools I've selected. Help me? Just so y'all know, I'm interested in applied/translational molecular research and I don't wish to go into academia or teach after grad school. Undergrad Institution: Loyola ChicagoMajor(s): Molecular BiologyMinor(s): StatisticsGPA in Major: 3.999Overall GPA: 3.959Position in Class: unsureType of Student: Domestic, femaleGRE Scores (revised/old version):Q: 162 (82%)V: 169 (99%)W: 4.5 (82%)B: not takingResearch Experience: - 2 years of undergraduate research in a microbial physiology lab... very little funding and not prestigious at all but my PI thinks highly of me and writes great letters. Spent the second year setting up a new approach to a project my PI had been trying to start for years. No publications here (this PI publishes once every 3 or 4 years). One poster presentation at university undergraduate symposium. - 10 week summer research at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. 3rd author on a publication (PLOS One) from that. Also presented this research as a poster at the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society's annual meeting. - Currently doing 1 year NIH postbac in a cardiovascular lab, but using molecular biology techniques (DNA manipulation and cloning, CRISPR). Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Dean's list every semester, member of Phi Beta KappaPertinent Activities or Jobs: Microbiology tutor for one semester, cell bio tutor one semesterAny Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Experience with SAS and R statistical coding/analysis, working on learning Python (would call myself proficient at this point)Special Bonus Points: Just a small town girl, working in a man's world. I'm from New Hampshire, I'm not sure how many of my fellow NH denizens typically apply to these programs but I've been told before that it's stood out as odd and helped draw the eye.Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: 99.9% sure that this doesn't matter for graduate program apps (and probably won't go into the app) but I have a bit of a story: nearly failed high school (ended up graduating in like 15th percentile), worked as a nanny in Germany for a year, 1 year of community college, 3 years of 4-year institute undergrad, now in 1 year postbac at NIH.Applying to Where:List is not finalized (won't apply to absolutely everything on here) and still on the look-out for recommendations! University of Wisconsin - Madison -- 1) Cellular and Molecular Biology , 2) Cellular and Molecular Pathology University of Washington - Seattle -- 1) Molecular Medicine Program , 2) Molecular and Cellular Biology Baylor College of Medicine -- 1) Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine , 2) Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Albert Einstein College of Medicine -- Biomedical Sciences MIT -- Biological Engineering -- interested in the genetic engineering and the people working on creating a coding language for cells University of Minnesota -- 1) Molecular, Cellular, and Structural Biology , 2) Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Genetics Columbia Medical Center -- Integrate Umbrella Program (interested in stem cell, genetic engineering research) Boston University -- Umbrella Program -- interested in their Center for Regenerative Medicine Mayo Clinic -- Biomedical Sciences -- interested in the virology and gene therapy track, in particular Thanks!!