ChallengerSwimmer23

Definitely, MD Anderson Cancer Center which is part of the UT Health MD Anderson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Immunotherapy labs are mainly related to Immunology Ph.D. program. You can indicate your choices of Cancer Biology and Immunology programs on their application. Amazing program! I interviewed and was accepted to MD Anderson for their cancer biology Ph.D. program.

Definitely add Ohio State BSGP to your list. Ohio State is a top tier cancer biology program. I was extremely impressed when I interviewed there. Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James, and Nationwide Children's Research Institute are doing top of the line translational cancer immunotherapy research.

I think the chance of you landing an interview and acceptance from one of these programs with your profile is very high. I had similar numbers (3.3 undergrad gpa biology, 3.6 gpa masters, 154V, 156Q, 4.5 W) but tremendous research experience in cancer immunology which landed me with a lot of interviews including UNC (results in signature). Make sure to get ALL recommendation letters from your PIs and related faculty who knows you and your research skills well.

I agree. Research experience is a must otherwise you are not going to get any interviews. If you haven't yet, look at labs that specialize in cancer research and stem cell research of your interest.

I meant to quote you in my post right above.

I have a GRE Subject Test Biology Kaplan book that was used but in overall good condition. PM me if you are interested. I can sell you the book at a much reasonable price than what Amazon displays. Those Biology subject test prep books from Kaplan are hard to find.

While I am fresh out of the Ph.D. admissions process (see my results in my signature below post) and committed to Notre Dame Biology Ph.D. program, I am happy to answer any prospective Ph.D. applicants for next year's cycle including how the interview process works if you get invited to interviews next year. Btw interview weekends are awesome and so much fun and be warned you will gain pounds from those interview weekends! (Us swimmers have no problem burning those pounds off quickly though. lol.)

Rare, but does happen with some programs. Happened to me with Rice Cell Biology and Biochemistry where I was waitlisted but not invited to interview weekend and rejected me at end. They placed a select few people on this special waitlist in case needed.

Choosing to major either biology or biomedical science does not affect how the admission committee views her future Ph.D. program application. Just make sure she doesn't major in the liberal arts. Ph.D. admissions committees don't take too kindly upon that. They want to make sure the prospective applicant has as much science background preparation as possible for graduate school. It is very important that she continues to show investment in research by continuing to do research throughout her undergrad, make the best grades possible (to get into top Ph.D. programs 3.5 GPA or above for a shot - I have encountered a lot of ignorant premeds that either don't realize or deny that the Ph.D. application process is super competitive as well because of funding), and definitely make sure that she presents poster or oral presentation at national and local conferences as an undergrad. Very excellent conferences for undergrad is ABRCMS and SACNAS. At these two conferences, there are a lot of Ph.D. programs that are hungry to recruit students. Many of these Ph.D. programs at these two conferences will give you an application fee waiver and have your name so they can remember you. I got recruited to apply to top programs at the SACNAS conference and at many of my interviews, a lot of faculties know SACNAS and ABRCMS very well. It would be a nice add-on if she can get a publication, but not necessary at all. She doesn't need to explain why she choose to major in biomedical science. Focus more on explaining research projects, what she learned from her research experience, what is expected of her in graduate school, and why she wants to do a Ph.D. on her SOP to Ph.D. programs.

Glad to see everyone making their commitments! Good luck to those still deciding where to go!

I was stuck in this position recently trying to choose Notre Dame or UNC BBSP. I really love both programs and the research and mentors at both programs. There is a way that you can see if the mentors will be a good fit for you during interview weekend. First, I was fortunate that both programs paired me with mentors that I am strongly interested in meeting. Both ND and UNC have impressed with so much with all their resources and research that it literally came neck to neck between those two programs. What made the difference is that at one program, all 3 prospective PIs knew my research background in cancer immunology as a master's student with publications and oral presentations at national conferences. Those 3 PIs described their research themes in their cancer research labs with their powerpoint presentations they showed me in their office, but they took a further step in telling me how I would fit with their research themes and exactly how they would help me accomplish my future career in academia with specific teaching mentorship programs within their biology Ph.D. program. I also was able to see their labs in person, talk with the grad students, and those PIs gave examples of how they helped their former and current students accomplish their career goals. I think it is very important for PIs during interview weekends to actually understand an applicant's background and tell them exactly how they are going to fit in their lab and show strong enthusiasm for you. If PIs do that, that's a heavy extra factor I took into consideration. Everyone's decision will differ based on what their preference is. I personally would choose a better mentor over better research fit, but the mentor should be in my area of research interest. In other words, as one example if you are very serious about going into cancer biology, don't choose a mentor in neuroscience or biochemistry UNLESS you want to really want to explore that area just for the sake of choosing a better mentor. In a Ph.D. program, it is highly critical to have the best possible mentor that you like, but in your area of research interest unless if you truly interested in exploring other areas of research.

How do you ship your car? what company did your roommate use? I wonder how much those POD cost. I am moving from Texas to Indiana in late July. I am moving from South (Texas) to Midwest (Indiana). Originally, my family and I were gonna take a big 2-day road trip from Houston, TX to South Bend, IN and carry all my stuff since I am bringing my car with me. My parents are helping me with the move and going to also carry my boxes of belongings in their SUV in addition to carrying boxes in my car. Fortunately, the apartments that I am looking at is fully furnished, so I don't have to worry about shipping furniture though. At least that's how I am considering the logistics at the moment. I wonder if I have to change my state license plates on my car from Texas to Indiana once I settle in South Bend since I am living there for my Ph.D. training.

That's right. I remember. I believe we did. I think I know who you are. lol.

Awesome! Congrats! Best of luck at University of Wisconsin! Amazing program!

Officially committed to University of Notre Dame Biology Ph.D. Program this fall! Looking forward to opening a new chapter in my life! Good luck everyone on your interviews around the country! Go Irish!