AllieKat

I haven't officially decided, but I've narrowed my list down to two, including Northwestern's biological sciences program! PM if you wanna chat

honey bunches

It would concern me, personally, not to have rotations at school B. I'd just be cautious as to how you know the mentor would be a great fit without actually working in their lab. But, in general, it seems like school B is a place you'd thrive--both in productivity and in learning new skills! And that will be just as important as the name of the school when it's time to find a stellar post doc/job.

vote down

@Happy1996 I'm very conflicted at the moment, too. One general thing I'm trying to consider is how much I think I'd thrive during and after each environment. Some factors that I think will contribute to that include: Are there a lot of people doing research I like? Do they have opportunities to prepare me for finding a job after I graduate? What kind of jobs? Am I likely to publish good, cutting edge papers with the POIs I like? Did I like the students and the atmosphere they've developed? Does the program have a mentality of mentoring/investing in their students? Do they emphasize students learning a lot of techniques to make them more marketable/prepared? What's the work/life balance expected to be, generally? (Side note: I think prestige and the connections that come along with it play a role future opportunities, but it's not a huge pro in and of itself) Along with some more indirect factors: Would I enjoy this city? What do 20-somethings (or whatever your age group may be) do here? Will I be stressed out about paying my bills considering stipend vs. cost of living? Could I afford to live alone on the stipend if I wanted to? How necessary or possibly inconvenient would it be to take my car? How convenient is public transportation? How long would I have to commute? Could I deal with the traffic and afford parking here if I drive? How easy will it be to visit my family? Of course, all of us will have different priorities when it comes to these things. I've been told to go with my gut, but I really don't think I have strong feelings about one particular program (although I have one interview to go). Good luck, and hopefully I've given you some things to think about!

model status

nap queen

I've been using this tax calculator to determine my net pay in 2018/19 for each school.

@ChallengerSwimmer23 Most schools will require you to become a citizen of the state before they'll pay for your tuition the second year (that way they're covering in-state tuition). That means you have a year to change your driver's license/residency. The license plate on your car depends, though! For instance, my parents paid my car insurance and technically owned my car when I went out of state for undergrad, so I kept my home state's tag. If it's in your name, though, you'll have to switch it over once your current sticker on your license plate expires.

baby boomer

candy land

first timer

destination wedding

up top

Hey, everyone! I'm a Southerner considering attending Northwestern (Evanston campus, but I'd like to live in North Chicago). Just wondering what life in the city is like in the winter. Do people just sort of hole up inside and try to bear it, or are there fun parts to the cold months?

critical temperature

breakfast burrito

One super alternative to owning a dog that will make you money: walking/dogsitting on Rover or another app. You're not responsible for a dog 100% of the time, plus you get paid! I've found that some cities are easier to find dogsitting gigs, however (i.e. bigger cities with young professionals are more likely to have dog-owners using an app to find sitters). (Edit: I've been creeping on this thread for a while, because you guys have some great ideas on getting through grad school! Please pardon the biologist intruding )

Lion King

fat stacks

fresh ideas

sign off

My first acceptance to Northwestern IBiS!!! What a relief to have an official offer on the table

order food

While quantitative experience can be "impressive," if it's not your thing, don't do it. Is there any way you can pick up a psych or neuroscience minor? Otherwise, I agree that extra biology and extra psychology classes would be most helpful (plus research, obviously)!