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strawberrykat

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Everything posted by strawberrykat

  1. So, has anyone decided where they're going to go? (based on the acceptances they currently have)
  2. A quick search showed that UChicago has a better ranked grad CS program than riverside (30-something vs 50-something), according to US News (for what that's worth). I'm not a CS student but given that these are PhD programs I would argue that the professor and your relationship with them is critical, as well as how interested you are in their work. Have you had/will you have a chance to visit either school? See if you can speak to any of the current students working in those labs. Depending on if you're considering academia or industry, check out job placements. Usually the department has an alumni page where you can find this information. P.s. Chicago is awesome.
  3. First of all don't compare yourself to anyone else, you got in for a reason. There's no real reason to be intimidated. That being said, I do understand where you're coming from. It's all about your mentality though and just changing that perspective. Often times the most rewarding experiences are the most challenging. My personal piece of advice is if you're going to turn that offer down, turn it down because you genuinely feel that it's not right for you, not because you're scared. Did you get a chance to speak with any PIs one on one or any students that actually go there? Also regarding school A, 190 faculty members sounds like a lot!
  4. @thanasist hi! Congrats on being admitted to UT! I believe most people are still waiting to hear back from the first three schools you mentioned, although I have seen some Berkeley posts. As far as UMich, I do know they had their open house this past weekend but if you haven't heard back yet, that's still better than a no! Did you follow up with your interviewer?
  5. Does anyone know when we're officially supposed to hear back from GEM?
  6. @1PhDplz first off, congrats!! Second, did anything change in your application portal?
  7. That's rough, sorry. But here are some other ways to get a feel: 1. Virtual tours, either through the university website or YouTube 2. Have you spoken to anyone? Professors or students? I have Skyped with quite a few grad students that are working in labs that I'm interested in. They're usually very helpful and eager to speak with you! I also highly recommend trying to speak with professors because sometimes their work seems more interesting on paper than it really is
  8. Has anyone else had experience traveling with a dog abroad? Particularly with regards to cargo transport? I have a large 70 lb dog, there's no way he could fit in the cabin. Thinking about the UK. It's a long flight so I'm a little concerned.
  9. Disclaimer - not a microbiologist. That being said, I think the two schools sound pretty similar and like places that you would enjoy so you can only go so wrong. Regarding the umbrella program at UVA, I'm not totally sure what that means, but it sounds pretty flexible and interdisciplinary. You might encounter some neat research projects there, with relevance to medicine. Not having to TA is nice. Being a TA is pretty relevant for academia I feel, but most workplaces also place a value on employees being able to teach other employees. So you may want to still consider getting that experience at some point, even for just a semester. Things I would consider are: 1. Are there any particular professors that you are really really interested in working with at either school (i.e. Your first choice professor)? What are they like as a mentor, confirm that you would be happy working with them. 2. Cost of living. How do those stipends hold up? Do a quick perusal of apartment rates in the area and get a feel for both locations. 3. Job placement. Most department websites have an alumni page and may show you where their grads are now. This may give you some ideas. 4. Research directions. What do you see yourself working on in the future, which school will prepare you. Or if you don't know, which school gives flexibility to figure it out. Hope that helps a little! Decision making is the worst. Good luck!
  10. Start thinking about who you're going to ask to write your letters. If you do an internship, and you can get your supervisor to write one, I think that's helpful because it's someone outside of your school that can also vouch for you. Also start working on your personal statement/essays. These carry some weight. Other than that, it sounds like you have most things figured out! Start searching for schools and scholarships that you intend to apply for. Best of luck
  11. Advise desired for selecting a school. For context, I'm pursuing a PhD in environmental engineering with the hope of landing a career in academia. I know I still have some schools to visit but I'm trying to start figuring it out. School A is relatively well-known. It's in a neat location and feels like a good fit, like I could be happy there. I'm a little concerned that other students in the department aren't as ambitious as a whole (there are obviously exceptions). There's a very very well-known professor working there that is trying hard to recruit me for their project/team. I think I would love to work with them; they seem like an awesome mentor as well as researcher. They told me that they have enough grant money so I could have essentially total freedom on my project. Cost of living is definitely manageable with the ample aid they're providing me. Top 10 program. School B is extremely well-known and respected. Also an interesting location, but for different reasons. I feel like I would seriously struggle with financial stress throughout the duration of the program; no funding yet. Lots of interesting projects but not a strong connection with any particular faculty member. Have yet to visit, but I think I could fit in. It may help me job-wise down the road. Top 5 program. School C is well-known, more so in academia. Good location- most people seem to like it although I have yet to visit myself. Cost of living is reasonable, and with the financial aid it's definitely doable. I have had good communication with a faculty member there, but not on the same level as School A. They have a really neat joint program that I'm interested in and that that faculty member would encourage. Could also probably fit in. I think it has a slightly better reputation in academia than School A. Top 10 program. Thoughts?? Things to consider???
  12. I assume that by this time, most employers have made their selections. However, this week my status changed from released to matched again and I was a little surprised because it feels very late in the game for this. Does anyone know if there are still GEM employers looking for fellows??
  13. Had my interview for a UK study grant--it wasn't that terrifying! They said results should be out at the end of March.
  14. Same. I did some deep diving on the results page and I expect that when we find out, it'll be by email. So I'm trying to force myself not to think about it until emails go out.
  15. Also wondering about this, but partly because I was accepted to one MS program
  16. For people asking about Stanford: I did not receive an email to check the portal. I applied after the priority deadline and checked my application status frequently and about 4-5 weeks later saw that the portal had a "decision letter" link. After that, I began to receive emails about the Open House. But there was no official email. This was for MS/PhD. The letter said that financial aid notifications should go out mid to late March I believe.
  17. Hello! I am wondering how people usually pay for masters degrees if they are not supported with an assistantship or fellowship? Loans, financial aid through FAFSA, work, etc? Is working part time while pursuing a full time master's feasible?
  18. @1PhDplz I applied to the PhD program. I suppose they could be recommending you for a masters? Before the decision appeared on the site, all of the application details disappeared (the check list of what has been received and all). I imagine you should hear back soon! Best of luck!
  19. @BobW Basically in the same boat. I don't think I'll receive any aid and it sucks. Plus, the cost of living there is insane. Also got into Carnegie Mellon today so that's exciting!
  20. Just accepted into Stanford! So unexpected! No faculty contact beforehand.
  21. I think funding also has some influence in that decision (whether they have funding at the moment or have to request some from the department). I'm in the same boat though, hoping for the best.
  22. At this point I've kind of given up hope of winning a fellowship but it's alright. You win some, you lose some. And @blacknight I think they meant Feb 16 onwards.
  23. I have been on one out of three campus visits for this semester so far. I would say try to speak to as many faculty members and graduate students as you can. See if the grad students are happy and make sure that there are multiple faculty members that interest you. Also if you can, take a walk around the campus and the nearby areas to get a feel for the city/environment itself. I had a great time speaking with the other prospective students but I wish I had spent more time with the faculty and exploring the area. Good luck and have fun!
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