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Fiain

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Posts posted by Fiain

    "Let's just TALK about it..." Decision Edition

    in Decisions, Decisions

    Posted

    Ive only been on two visits so far. doing my third in two weeks.

     

    Both seemed like really good fits. One had research I liked more, plus smaller lab groups (good in my eyes) and a location I adored. The other has an easier PhD program (less exams but its a very reputable program and one of the best for my field), has more funding and TAing would be easier (i want to teach), but had huge lab groups and while I liked the research, I didnt love it.. And I didnt like the location.

     

    I liked the professors and the environment of both.. Money wise, after rent costs, both are about the same...

     

    Any advice? I have no idea how to start deciding this.. and ive still another visit to go.

    Research vs. Location

    in Decisions, Decisions

    Posted

    I'm approaching my decision as, where am I going to be happier?

     

    That.. does take location into play - I didnt apply for schools that I'd never want to go to, even if they were great programs. Theres one school in particular I did not apply to, because I didnt like where it was at all - even though it was a great school for plasmonics/pchem research.

     

    The research is important, even to me. But for me personally, my advisor and how much I like the program, is far, far more important, as is my general/overall happiness. I know some people have chosen research over locations, but... If you'd be miserable at that location for the next 5 years... is that really worth it? Its not, in my eyes. Whats the point in doing research if you hate where you live and that makes you miserable? Its... a big, giant balancing act.

     

    I hope this helps a little?

    Campus visits? Worth it?

    in Decisions, Decisions

    Posted

    So I just went on my first one.

     

    I learned a -ton- about how the program works, about different professors - I went only having one or two professors in mind that I wanted to work for, and left having 4 solid profs that I'd love to work for, and I know one is perfect. I learned a lot about the city, and the requirements for the program/collaborations. Also learned about housing around campus and got to ask questions about the stipend and insurance.

     

    If you know exactly who you are working for already, then you might be OK skipping it? But I honestly would recommend going if you can, simply because it's a great opportunity to network and see who you wanna work for, what you can expect when you move there funds wise, if summer is an option... Of course, I mean, it won't be too bad if you skip it. You can still get the information through emailing grad students and all... But, I was kinda reluctant to go on the one I just came back from today, actually, due to scheduling issues, and I don't regret going at -all- and am very glad I did.

    Fall 2018 Cycle

    in Chemistry Forum

    Posted

    21 hours ago, athan892 said:

    Can you update us about how it is? Because I am international and I couldn't come.

    So.. tbh, I am loving Rice a lot more than I thought I would. Theyve made a huge effort to show how interdisciplinary and collaborative the department is, and being small works for that very well.

     

    If you have specific questions, PM me? I can try and get them answered for you if I dont know.

    Should I contact POI?

    in Questions and Answers

    Posted

    I contacted professors at my schools and usually got a good response - it showed I cared and wanted to work with that prof. Also, not all professors watch admissions closely, so it draws that profs attention to your app.

     

    Attach your CV, say a little about yourself - mention youve read a bit about their research (make sure you have!) and how interested you are in potentially working for them. Thats what I did. I'd trust what the school said.

    PhD Chemistry Fall 2018 Applicants

    in Waiting it Out

    Posted

    7 hours ago, zbn1618 said:

    Hi, have you already received the official offer letter from Cambridge? I am also applying for a PhD position in Chemistry Department, but my application status has been "under review by department" for two months... I had the interview with the potential supervisor before I submitted my application, and I had another interview with the directors of graduate education and admission this week which is for their scholarship selection. I hate to wait for the results...

    Nope. I eventually decided not to attend Cambridge and informed the professor. He had basically said he would get me in had I chosen to go there.. Which I didnt, so no letters went out.

    Fall 2018 Admission

    in Waiting it Out

    Posted

    3 minutes ago, dontor said:

    Fiain: can you talk a bit more about yourself? I applied to Cambridge for brain sciences. They said since I am just graduating undergraduate, for me to receive funding, I should get masters or post-bach experience. What has been your impression?

    My offer came from a Professor and not the school. He offered funding, and said he could probably get the international fees covered... but on a probably when I cant meet people beforehand.. 20k a year wasnt a gamble I was willing to take, so I turned them down, though I still wish it mighta worked out better.

     

    I'm not sure how it would have worked on the school side. Since I'm from the US, that might have affected things too.

    Fall 2018 Admission

    in Waiting it Out

    Posted

    2 hours ago, singinglupines said:

    As a hard science person, all my deadlines were Dec 1st as well. That's probably why we hear back earlier. It's also rough because if you haven't heard by this point in time, your chances are almost null (especially when you see it graphed out as in that other thread).

    Yeah.. Chemistry here. The only one I've applied to that hasn't released any type of decision so far is Cornell. The other two I've concluded I was rejected from as I still haven't heard from em.

     

    Im glad the deadlines were as earlier for me as they were, though it caused a lot of stress then. The waiting is hard.

    Visit Weekend

    in Decisions, Decisions

    Posted

    Thanks for the thoughts.

     

    The weekend does directly occur when my midterms are. So, it would have a time cost involved. Not completely free, in that sense.

     

    But I really appreciate your guy's thoughts.. Ill consider it, hah.

    Let’s just TALK about it...

    in Waiting it Out

    Posted

    1 hour ago, LibraryLivingJT said:

    So happy this thread exists. This is my third round of applications and I am incredibly nervous.

    Field: 20th century and contemporary American Lit, focus on ethnic American lit (identity, race, ethnicity, history, politics).

    3.68 undergrad GPA, 4.04 MA GPA. TA in MA program, now almost two full years of adjunct teaching experience at a local university, teaching both Lit and Composition.

    GRE 160 Verbal, 5 W, 138 Quant (terrible at math/math anxiety). Terrible on subject test,  but only two programs required it.

    This round I applied to 9 programs, 7 English Lit and 2 American Studies.
     

    Also have numerous awards, 2 academic articles forthcoming, 14 or so poetry publications, numerous conference presentations, participated at the 2017 Futures of American Studies Institute at Dartmouth College.

    Got a letter of rec this round from one of my POIs at USC (met him at Futures); he helped me with app materials and strongly recommended my app to the English Dept. Fingers crossed, as USC has been my top choice for the last two years.

    My top 3 programs are University of Southern California for English (USC), UC Irvine for English, and SUNY Binghamton for English, tied with USC for American Studies.

    Being rejected my second round absolutely crushed me; I really hope this is when I get in. I just need a shot!

    Irvine's awesome (I say this as a senior there, though chemistry)

     

    I wish you the best of luck!

    Fall 2018 Cycle

    in Chemistry Forum

    Posted

    1 hour ago, syntheticallene said:

    I've been stalking this forum for a while now... I figured it was time to say hi!

    I've gotten in so far at CU Boulder, KU, and Purdue for organic. I'm still waiting to hear back from Northwestern, U Wisconsin, U Minnesota, U Michigan, and UC Davis. Anyone have timelines for these decisions? I'm getting antsy :wacko:

     

    I said this on this page (not upset, just pointing it out, hah)

     

    Northwestern told me... I believe two weeks ago? It might have been a week. That they were planning on having all domestic decisions completed by the end of the week. I've heard international students are around beginning of February, though.

     

    I -highly- recommend calling Northwestern and asking for a timeline if you need it to calm your nerves (I've actually had super sweet responses everywhere I've called and managed to get ahold of a person). The chemistry graduate person I spoke with there is very kind and very sweet, and didn't mind at all that I asked him for a rough timeline or when to expect to hear from them. I hope this helps! I'd call again but.. Uhhhh. The guy knows my number and name now, hah. Things might have changed since I last talked with him, though.

    Visit Weekend

    in Decisions, Decisions

    Posted

    Hi!

     

    So... I was accepted to three schools that I'm currently considering. Northwestern, Rice, and University of Oregon.

     

    Ive been to Northwestern before and worked there, and I loved it. I've likewise looked a bit into the climate and city of U of O and think Ill love it too.

     

    However... Rice. Houston. I'm... not sure I want to live in the middle of a huge city where I'd need a car or need to beg rides. I also don't like the heat overmuch.

     

    My advisor and counselors and mentors say I should go to the welcome weekend. Its paid for, I should visit - who knows, I might fall in love! And the professors are top notch and Im honored to have been accepted...

     

    Im not sure if I should go to the welcome weekend or not. Can I ask for your thoughts?

    Fall 2018 Cycle

    in Chemistry Forum

    Posted · Edited by Fiain

    Northwestern told me they'd have all domestic decisions for chemistry out by.. a week or two ago? Ish. Was it a week ago?

     

    That does not mean international - if you can, call them! The chemistry department graduate guy is very sweet and friendly and can give you an estimated timeline, or let you know if decisions have all come out already.. Im hoping for you guys!

     

    Edit - this goes for most schools. Try to call them! Most dont mind a polite inquiry about the status of decisions and expected timelines. Just be polite and dont ask for your decision right then and there. I usually phrased mine as, Hi, Ive got a question that I totally understand if you cant answer right now, but I was curious about... and asked about the timelines for decisions, etc.

     

    Hope that helps!

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