TheDude

I don't have a clue. I've pounced around these forums for 2 years and here is how February and March goes:


People with perfect scores get in to their dream school People with far from perfect scores get in their dream school People who sound perfect don't get in anywhere People without a ton of research experience get in somewhere People with a bunch of research experience get in no where Some people who have good stats just get into Master's programs

Common logic would say to build a relationship with a potential POI and apply. Having relevant research experience is a major plus, but nothing is guaranteed.


I'd apply

I think that it looks presumptuous and a bit pesky to "drop a few lines" as the application deadlines unfold. Isn't the whole point of the quick initial email to see if they are taking students with the veiled intention of making a slightly good enough impression upon them that they'd remember you when applications arrive?

I got more detailed responses than short ones. Even the shorter ones were mostly polite, "yes, taking new students and look forward to seeing your application materials!"

If they took the time to write more than one sentence to you they will remember you. One professor seemed generally pumped about our matched interests and my experience and then sent me a new paper that person had written. I didn't want to respond to that email for suspicion that I'd be lumped into the annoying applicant category. So I responded quickly with an acknowledgement that I read it and a possible ramification.

It's seriously just like a high school dance.

Maybe...Maybe.... a quick email once you submit your application: "Just wanted to thank you for your response in the summer and to let you know I did end up applying to your program and listing you as a potential advisor."

You'd have to have the content of the old emails present, which is why I have been saving these.

But even then I still think it seems a bit trying.

I think that it looks presumptuous and a bit pesky to "drop a few lines" as the application deadlines unfold. Isn't the whole point of the quick initial email to see if they are taking students with the veiled intention of making a slightly good enough impression upon them that they'd remember you when applications arrive?

I got more detailed responses than short ones. Even the shorter ones were mostly polite, "yes, taking new students and look forward to seeing your application materials!"

If they took the time to write more than one sentence to you they will remember you. One professor seemed generally pumped about our matched interests and my experience and then sent me a new paper that person had written. I didn't want to respond to that email for suspicion that I'd be lumped into the annoying applicant category. So I responded quickly with an acknowledgement that I read it and a possible ramification.

It's seriously just like a high school dance.

Maybe...Maybe.... a quick email once you submit your application: "Just wanted to thank you for your response in the summer and to let you know I did end up applying to your program and listing you as a potential advisor."

You'd have to have the content of the old emails present, which is why I have been saving these.

But even then I still think it seems a bit trying.

Straight up: it is going to be a steeper climb for you than others. Great news though, I think it is totally manageable. The key is going to be your last 2 years of work and you have research experience in multiple labs. I would apply this year with the caveat of making sure you apply to a real diverse set of programs to maximize admission possibilities. In other words don't just apply to top labs. Also, really be able to articulate you goals for the future so that when people meet you and you tell them why your GPA was lower and then show them your renewed focus you will be a homerun.

Go for it!

Don't freak C12. Use me as a case study so far:

I have a couple C's and a D on my transcript from 2.5-3 years ago. I'm not worried at all. I ended up graduating Cum Laude with a 3.59 Overall GPA (3.8 the last 2 years) and a 3.8 in my degree focus classes. I won't lie, I think the grades held me back from higher distinctions overall when I graduated. Insert A's in those classes and I am graduating Summa Cum Laude (missed it by .01).

However, I did a lot of research and made things happen on other levels academically. My GPA isn't going to keep me out of Ph.D programs- maybe for the highest tier, but you can still do other things to show that you are perhaps a more viable candidate than someone who has a 3.8 and didn't do those things.

If you are 2 years out don't freak you are perfectly fine.

If you are applying to Ph.D programs 2 years out don't get your hopes up in terms of a couple schools because potential advisors might not even have space for new people. I thought I had my list of schools and after initial salutation letters to faculty it changed quite a bit.


Keep doing what you do!!!!

I have found my vocabulary increasing exponentially now that I have basically taken about 15 words a night from the Barron's Frequent list and writing those words in full sentences. I look up the word, think of a proper sentence, write, midway through the process I spot check the words and then once I am done I test at random. The next day I pick a new 15, look over the old 15 for review and repeat the whole process. I also have a Kaplan flashcard app on my iPad, but that just doesn't do it for me.

As far as math goes. I pick a concept go through Barron's examples and keep a running tab of what the hardest problems are then revisit daily before diving into a new concept.

I have given myself until the end of this month before I take what I deemed my "marker" test. I just needed 2 months of total math review from the ground up before I even discovered my weak points. I then plan on targeting those weak spots into the end of September.

That is the most effective way I have found to study. In 4 weeks if you put in several hours (6) a day you should be able to get through a math review easily.


Why is everyone writing the test so damn early? Am I crazy waiting until September 20th? I figure even if I screw up and need to retake I have a whole other month to cram even more.

Unless you are an engineer of naturally good with math 4 weeks is going to be tough and you should bank on finding several hours a day to study and write practice tests.

I can relate to this as I am a first generation grad and will be the first person in the history of my family to ever pursue a Ph.D. My mother has traced our respective families back to the early 1800's.

I embrace my blue collar roots. I am unanbashingly a small town guy. I cuss like a pirate, drink beer and spit sunflower seeds with my best friends. I watch sports with my father religiously. I also can sit in academic meetings and "turn it on"- well, almost. I still can't bring myself to pronounce words with silent a silent "W" and keep a straight face. I can go to conferences and ask the right questions...I understand the etiquette.

My blue collar family keeps me connected to who I really am and what I came from. I respect the fact that since I was 12 I had to work very trying manual labor jobs. I never have been sailing in the summer or on extended vacations because most of my vacation time was spent covered in tar and dirt. I think having not come from a 'proper' white collar background has shaped my work ethic and how I go about pursuing what I want. This experience has shaped the nature of the research I do. I want my publications to matter for something even if findings aren't revolutionary. I want to do work that matters in people lives because I've never really jived with the notion of doing research for the sake of research. It may sound funny but I want the same experience for my kids.

Maybe I'm weird. I just like teaching because it is the most noble of professions when done properly and I like doing research to help diagnosis issues and fix them. The salary, despite how much of a pittance many claim it is, is just a bonus to me. So in a way I never had whimsical notions about what 'white collar life' would be like...or life as an academic. I read the academic texts in between putting in septic systems because I liked to read those books and could find ways in which I'd use various theories to think about things not because kids at Harvard were reading the same thing.

Sure I have a hard time talking to my parents and friends about some things. However, I came from them and they shaped the experiences that helped shape who I am today. No matter what I think about who I am as a person today and who I want to be- they have been the biggest part of it. I won't ever look down on them because they can't spit theoretical constructs back at me. I don't even feel the urge to bring it up. I talk about fashion and the Hills and reality TV, and rightly urge my opposition to various things, with my sister because it makes her feel good, it makes her feel loved and respected. So what if it doesn't stimulate my mind like other things I might want to be doing? I field phone calls about sports from my dad when I should be writing or reading the latest journal because it makes him feel good that I am there. I talk to my mother about everything and we both respect the fact we have different views.

I just don't feel pressure to fit in with academics if I don't. Sure, I respect everyone of them who makes valuable contributions, I realize the magnitude and importance of their work. We just have different life experiences and that is cool, most are smart enough to realize that.

I respect anyone who differs in opinion.

I can relate to this as I am a first generation grad and will be the first person in the history of my family to ever pursue a Ph.D. My mother has traced our respective families back to the early 1800's.

I embrace my blue collar roots. I am unanbashingly a small town guy. I cuss like a pirate, drink beer and spit sunflower seeds with my best friends. I watch sports with my father religiously. I also can sit in academic meetings and "turn it on"- well, almost. I still can't bring myself to pronounce words with silent a silent "W" and keep a straight face. I can go to conferences and ask the right questions...I understand the etiquette.

My blue collar family keeps me connected to who I really am and what I came from. I respect the fact that since I was 12 I had to work very trying manual labor jobs. I never have been sailing in the summer or on extended vacations because most of my vacation time was spent covered in tar and dirt. I think having not come from a 'proper' white collar background has shaped my work ethic and how I go about pursuing what I want. This experience has shaped the nature of the research I do. I want my publications to matter for something even if findings aren't revolutionary. I want to do work that matters in people lives because I've never really jived with the notion of doing research for the sake of research. It may sound funny but I want the same experience for my kids.

Maybe I'm weird. I just like teaching because it is the most noble of professions when done properly and I like doing research to help diagnosis issues and fix them. The salary, despite how much of a pittance many claim it is, is just a bonus to me. So in a way I never had whimsical notions about what 'white collar life' would be like...or life as an academic. I read the academic texts in between putting in septic systems because I liked to read those books and could find ways in which I'd use various theories to think about things not because kids at Harvard were reading the same thing.

Sure I have a hard time talking to my parents and friends about some things. However, I came from them and they shaped the experiences that helped shape who I am today. No matter what I think about who I am as a person today and who I want to be- they have been the biggest part of it. I won't ever look down on them because they can't spit theoretical constructs back at me. I don't even feel the urge to bring it up. I talk about fashion and the Hills and reality TV, and rightly urge my opposition to various things, with my sister because it makes her feel good, it makes her feel loved and respected. So what if it doesn't stimulate my mind like other things I might want to be doing? I field phone calls about sports from my dad when I should be writing or reading the latest journal because it makes him feel good that I am there. I talk to my mother about everything and we both respect the fact we have different views.

I just don't feel pressure to fit in with academics if I don't. Sure, I respect everyone of them who makes valuable contributions, I realize the magnitude and importance of their work. We just have different life experiences and that is cool, most are smart enough to realize that.

I respect anyone who differs in opinion.

Eh, I am kind of into men's fashion... I think it makes me more manly for admitting it! Also, the only moments of bonding I could ever find with my sister was when she'd help me with my wardrobe so something rubbed off. I'm going to go for it here.

Here goes:

A pair of black shoes and brown shoes. A black belt and a brown belt- match your shoes and your belt! A blue oxford will go with any tie as well as a nice white oxford. if you aren't wearing ties I like plaids and Gingrahams- buy blues deep earthy reds, purple/maroons --> mix colors that are earthly tones so you don't look depressing in spring or out of place in winter. Add color. You need a wardrobe that can cross through seasons if you are going to be near broke. Ties- University ties are easy enough (the one's with horizontal stripes) these along with solid ties are essential. A nice wool or cotton charcoal grey tie will kill with plaids and other patterned shirts. Yes, you can mix patterned ties and patterned shirts as long as they are different patterns- even Micro striped shirts will go with striped ties if the the size of the stripe on each is clearly different. The only large patterned shirts I like to buy are plaids and gingrahams. Unless you get micro stripe shirts I always feel like a candy-cane. Before I leave this one- You are going to want to learn how to match ties and shirts. Most men look like their tie and shirt combos were bought in one of those cheesy shirt/tie sets you find a JC Penny's. Find a color wheel online and learn how complimentary colors work unless you want the "shades" of whatever your shirt color is look. I'd get bored looking at that every day. Getting ties in your primary colors is a good start for a wardrobe...but a good grey tie will go with a great deal of clothing Dark denim. Straight up black or blue with no cheesy washes. The darker the more professional...they'll looked washed out a bit with age. You can avoid looking old by wearing jeans with a nice blazer and button up. Just make sure these are classic or slim fit for this to work. Blazers/sport coat. I like Browns and Grays. I find these go with nearly everything and look more contemporary than the traditional blue or black. For material I recommend tweed (a nice tweed), corduroy or a light wool. Technically there is a difference between sport jackets and blazers but- that aside just make sure your jacket has 2 buttons and not 3. It should fall slightly below your waist but not drape over your backside. Chinos: Blue, dark gray, brown to play it safe. A nice cardigan or two can be dressed up or down with ties or without ties.

My favorite look: Dark blue jeans with Clark's desert boots a nice dark brown sport coat worn over a sharp plaid. I can fit in with older crowds without looking aged or ridiculous and I can easily hit up a cool trendy bar with my friends who are in their 20's and stand out just enough from the rest as to not fade to the backdrop.

The biggest rule is make sure your clothes fit!!! Jackets should not look like tents, pants should fit your legs and waist without needing a belt to hold them up and shirts should be able to be tucked in without yards of excess fabric draped behind you. Expenses aside, you will never look decent in clothes that don't fit!

For fun:
Don't wear shinny shirts- It isn't 2000.
For Pete's sake don't wear a yellow tie and a blue shirt. It is business school attire 101 or the garb of middle aged overweight men.
Don't wear pink. Most guys can't pull it off. Even if you can it is cliche. Check out purple if you want the same vibe without looking tired.
Pink ties and black shirts are for frat guys.
Don't match everything you are wearing with different shades of the same color. Most guys do this because it is brainless.
Not a huge fan of slacks if you want the the look that strays between proper casual and professional. They just look too dressed up and old IMO.
Repeat above: No pleats- They never looked flattering on anyone other than larger men.
You can buy cool colored socks to look a little more fashionable.
DON'T BUTTON UP YOUR JACKET ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!
Grab a couple handkerchiefs to put in your sport coat/blazer pocket when situations call for you to be dressed up a little more than normal.
You don't have to spend a lot of money on clothes for them to be nice. YOu just have to know what to look for quality wise when you are buying on a budget.
I've seen 200$ shirts that were horrible and some of my favorite shirts were total steals at 20$
Cute ties are a no no and should be saved for when you are a father and your kid doesn't know what to get you for father's day. They always look messy and out of place.
I like Gilt.com for the net if you have a couple months to shop. They do flash sales daily with some really great deals on some top products. Even if you don't buy there it is worth signing up (free) to at the very least see how outfits are put together.
Outlet malls are great. If you are looking for one store to hit, if you had to do it this way, J.Crew is pretty solid in the last few years. The retail spots can be pricey, but the outlet stores are often a steal.

I'll conclude with two things. First, if you have women in your life trust them (mothers, grandmas, sisters, girlfriends or friends) as they will always help you look sharp. Lastly, a good goal for men's wardrobe should be versatility. You are going to drop some money on clothes no matter what and you want to make sure you have shirts you can dress up or dress down, same with pants and sweaters, jackets, etc.

FYI: I could do all of the above, either on Gilt.com alone, or with summer sales for 600$...maybe 5. This is all provided you have none of the above. If you are going to do the Gilt.com thing PM and I'll send you and invite to the site. I think it is still invite only.

Eh, I am kind of into men's fashion... I think it makes me more manly for admitting it! Also, the only moments of bonding I could ever find with my sister was when she'd help me with my wardrobe so something rubbed off. I'm going to go for it here.

Here goes:

A pair of black shoes and brown shoes. A black belt and a brown belt- match your shoes and your belt! A blue oxford will go with any tie as well as a nice white oxford. if you aren't wearing ties I like plaids and Gingrahams- buy blues deep earthy reds, purple/maroons --> mix colors that are earthly tones so you don't look depressing in spring or out of place in winter. Add color. You need a wardrobe that can cross through seasons if you are going to be near broke. Ties- University ties are easy enough (the one's with horizontal stripes) these along with solid ties are essential. A nice wool or cotton charcoal grey tie will kill with plaids and other patterned shirts. Yes, you can mix patterned ties and patterned shirts as long as they are different patterns- even Micro striped shirts will go with striped ties if the the size of the stripe on each is clearly different. The only large patterned shirts I like to buy are plaids and gingrahams. Unless you get micro stripe shirts I always feel like a candy-cane. Before I leave this one- You are going to want to learn how to match ties and shirts. Most men look like their tie and shirt combos were bought in one of those cheesy shirt/tie sets you find a JC Penny's. Find a color wheel online and learn how complimentary colors work unless you want the "shades" of whatever your shirt color is look. I'd get bored looking at that every day. Getting ties in your primary colors is a good start for a wardrobe...but a good grey tie will go with a great deal of clothing Dark denim. Straight up black or blue with no cheesy washes. The darker the more professional...they'll looked washed out a bit with age. You can avoid looking old by wearing jeans with a nice blazer and button up. Just make sure these are classic or slim fit for this to work. Blazers/sport coat. I like Browns and Grays. I find these go with nearly everything and look more contemporary than the traditional blue or black. For material I recommend tweed (a nice tweed), corduroy or a light wool. Technically there is a difference between sport jackets and blazers but- that aside just make sure your jacket has 2 buttons and not 3. It should fall slightly below your waist but not drape over your backside. Chinos: Blue, dark gray, brown to play it safe. A nice cardigan or two can be dressed up or down with ties or without ties.

My favorite look: Dark blue jeans with Clark's desert boots a nice dark brown sport coat worn over a sharp plaid. I can fit in with older crowds without looking aged or ridiculous and I can easily hit up a cool trendy bar with my friends who are in their 20's and stand out just enough from the rest as to not fade to the backdrop.

The biggest rule is make sure your clothes fit!!! Jackets should not look like tents, pants should fit your legs and waist without needing a belt to hold them up and shirts should be able to be tucked in without yards of excess fabric draped behind you. Expenses aside, you will never look decent in clothes that don't fit!

For fun:
Don't wear shinny shirts- It isn't 2000.
For Pete's sake don't wear a yellow tie and a blue shirt. It is business school attire 101 or the garb of middle aged overweight men.
Don't wear pink. Most guys can't pull it off. Even if you can it is cliche. Check out purple if you want the same vibe without looking tired.
Pink ties and black shirts are for frat guys.
Don't match everything you are wearing with different shades of the same color. Most guys do this because it is brainless.
Not a huge fan of slacks if you want the the look that strays between proper casual and professional. They just look too dressed up and old IMO.
Repeat above: No pleats- They never looked flattering on anyone other than larger men.
You can buy cool colored socks to look a little more fashionable.
DON'T BUTTON UP YOUR JACKET ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!
Grab a couple handkerchiefs to put in your sport coat/blazer pocket when situations call for you to be dressed up a little more than normal.
You don't have to spend a lot of money on clothes for them to be nice. YOu just have to know what to look for quality wise when you are buying on a budget.
I've seen 200$ shirts that were horrible and some of my favorite shirts were total steals at 20$
Cute ties are a no no and should be saved for when you are a father and your kid doesn't know what to get you for father's day. They always look messy and out of place.
I like Gilt.com for the net if you have a couple months to shop. They do flash sales daily with some really great deals on some top products. Even if you don't buy there it is worth signing up (free) to at the very least see how outfits are put together.
Outlet malls are great. If you are looking for one store to hit, if you had to do it this way, J.Crew is pretty solid in the last few years. The retail spots can be pricey, but the outlet stores are often a steal.

I'll conclude with two things. First, if you have women in your life trust them (mothers, grandmas, sisters, girlfriends or friends) as they will always help you look sharp. Lastly, a good goal for men's wardrobe should be versatility. You are going to drop some money on clothes no matter what and you want to make sure you have shirts you can dress up or dress down, same with pants and sweaters, jackets, etc.

FYI: I could do all of the above, either on Gilt.com alone, or with summer sales for 600$...maybe 5. This is all provided you have none of the above. If you are going to do the Gilt.com thing PM and I'll send you and invite to the site. I think it is still invite only.

I wouldn't sweat it. College is expensive and there is this illusion that floats around in guidance offices at high schools that "everyone can go where they want, there will be money for you everywhere and it will all work out." Then you 4-5 years later you graduate with tens of thousands of dollars in debt and wonder if you can even financially swing going to graduate school. you are being pragmatic.

Now if you need research experience for your prospective field- most kids don't know the first 2 years of school they want to be involved with that. In fact, I'd think it rather odd that a freshman just started doing research and didn't experience anything else outside of class for extracurriculars. It is going to be what you do with that time. So when you do transfer if you do need that kind of experience find a way to work your way up and make it count. In my experience most professors are really happy and surprised to have competent youngsters eager to get involved with all aspects of research. Tell them up front you know you have to do the basics, but you want to work your way up to whatever possible.

Bottom line,

Don't worry... your mother is smart.

Also, be receptive to the fact things change as you age. Just in my own life from the age of 18-20 I changed immensely and evolved so much as a person.

Lastly, there has to be a reason you want to go to grad school. I have had friends in love with the idea of higher education and being "more educated" than the rest, only to find they couldn't write out 3 reasons why they wanted to go to graduate school.

Hey Everyone,

I am not in graduate school as of yet, but I am and Undergrad who has been heavily involved in my own research... serious enough to be publishing. Consequently, I think my input isn't easily dismissed and might be directly applicable to you.

I have the 16 gig iPad with WiFi and it has exceeded my every expectation.

1) Typing was the one of my biggest concerns. Within a week I was typing fast enough where taking copious notes in lectures wasn't an issue. At this point I feel like I am typing just as I do on my Macbook. If you wanted to attach the keyboard doc to it you could, but it just seems antithetical to the point of having a tablet.

2) The publication process is much easier with this. No more awkward positions with my Macbook or hauling it to coffee shops to read articles in PDF forms. I can't tell you how many times I've fallen a sleep with my macbook just hanging off the edge of my bed as I spent the previous night reading articles into the wee hours of the morning while trying to get comfortable.
I find that whole process much easier to do, especially when using Papers. I can manage article databases and make notes on them that are easily shared electronically making manuscript write ups much easier. Yes, you could do this on a macbook too, but my main interest in having this device was ease of portability.


3) you can transfer data easily. I have some working databases in excel format on my iPad and it transfers to my Mac easy. The App cost 9 bucks. Apple does control the means for how this happens and the route it takes, but it isn't impossible to wrap your head around. Plug in and manage it that way or transfer it on your wifi network.

4) I have had no wifi issues like some who have complained. Been at a few universities and no issues.

5) Some apps aren't quite ready for prime time, but updates have fixed this easily.

6) Maybe the battery issue is legit, but I have never replaced internal batteries on any of my portable apple products. I still have a first generation iPod that works like a charm. The only battery I ever needed to replace on my laptop was due to manufacturing issues way back when there were concerns the powerbook battery would spontaneously combust.

7) Notes in meetings: no more loosing that paper!

8) Managing scheduling: Easier.

Is multitasking an issue? Yes and no. First, the new OS will most likely fix this if you care that much. It can be a pain in the butt, but it can also help keep you focused on one thing at a time. It all depends on what you want the iPad for. Is it a total replacement for a netbook? It depends on what you use your netbooks for. I have the macbook for heavy processing that I need to do for research...I use lots of media and there is no way I could swing that on an iPad or netbook.

The whole issue is about production and consumption to me. I'd much rather do my consumption (articles, searching article databases and all the other browsing and watching I use my laptop for) on the iPad. It feels right and is much easier to manage hauling from spot to spot to complete work than my laptop... not that that is huge.

I'd rather keep heavy production databases for research, media and research software and heavy work processing on my laptop.

So if you are looking for a device to supplement a desktop or a laptop the iPad is something to look at and is totally functional for class notes and basic research endeavors (article searching, highlighting, managing and database creation)


If you want it to be your sole device in grad school you will be disappointed.