notFBI

Adding my experience here for international applicants who are shit scared like I was around three months back. International applicant from a reputed institute, at least in India. My SOP focused on Computational Structural Biology, although I am flexible. I lean towards computational modelling of bio systems in general. Here's my list: Bio@Purdue: Got an offer last week BSB@SUNY-SB: Interviewed. Waiting BMMB@Penn State: Waitlisted. UW: rejected QCB@BCM: rejected CBB@USC: rejected CBB@Duke: rejected Bio and Neuro @MSSM: rejected Plus I have been offered a position in a German lab. Found the ad on Euraxess. I love the project and the supervisor seems great, so I may take this one. If you are an international applicant waiting on US uni results, I suggest you work on backup plans by applying to other places like me. Stats: CGP: 8.0/10.0 (somehow doesn't seem to matter much unless you are applying to some top-tier uni) Bioinformatics and molecular modelling background; Interdisciplinary coursework - mostly in bio, chem, and math, in that order Languages: Python, C++, MATLAB, Shell Scripting Experience with parallel processing on HPC No publications (...yet. Working on one, but MY GOD this is tough) Only two research experiences: the second one is what I am pursuing my masters on right now; Current guide writes well and most probably gave me a solid reco, courtesy of good work (I hope) and 2+ years of familiarity with my work GRE: 324/340 (V:161; Q:163) TOEFL iBT: 115/120 (W:30; R:30: L:28; S:27) (If you are working on this right now, watch a ton of Hollywood and BBC stuff. Work towards understanding everything without subtitles) Multiple extra curricular activities (this is important; otherwise work on showing a good personality during the interview; show what activities have contributed to building the personality). I have been coordinator for some or the other dept. for multiple events in college and otherwise.