matscigradapp

I had one reviewer give a VG/VG and literally wrote “see scores” for all the comments. This seems beyond lazy to me, I question if they even read my statement and proposal.

There is still plenty of good diverse food in SD and plenty to do (ie. North Park, Gaslamp, Pacific Beach). The food and stuff to do isn’t at the caliber of LA, but it’s nothing to sneeze at, only LA, NY, and the Bay Area can definitively outdo SD in diversity, food, and things to do.

Currently deciding between Michigan and Cornell for a PhD in Materials Science. For me, I would say they are equal on research, potential advisors, weather, and prestige. I would love to hear opinions on the MSE department cultures at each school and quality of life/what do people do in Ann Arbor and Ithaca. Thanks!

Congratulations! I’ve had experience with both schools. LA will generally be more expensive than SD. UCLA is in a fairly urban environment, so if you’re looking for city life LA would be the place to be. UCSD is in La Jolla, an affluent suburb of SD, so there is much less of a city environment. The nature in SD is also better than LA, with beaches and hiking trails. Both schools are in great areas, it just depends on your type of living preference. Both cities are large and spread out, so I would also suggest a car at both schools if you’re looking to explore what each city has to offer.

Excitement: I got accepted to Cornell with a great funding package! Worries: Even though I’ve gotten into a great program, I’m still anxiously waiting for more than half of the programs I applied to get back to me. Also worried that by now, I won’t be able to attend visit weekends to make a well informed decision if I end up being accepted elsewhere.

Planning on going to Cornell's weekend. Do you know if Georgia Tech has multiple visit recruitment weekends?

@benmaterials when did you hear from GT and UMich? Still anxiously waiting...

Undergrad Institution (approx. rank/reputation in STEM): Top 10 Public, research heavy Major(s): Materials Science with Nanotechnology focus Minor(s): GPA in Major: 3.90/4.00 Overall GPA: 3.77/4.00 Demographics/Background: Asian American GRE Scores: Q: 167 (91%) V: 158 (80%) W: 4.5 (82%) LOR: 2 Professors, 1 I’ve been working with for 3 years now. Should be very good. Other professor is an advisor for a project I am leading. 1 letter from the CEO of the startup where I interned. Research Experience: 3 years of undergraduate research, 1 REU, 1 Research based internship at a startup Publications/Abstracts/Presentations: 5th Author publication, poster at undergraduate research symposium  Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Tau Beta Pi, Provost’s Honors every quarter Fellowships/Funding: Applied for NSF GRFP Pertinent Activities or Jobs: R&D internship at highly relevant startup Other Miscellaneous Accomplishments:  Anything else in your application that might matter (faculty connections, etc.): Research Interests: Electrochemistry, Characterization, Energy Storage Institutions/Programs: Applied to: Stanford, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Northwestern, UMichigan, Cornell, MIT, Georgia Tech (all MatSci) Comments: Didn’t really apply to any safeties since I figured that I would get a job and revisit the idea of grad school if I don’t get in anywhere.