Teaching Faculty Wannabe

Hi everyone! I have seen this sort of forum for other disciplines, so I thought it might be nice to have this for engineering students wanting to applying to graduate school at some point. My advice would be this: 1. Don't undervalue for GRE scores, especially your quant scores. I hate the GRE with a passion because I suck at standardized tests that are there to trick you and steal your money, but it is a part of the application process, so it is important to schools somewhat. I think my average quant score did not make me standout, but I also had other things going for me, so I don't think it is as simple as my GRE scores being kind of crappy. You just got figure out if your score is "good enough" compared to the other parts of your application. 2. LORs are really important. Make sure they all don't say the same thing and they give details about who you are versus giving a generalized view. You can give your letter writers pointers if necessary. Good luck, future applicants! Recent or past applicants, please provide any advice you have!

I agree with this. Practice for me as also been very helpful. It doesn't get rid of my anxiety, but it can help decrease it some. I also dislike the "introduce yourself to the group" thing so much that I have memorized what to say for that so I don't get caught off guard by it now.

This is an interesting point of view. I never thought of this way because when someone says "You're quiet", my brain automatically goes into overthink mode and only things of negatives. I think it worse when someone says "you're being so quiet" and "you're too quiet" versus "you're quiet" though, but they all still produce the same underlying feeling of anxiety in me. I think this is where clarification or rephrasing is important. If someone is being silent and you want them to contribute, you could say something like "I would love to hear your thoughts on this". Or when someone says this and means it as more of a compliment in the sense they are comfortable with silence or something of that sort, stating those things in addition would be great because otherwise people could react to that saying a lot differently than you think they will. I really appreciate your thoughts on this matter and I think it is interesting how people can view "you're quiet" in different ways.

@pnc95Boy howdy, this quite the question! During my entire undergrad, I lived with roommates. I stayed with some of the same people for a long time, but drama can definitely happen for sure. Sometimes having your roommates as friends can be wonderful but also just as equally bad. I lived with three of my friends for about a year or so until drama happened. Two of my friends/roommates started to argue all the time and things got so bad that one person left. Because of this, the apartment complex we were in found someone else to take over her room. It was definitely hard to get used to having someone else living in that room. However, we were very friendly to her, but it took her some time to open up to us. Over time, we became acquaintances, but never close. Things eventually went downhill after living with the new roommate for a year. She started smoking various things in her room, stinking up the whole apartment. The apartment was non-smoking. We tried telling her that we didn't like the smell. Long story short, things got so tense to the point that she snapped and started yelling at us and talking about punching us. We tried to get her evicted because we didn't feel comfortable sharing a space with her, but the apartment had a policy where she couldn't be evicted on the first strike or something. So, she still lived there, but we definitely didn't talk to her ever again. However, the other two roommates I had for what felt forever were great. We went grocery shopping together. Cooked and baked together. Ate meals together. Went out together. I am still very close to them now. Soooo, my advice is that having roommates can be unpredictable, even if they are your friends. Also, not all roommates that start out as strangers are bad too. Conflict between people who live together is just inevitable sometimes. If you do end up finding a place with roommates, make sure that you have individual leases so you don't get penalized when one of the them ends up leaving. Also, be prepared for drama. Even if you find someone similar to you to live with, you are going to butt heads on something, such dishes in the sink, who can do laundry on Wednesdays, and asking for room in the freezer. I honestly want to live by myself when I move for grad school because I have never had a place to myself, but it definitely seems cheaper to live with roommates. You just might have to make that sacrifice until you can afford to live by yourself. Just make sure that your living situation isn't stressful, or else you will dread going home and sleeping in your own bed.

Also, one thing I realized: As a women of color in science and engineering, I felt this pressure to put myself out there more. I know this isn't that great of a feeling because I feel like I have to work harder than other students to get the same results, but I have noticed that it has made me more outspoken over time. During various internships, I've had to interact and collaborate with various people. Because I didn't want to look a like a slacker, I pushed my anxiety aside, put my foot down, and just talked to them about whatever I had to say (a problem with lab equipment, an idea on the project I was working on, etc). I do believe a lot of my feelings to challenge my social anxiety stem from being a minority. I just thought this was an interesting realization I had. I am not sure if anyone else can relate.

I have social anxiety, which has been seen as shy or timid by others. For the longest time, I thought I was shy and/or timid, and people viewed this as either me not liking them, or thinking I am better than me, or just a weirdo, I guess. It also doesn't help that I am an introvert. So not only do I not like talking in front of crowds or strangers, but I only really like talking to certain people and get tired easily when I have to interact with people for long periods of time. (1) In the past, when someone says this to me, I usually just smiled at them and shrugged it off externally. Internally, I was questioning why they told me that. Was it a good or bad thing that they told me that? Should I talk more? If so, then what do I talk about? It was a vicious cycle and I noticed that my brain still does that sometimes. Now, when someone points this out, I either say something like "I am an introverted person" or "I am not a very talkative person. I'd rather listen." Sometimes I'll tell people I am comfortable relieving this information to that I have social anxiety and sometimes talking just FEELS TO HARD TO DO. People do sometimes find these responses weird, but at least I am telling them the truth and not hiding my feelings like I used to. You can't really control how people react, but it's better to be honest with them (to the extent you are comfortable with). (2) I am not a PhD student yet (I will be starting this fall), but whenever I had to present during my undergrad, it was really hard. Hours and days up to the time I had to present something (a PPT project to my class, senior design updates to my advisors, poster presentations, etc), I would get super nervous and anxious to the point where I wouldn't eat, I felt like I was going to get sick, and I couldn't breathe well. What usually helps with me during those times is many things. Drinking lots of water. The water at least keeps you hydrated and flushes some of the stress hormone from your body (Make sure to go to the bathroom beforehand though, haha). It also keeps your mouth ready to talk. I hate when I talk and I start smacking because my mouth is dry due to my nervousness. Sometimes walking outside and chewing gum helps. If I am presenting with group members I trust, I am fully honest with them about my anxiety and I have honestly been lucky in them supporting me and making sure I am okay before presenting. Additionally, you have to stay realistic. You might mess up a few times during your talk or presentation, but try to breathe, take a small few second break during the messed up part to recollect your thoughts, and continue on anything your brain grabs related to your topic. When I met my future research advisor at a school visit, I was honest with them about my social anxiety and wanting to improve my presentation skills. They were totally understanding and told me that they would help me learn how to control my stage fright and find ways I can present better. Sometimes you just have to challenge yourself. One of the scariest things I have ever done was give a speech at my departmental graduation. I was asked by my classmates to do it. I really wanted to say no, but doing it would show my anxiety who's boss. To this day, I can't watch the recording of it. I stumbled during a part of it, and even said that I was a very nervous person, but people ended up liking it in the end. I felt like they could understand my nervousness. It probably helped that I had few jokes in it (that actually made people laugh, say what??). I am not sure all of these things are useful to everyone and I am definitely still figuring out how to cope with social anxiety and being introverted in academia. But being honest with yourself and those around you feels key or else people will assume things about you and you might start overthinking too much. Also, as shown through this forum, there are other people out there that are dealing with similar things as you. You are able to connect with others through these circumstances that feel like a flaw or disadvantage. Good luck and I look forward to what others say! Thanks for starting this!

I would possibly contact the GEM Representative at that particular organization. Maybe tell them about the situation and they can see if there has been updates on the school's decision.

I know that NC State has a big wind tunnel where they test the aerodynamics, of various samples I am assuming (you can hear it when it is on when walking around Centennial Campus). I went to NC State for my undergrad, but have visited VT many times because I thought I would get in for my undergrad (haha, oh well). Both places are cool, but very different in their atmospheres. They both have big huge school spirit, but I have feeling VT might be a little bit more since it is a big football school. As @Windeolus said, VT is in an isolated town, but it is very pretty, mountainous area. They have plenty of restaurants, but there is not much to do beyond what happens at VT. Raleigh is a small city with other small cities around it (Durham and Chapel Hill), so there is a lot to do in the area (museums, concerts, tons of city-run activities, parades, parks, various types of restaurants, etc.). However, if you want to focus on school, VT might be the best place since there will be less distractions. However, Centennial Campus is in a more secluded part of Raleigh, soooo. I will say that VT has a slightly bigger reputation than NC State, but the College of Engineering at NC State has definitely improved and I am sure the Aerospace Engineering Department is great. I can see why you are having a hard time choosing. Good luck and congrats on your acceptances!

I am sorry they said they would "revisit" it. Congrats on getting into UC Davis and UC Riverside, though! I hope those programs are a good fit for you.

Thanks for this! This was nice to hear.

That's very true. I am keeping all of my rejections letters so I remember that things worked out this way for a reason. And thanks! I doubt I will get the NSF, but it would be more than amazing if I got it!

Thanks! Congrats to you too for getting one as well and for getting into UVA!

I have no idea, but when I signed the university support agreement, my offer link also disappeared. I guess they are reviewing it????

You should check out this website and her podcast: http://pfforphds.com/ She talks about how to do your finances as a PhD/graduate students, such as budgeting, taxes, and money saving tips.

I'm sorry you feel this way. I honestly was disappointed with my results as well. I got accepted to two places with funding, which I am really thankful for and definitely not complaining about them and feel kind of silly feeling disappointed by these results. But I definitely understand somewhat how you feel. It feels bad when I received those six rejection letters, but I learned that you can't really take it personally. It's hard to do, but once you do that, it feels less worse. Good luck, my friend.

Thanks! I have known some people take three at a time, but current students I have talked about it are against taking three per semester and recommend taking two. The thing about the courses are that we don't have core classes, but rather we have tracks and each track has classes you can take.

Hi all! I am trying to figure out if I should take two classes per semester for two and half years or three classes per semester for the first year and two classes per semester for the second year. The problem I also have is that my lab and where I will be taking classes is about a 45 minute drive from each other, so I have to think about my time wisely. Thanks in advance!

I kind of disagree with this. Interest rate can make things add up quickly, even if the loan amount is low. I have a decent amount of student loan debt and I think I got lucky because I know people who have way more than me and will have to take longer to pay it off, but I still am completely overwhelmed by it. Debt can really affect your future, especially if you want to buy a house and start a family, which can be costly. Also, it wouldn't be that great to have to pay off debt until you are 60 or 70. Just my opinion, though. @AnanjayaTyagi So, I am suspecting the Master's program will be two years. So, for the cost of Duke, two years will be $154,000. At NC State, it will cost $90,000. So, NC State is technically and approximately $64,000 "cheaper" in that sense. However, cost is definitely not the only determinant. When I looked at the two places I was accepted to, I compared them based on these things: 1.Location. Do you like the feel of the university and the town/city it is in? What is the cost of living? Is it affordable? Interestingly, these two places are not far from each other, but they do have different vibes about them. 2. Cost. As discussed above, cost can take a toll. I don't know your financial situation, but tuition/cost of attendance is not the only cost you will accrue when you are getting your Master's. There is rent, utilities, food, health insurance, transportation (and possibly care maintenance with that), renters insurance, etc. It will add up over time. You just need to figure out if you can afford Duke over NC State. What kind of job do you want after your Master's? Do you want to go into industry? Or get a PhD and postdoc? If you go into industry, paying off the debt will be quicker. 3. Classes. You seem to like the classes offered at Duke more. Compare the two on the classes you will have to take. 4. Research advisor/projects. Do you see yourself working with someone at either university? Is there a person you prefer more? 5. Assistantship opportunities. Do any of the places offer research or teaching assistantships to help cover the cost of attendance and/or living costs? Also, I am not sure if you have visited either schools, so I will tell you what I know about NC State since I was there for four years. It has three campuses. Main campus has most colleges. Centennial campus has all engineering departments except nuclear. The third campus is the vet school. They are all about a few minutes away from each other, with the main campus in the middle. What I miss a lot about NC State is Lake Raleigh, which is located on centennial campus. Whenever I was stressed, I would take a walk to the lake and just chill out there until I felt better. Centennial campus is fairly small compared to Main, but it also is nice to get away from the big crowds of students. It definitely makes collaborating and going to classes easy. There is only graduate housing on centennial. The bus system is fairly reliable and goes to many places in and around the campuses. NC State has a lot of school spirit! Screaming "wolfpack" is a big thing there. Also, if you love ice cream, then NC State might be your place. They make their own ice cream, and it is sold allover the campuses (in the mini school grocery stores, the libraries, and even local Harris Teeters). Raleigh is a really cool place with lots to do -- concerts, activities, bars, restaurants, clubs, an arboretum, and museums (the science museum is super cool and free!). Honestly, this is a really hard discussion, but congrats on getting into two wonderful schools. Both schools are great, and located in the Research Triangle, which has many companies in various industries. I hope this helps and good luck!

Candy crush

I would wait for two weeks or so, but once early April approaches, you may want to give up on Rice. Also, you may want to wait longer if Rice is one of your top programs. However, if you prefer the other places you were accepted at, then don't wait as long. Maybe Rice bases their second round of offers on how many people accept the first round? This could prevent them from sending out too many acceptances.

WOLFPACK! I went to NCSU for my undergrad, so I am very biased. Like the people said above, ranking is not super important, especially since both schools are good. I will say that NCSU has a higher rep in engineering compared to Duke in my opinion. Nonetheless, I think what's important to think about is what place that will make you the happiest. Durham and Raleigh both have different feelings. Cost is also very important, especially since there is such a huge difference between the two. Would it be worth it to pay the large amount at Duke?

I think that's fine. Have fun at the visit!

I didn't receive any emails about it either :/.

Sammmme.

Hi all! I came across this Nature article on tips for international students applying to grad school in the United States: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00845-z?utm_source=Nature+Briefing&utm_campaign=db543bc5f4-briefing-dy-20190314&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c9dfd39373-db543bc5f4-43891109 I hope it is helpful!