VirtualCell

There's lots of generic resources (e.g. neurosciencenews.com has a list), but the place I recommend starting is to talk to your PI! They often have perspectives on which programs they respect the most. You can also look at papers that you like and see where the authors are located. Make a list of a dozen of so PIs you might want to work with, and see what programs they are affiliated with.

Not specific to any schools in particular, but this Twitter thread about common interview questions might be helpful for you:

Is anyone familiar with any fellowships for PhD students in Biology who want to teach more? One of my postdoc mentors was funded by an NSF grant (around 2011) where he was paired with a high school teacher to teach some high school biology classes as outreach. But I think they discontinued that program. I'm more interested in university-level teaching, but high school outreach sounds fun, too. Quick google searches don't seem to get me anywhere. Any suggestions? Thanks!

^ +1 to Orims, but also OP should be aware that most of these things can be said about any of these programs. People with NCS papers get rejected from these PhD programs every cycle. The fact that Stanford Biosciences cares a lot about diversity is good info, though, I didn't know about that. I also don't know of actual acceptance rates for any of these programs. They may have them on their website somewhere, but most places don't disclose. Some of my friends who got into MIT Bio, HILS, UCSF, etc., also got into Stanford Biosciences. Conversely, some of my friends who got into Stanford Biosciences did not get into MIT Bio, HILS, UCSF, etc. I think it's a person-by-person and department-by-department thing. Departmental variability could be for a variety of reasons. For example, if just one person on one of those committees has a lot respect for one of your letter writers, that may really help you get an interview. There's also just stochastic processes at play--one of my mentors (who is on his harvard program's admissions committees each year) talked to me about how they make a pile of everyone who is very qualified for the program, but they can't admit all of them, and he said he thought that they way they choose between those people isn't any better than chance. So, once you're qualified enough, then there's also some rolling of the dice for each program.

Hi, welcome! 1. Is computational virology even a thing? Like building computational models of viruses to better understand them and help figure out vaccine development/treatment strategies? Sure. You can apply computational methods to basically any sub-field in biology. For example, see: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682217300053 2. If so, do you guys have any suggestions of PhD programs which have a strength in this area? I'm not sure. You may benefit from reading the literature some (just search things in Google Scholar!). When you find papers that you're interested in, take a look at the authors' affiliated institutions. There are virology program (e.g. Harvard's), computational/genome biology programs (e.g. UWs), computer science/bioinformatics programs (e.g. Carnegie Mellon's), and applied math (e.g. UC Irvine´s) that could all be of interest. Focus on labs first though, and let the labs guide you to the programs. For example, you might find the Sabeti Lab's research interesting: https://www.sabetilab.org/ Also definitely consider applied mathematics or statistics PhD programs. Having only taken intro biology one year before graduate school is going to be a big disadvantage in applying to biology graduate school. You may still be able to make fantastic contributions to computational biology, but programs will likely be worried that (1) you won't be able to pass graduate-level biology courses, and (2) that you don't understand enough biology to know what you're getting yourself into. On the other hand, you probably already meet the requirements for applied math and stats PhDs (many of which have PIs who work on biological problems). Also consider taking a few years off to gain more biology research experience to make sure this is a field that you'd enjoy working in for 4-7+ years. Good luck!

You absolutely stand a chance! I think the important thing is not whether you can get in, but whether you’re willing to commit to 4-7 years of full-time research right now. If you feel ready/willing to do that (and confident that you enjoyed your prior research experiences enough that you’ll enjoy a PhD), then go ahead and apply. ^ This was basically the advice that I got when I was in a similar situation last year. I was planning on taking a few years off after my MS, but one of my advisors convinced me to go ahead and apply to just a few programs in the city where I live—and, if I didn’t get in, I would apply for jobs. Can’t hurt to apply, as long as you can afford the application fees! :)

That was me! I'm also not sure if all invites were sent, but I got an email yesterday at 6:59 PM for interviews on either February 7th or February 28th. My friend's PI was on the committee and was complaining about how they had ~400 applications for ~6 spots. I'm really shocked and grateful that they sent me an interview--but I feel like, with that many applications, there has to be even more stochasticity than in most.

Lol thanks. More like recklessness than confidence? Tbh I was going to take a year or two off--I'm in Boston and there're lots of job opportunities in Bioinformatics here--but one of my undergrad advisors (who I trust a lot, in part because she's blunt/honest to the point that it sometimes comes off as rude) told me to apply to a few places year, at least to get practice. I took it seriously and hey--so far, so good. And I'll get to meet you at the BIG interviews! ? I'm so excited, it's going to be a blast.

Jean Fan (a recently-graduated hotshot PhD Bioinformatician) gave some really fantastic tips here: https://jef.works/blog/2018/02/26/phd-program-interview-and-application-tips-and-advice/ I asked a similar question to two senior postdocs in my lab yesterday, and they were more succinct. They said (1) have a 1-minute summary of your current and past research projects. It's hard to do, and doesn't actually reflect your potential to do well in grad school, but it makes you look well put-together, (2) have a quick summary of why you like that program, and (3) remember to relax and let your interviewer talk about themselves! Good luck! You're going to do great!

I think most MIT Biology were released today. But CSB is separate from Biology--they're a small department with a metric shit-ton of applications to go through, so they're on a slightly slower schedule ?

Nothing from SSQB yet, I don’t think! I’ve worked in a couple labs in SysBio, and they definitely have a wait-until-after-christmas vibe. (though looking at previous results, it looks like they released earlier in previous years? so maybe my impressions are off) edit: looks like someone just posted an interview invitation to the results page!

Just got an interview email from Harvard BBS! I haven't gotten any other notifications yet. Generic format, e.g.: > It is my great pleasure to invite you to visit the Harvard University Division of Medical Sciences Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). > Our Admissions Committee has selected you as an excellent candidate for entry into the BBS program. The next step in our admissions process is an interview where you will meet individually with multiple BBS faculty members and receive a broad introduction to our program, our students and the Harvard Medical School environment. But I thought they wouldn't be sending anything out until January, so I was super pleasantly surprised!

Me! I've just applied to Harvard (BBS, SSQB, BIG) and MIT (Biology, CSB, BE). My list is beyond top-heavy lol--this feels a lot less stressful than undergrad, though, since I/we can always work for a year or two and re-apply more broadly.

Three days after submitting and I've already checked GradCafe a good bit ?. Oh well, here's my post! Undergrad Institution: Northeastern University, Boston, MAMajor(s): Biology (BS) Bioinformatics (MS)GPA in Major: 4.0Overall GPA: 3.95 UG / 4.0 GType of Student: Domestic, white hispanic male. GRE Scores (revised/old version):Q: 169V: 167W: 5B: N/AResearch Experience: Research around Boston over the last 5 years or so. No real papers: I listed an 2nd author on chemxriv, a nth author in peer review, and a first author "in preparation to submit December 2019". Awards/Honors/Recognitions: A bunch of research stuff from the school, but nothing from the outside. Pertinent Activities or Jobs: I TA a lot and have done some curriculum development. I really like teaching.Special Bonus Points: One of my letters is from my current PI, who is a decently big deal (chaired professor with H-index 100+). Other 2 letters are from more junior faculty that I've worked with.Applying to Where:Harvard BBS (Biological Sciences) Harvard BIG (Bioinformatics) Harvard SSQB (Systems Biology) MIT Biology MIT CSB (Systems Biology) MIT Biological Engineering I think I have a decent profile, but obviously shooting for the stars this cycle (so not counting on getting in, but I don't think it's completely hopeless). I'll try to remember to update when the time comes!

I'm happy to swap with you, if you're still interested!

I'll swap with you! I'm applying Biology/Systems Biology/Biological Engineering.

I also really liked Magoosh. I only took two practice tests: Magoosh: 158Q, 164V Princeton: 161Q, 164V, AW: 5 and 5.5 Actual: 169Q, 165V, AW: 5 I guess I got lucky? Or didn’t take the practice exams as seriously as the actual test? Either way—just studied with Magoosh. 100% recommend.

Hello! I'm applying to Computational Biology PhD programs this cycle. On one of my applications, there's a "Do you consider yourself as coming from a disadvantaged background, where your pursuit of education was affected by social, cultural, or educational factors"? It's just a check box without any space to write, with sub-checkmarks like "Had or currently have members of your immediate family who use government assistance programs". My family was on gov. assistance and below the poverty line for a few years in highschool, and that did cause me to only apply to schools where I could get scholarships, so I guess I technically qualify. But I'm not disadvantaged--I'm a (white) cuban dude, my family made plenty of money for (most) of my life, and I'm generally pretty damn privileged--and my GPA/GREs are good. Should I check that box because I might technically qualify? Does it even matter?

Hi Shay, Oh no, that does not sound like a fun situation. I really hope you're able to find your way into a better working environment. This is not so uncommon, even though it's awful. PIs generally don't have much motivation to get students out quickly. This is a workplace abuse of power and is (I hope) much less common. This is a problem that I highly recommend you go speak to an administrator about. I believe normal workplace harassment laws apply to Ph.D. students, and insults/harassment are unacceptable, if not illegal. Does she have any collaborators that you could continue to work with? Have you talked to your committee? I don't feel absolutely comfortable giving advice about this, as I think the support structure in your Ph.D. program is likely more knowledgeable and well-equipped to help you with these problems. But, from the information you've given me, it would seem appropriate for you to find a different advisor. Best of luck, and hang in there!

Hi Xleem! Congratulations on your degree in anatomy, and on your interest in Bioinformatics! I think, in general, knowledge of human anatomy is not sufficient preparation for bioinformatics. Generally, the most important skills are solid knowledge of cell biology and some programming experience. With that said, some bioinformatics certificate and, to a certain extent, masters, programs are not too selective. If you have good grades, have some compelling reason to do bioinformatics, and have the money/means to pay for an expensive M.S. program, you may be able to complete one. Best of luck, and do edit the post with more information if you think it would be helpful!

Hi friends, I have a 1-page resume. How would you suggest modifying it into an academic CV for Ph.D. applications? I'm finishing up my M.S. in Bioinformatics this year and applying for Ph.D. programs in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, and umbrella Biology programs. Should I be selective about what I put on my CV? I hope this can be a general post that helps others learn how to make a CV for applications, but I'll post some of my specific questions below. I have 12 related-to-each-other patent applications from an industry internship (e.g. different gene targets to treat similar diseases) that will go public this July--do I list all of those individually? And I don't have any proper peer-reviewed papers right now (though fingers crossed before October), but I have one in the ChemXrviv, so I list preprints on my CV, right? And then I have a good few poster presentations, but they're not all unique--like I would use the same poster and go present at three or four conferences. Do I list those all separately? What about independent coursework? I've taken a ton of stuff on Coursera that matters to me (like the IBM Data Science certificate), but does it deserve a spot on my CV? I have some unrelated work experience that doesn't make the cut for my resume. For example, I worked as a nursing assistant and a medical scribe right after high school and I worked part-time working on developing some undergraduate curriculum. Should I put all of my work experience? Is there generally a page limit? I feel like, if I include all of the things from the above bullet points, I'll easily be around 10+ pages.