ZeeMore21

Hi Everyone, I am just now thinking about presenting at conferences and wanted some tips on abstract etiquette. For instance, is it okay to send multiple abstracts to different conferences? I sent an abstract to my first conference the 30th of last month and just got word that it was rejected this past Monday. I sent the same abstract to another conference two days ago and was told that I wouldn't know the status of my abstract until April, though the conference is in June (and is abroad for that matter). Is it better to wait until I hear back from a conference before sending the same abstract proposal to another conference? I would not want to do anything that would jeopardize my standing in my field. Thanks for your help!

I recently joined an art class for the fun of it...I was starting to realize that school was taking up my entire life. It has been nice to have time set aside for developing hobbies and exploring things outside of the classroom.

Perhaps using "obamacare" led to this, it has a negative connotation. But I too call for the thread to be closed.

Your experience in NYS can't be used to make blanket generalizations about everyone who is on food stamps...you are in fact stereotyping. And also, I was referring to graduate students not receiving stipends...I know of several Master students who applied and received food-stamps. These students were going to school and working. These students were also paying taxes that went toward things you probably use: public transportation, highways, etc...I could go on and on. Do you not have right to use these things because you have paid your taxes? This assumption that those in need do not contribute to society is, again, incorrect and misinformed. It often does take walking in someone else's shoes to really understand his/her situation. I also think its strange that you don't bring up the structural issues that have put some populations in a cycle of poverty...I highly doubt this cycle was of their own doing. Let's examine the roots. It's easy to blame those who are in need because no one really wants to discuss the history of exploitation and greed in this country nor the disastrous effects of the capitalism being practiced today.

"Sure there are people who depend on programs that steal from others. This doesn't make it right to steal. If I am starving, and steal bread, I am in the wrong, yet I am happy with obtaining the bread." Again, why do you assume that everyone who is needy steals? I don't mind you taking an opposite decision on healthcare, but I have already told you that I have a problem with this stereotype, yet you keep referencing it. I'm done with this thread.

Well you will see that I wasn't responding to you...it was the long-time-lurker. If you want to read over his or her post again, feel free to do so. He or she mentioned that people who receive benefits want to "reap what they haven't sowed". I am pretty sure that this is suppose to imply that those who depend on programs haven't contributed enough to deserve them...hence I used the term "leeches." I had a problem with that argument, as I know many people who are on hard times and depend on these programs. As hard as I am trying to follow and understand your argument, I still don't know what is wrong with expanding healthcare to millions of people who aren't insured. It costs way more tax dollars to take care of those who don't have health insurance and always have to turn to the ER and those with pre-existing health problems. Why not focus on preventative measures by making sure people can take care of themselves before they get sick? Wouldn't that be a better society overall? I am genuinely asking these questions.

This. I just want to know when the needy became such villains. Such a shame.

You do know that the people who use services such as food stamps and Medicare have also contributed to society through work and taxes right? I don't quite think its fair to cast those who are in need as people who are just lazy leeches. That is disrespectful and untrue....I think you ought to go out and really see who are actually using these resources. Are there some taking advantage of safety-net programs? Definitely. But you will mostly find people who do work but still can't make ends meet....should they go hungry and without healthcare? How about those who lost their jobs? How about hard-working students like me and you who need food stamps? Your "reap without sowing" comment is so misinformed it's not even funny. It just annoys me when people stereotype those in need without really knowing what's going on.

You always want to make sure there are faculty members working in your field for sure. I did contact current graduate students when I was applying who were in my field, but I only did this to get more information about the program and resources, However, I would not based your admission chances on current graduate students lists; what admissions committees are looking for changes from cycle to cycle.

Really loving this thread and wanting to say hello to everyone! I definitely dropped off the face of grad cafe this semester but it took a lot of time to get used to the workload and getting used to a new area. I definitely will be more involved in these threads next semester. But anyway, I really LOVE my program...I'm still in shock that I get paid to do what I love to do. It's definitely something to be grateful for and this thread is just really refreshing. I'd also like to say congratulations to everyone on almost making it through this fall semester! Hope everyone finishes off strong : )

I definitely know what everyone is going through, honestly. The only thing I can suggest is just do your best on your applications. That is the only thing you have control of. I did do want others are suggesting and I applied to several job/internship positions in case I didn't get admitted anywhere. That could be something to look into so that you are putting your nervous energy into something productive.

I am not quite sure that someone could accurately gauge whether or not you are qualified for a top-tier program based solely on GPAs, GREs, and extra-curricular activities. Obviously your numbers are great, so you don't really have to stress about this aspect of your application. I also wouldn't stress about your writing score. I would say that you should put your effort into creating the best personal statement and writing sample you possibly can...in general, it is these two documents that will make or break your admissions into a doctoral program.

Very interesting question! I would only attend the lower-tiered institution if there were a handful of professors that seemed like a good fit...I don't think I would attend an institution because of one professor. Going to a program for one professor could be risky...you may attend the program and find out that you and the professor don't get along personality wise, or that the professor isn't really reliable (i.e travels frequently, isn't consistent when it comes to communication). It may even be a possibility that the professor of interest is set to retire soon after you arrive or is on the way to another institution. There are so many factors that makes attending an institution for the sake of working with one professor a very huge risk. Given this risk, I would probably go with the higher-ranked institution...there might not be a professor who does exactly what you do, but you will find a professor who is still well qualified to provide you with basic advice on how to go about your research.

I think it is important to be aware that you are using a computer to relay your messages...I am not sure why you wouldn't consider how your messages could me misinterpreted. Asking certain questions in person to members of your department is certainly different from asking such questions anonymously on an online forum. However, how could one misconstrue you stating that I, personally, shouldn't be giving any advice as someone who isn't in History? Isn't that a form of censorship?

Great last line.I think Semenza is absolutely great, and he serves as an excellent example. Thanks for starting this thread bdon19! This is definitely a complex question, but also a very important one. I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments. I do hope that you are able to find middle-ground in your school search- it would be nice to go to a top-25 school that is also a good fit for your when it comes to your research interests.