virushunter

I honestly have decided to fly out to nyc to look at Rockefeller and Columbia, and am close to Caltech, so I already saw it. I don’t think I could personally make the decision without seeing the school. However I will say that during the interviews I have definitely gotten “vibes” and feelings that have certainly helped me decide between my choices. (well i’m not decided yet, but in the weeding out process)
I also have felt it’s good to have 1 on 1 zoom meetings with grad students in the labs you’re interested in, that has definitely solidified my thoughts.

Woo! Congrats! Some might say you're... unstoppab...

Hi guys, I hope you don't mind if I rant a bit. I guess this entire cycle has just been really hard. I received my waitlist from BU (where I currently work, got my undergrad and masters degree from AND all of my recommendations were from faculty in the program...), and I'm just... sad I guess. Pretty much rejected from every other program (I am very fortunate to have one interview though). Like it just doesn't seem to make sense to work this hard (already for the institution I work for) and now I'm just sitting at my work desk like K, thanks. 
Sorry to take over and rant, but I just want to say if you're feeling down today I feel you and I know we will make it through but its okay to be a little sad. Virtual hugs all around! ❤️ 

Yes, Liz Ayala sent me a non-complete one ago about a week ago but I think it was only because I had an overlapping time and she wanted to tell me about it. She also said, "I hope to send schedules out either late Jan 26 or early Jan 27 in a.m."
Hope that helps!
"See" you there :)

Oficially rejected from Sinai and UPenn. I am not upset, I was just tired of not knowing lol 

Just got the rejection email from Mt Sinai.

I ~think~ it is pretty high for most programs. As my PI told me "As long as they don't have to bail you out over your interview weekend, you're in." ?
I definitely wouldn't go in too over confident though and it also probably depends on if you have a good research fit with the program. If the people there see that your interests don't mesh, or if you're being too arrogant then you may get rejected. 
That's an educated guess though, I don't know the exact numbers.

omg just got an invite from Rockefeller! So excited!

omg just got an invite from Rockefeller! So excited!

omg just got an invite from Rockefeller! So excited!

I ~think~ it is pretty high for most programs. As my PI told me "As long as they don't have to bail you out over your interview weekend, you're in." ?
I definitely wouldn't go in too over confident though and it also probably depends on if you have a good research fit with the program. If the people there see that your interests don't mesh, or if you're being too arrogant then you may get rejected. 
That's an educated guess though, I don't know the exact numbers.

I ~think~ it is pretty high for most programs. As my PI told me "As long as they don't have to bail you out over your interview weekend, you're in." ?
I definitely wouldn't go in too over confident though and it also probably depends on if you have a good research fit with the program. If the people there see that your interests don't mesh, or if you're being too arrogant then you may get rejected. 
That's an educated guess though, I don't know the exact numbers.

omg just got an invite from Rockefeller! So excited!

I ~think~ it is pretty high for most programs. As my PI told me "As long as they don't have to bail you out over your interview weekend, you're in." ?
I definitely wouldn't go in too over confident though and it also probably depends on if you have a good research fit with the program. If the people there see that your interests don't mesh, or if you're being too arrogant then you may get rejected. 
That's an educated guess though, I don't know the exact numbers.

omg just got an invite from Rockefeller! So excited!

Glad to know i’m not the only one eagerly waiting...?

same! Can't imagine it will take much longer, but who knows...

Glad to know i’m not the only one eagerly waiting...?

Glad to know i’m not the only one eagerly waiting...?

I applied to either the biology/biomedical sciences, immunology or microbiology programs at these schools:
UCSD, Rockefeller, Boston University, Tulane University, USC, UCLA, Stanford, UWashington, WashU St. Louis, Vanderbilt, Emory, Columbia, Harvard, Mt. Sinai, Caltech, Scripps
I received an interview invite for Tulane on Dec 3 after sending my app in Dec 1 (was very surprised by that turnaround! but my lab collaborates with Tulane a lot)

I completely agree with this! You will gain a lot of experience and it definitely helps your CV/admission chances.

I would also recommend a research assistant position! It functions as full-time employment so you will get paid. Depending on the institution, certain benefits might also be included. 
This is my second cycle and Im currently working as a RA. Honestly, its been a great experience and basically mimics a graduate experience. Depending on your work, there's also good opportunities for presentations and publications. And since its full time research experience, it does add a lot to your CV as well as produce a good letter of recommendation. Let me know if you have any questions!

I LOVE THIS POST LOL!!! I hope its satire taking a jab at the annoying af people on here ??? bc if so its a masterpiece. Yall are toxic. Like if youve heard back from multiple schools inviting you for interviews and still “fReAKiNg oUt” please stfu. 

I’ve had to contact coordinators because the schools that have offered me interviews want the same weekends, and most have been very understanding. Yes it isn’t ideal, but they don’t necessarily know the other schools dates either, so if you want to do multiple interviews it’s a juggling act. I believe it also really has to do with how you word the email, and just be very nice and grateful.

immunology!