thundercloudz

I'm really stuck between OKstate and Iowa State's programs. At OSU i'd be getting an interdisciplinary degree in animal science/ food science, and at ISU i'd be getting an interdisciplinary degree in animal science/immunobiology. I feel like ISU would offer more jobs (and probably more lucrative if I go biomed route) but my POI at OSU is super friendly, easy to talk to, and seems to have a lot of opportunities for his MS students in publications, presenting, conferences etc! There's also TAMU offering me one fully funded year in animal science and the second year is debatable. They have the best program and research of my schools but the big issue is funding.

My POI at my top choice school said they would send me forms for a fellowship for me to fill out and return ASAP. I emailed them the day after the informal interview thanking them for their time and that I look forward to receiving the forms. It's been about two weeks and I have still not heard back. I know things are crazy with covid and I'm not sure if he has to ask the department and get approved for a fellowship and that's why it's taking so long. I'd like to touch base with them but i'm worried i'll just come off as pestering or desperate (which I lowkey am but...)

Can I ask what your reasons are for pursuing a biology degree? I think having a focus and interest in biology is key to thriving in the 'weed-out' classes. I won't lie, it is a difficult degree and my mental health has taken a hit throughout my years especially watching other majors having a social life, lol. I have a great support system and great passion for biology, specifically animal sciences, and that's what kept me going. I started as pre-vet but quickly realized it wasn't the right track for me and neither was pre-med so I started looking to grad schools. Sometimes I have the regret that I didn't do business or nursing because of the salary and job security but nonetheless I love my coursework, the people I work with and the research cause. The best advice I can give is make sure you find something your passionate about, learn how to write stellar notes (I always recommend hand writing flash cards as opposed to Quizlet), dedicate yourself to studying and you will be golden. Biology is however one of those degrees that you will likely need a grad degree of some sort or certification to make it beyond research tech or research assistant! Good luck!

I have a mediocre undergrad GPA of 3.3 so I'm currently applying to MS programs (animal science/microbiology) at some mid-tier R1 schools. I guess I'm just wondering if anyone can go from these schools into a top tier with sufficient research experience and GPA. It's not a huge factor, but I am the only person in my family to ever attend grad school so I feel the need to impress with a name everyone knows. Also editing to add that if I went for an animal science PhD instead of microbio, a lot of Ivy Leagues don't even have programs so top schools in this field are like Cornell, TAMU, UGA, UC Davis...

I've lived here all my life and it's a huge reason I didn't apply tbh. It's a pretty big party school and unfortunately a lot of overdoses every year. The campus attracts a lot of homeless people which isn't a problem for me, but some students are often pestered by them sadly. A lot of people live off campus but parking is pretty impossible. I do love the nightlife there and the cafes in the area -- it's like a small city