Scramblase

Just UT Austin, UT Southwestern, and UIUC. I also got a rejection from Duke on Monday (which is actually the only school I reached out to a PI at). I guess they really didn't like me since I'm pretty sure they're still making decisions. I'm too excited about UIUC to care though! Still waiting on UCLA, Northwestern, and Caltech.

I got into UIUC on Friday which I was honestly a little surprised about. I'm super excited since it's probably my second choice. It's definitely not necessary, and it can even hurt you if you aren't careful. If a professor recommends you thinking you're guaranteed to work with them but you decide not to, they probably won't be happy. There's a chance they'll end up on your committee since your research area will probably still be similar to theirs, and that won't go well for you haha. It can be pretty helpful to have someone fighting for you, especially at a reach school or small program, but it's definitely not necessary. I didn't reach out to PIs at any of the schools I've gotten accepted to so far, and I'm sure it's the same for many other people. It's still early on in the cycle, so you don't have a reason to get worried yet.

I got an interview invite for UT Southwestern Organic today! The main interview day seems to be the same as the UT Austin date I signed up for which is unfortunate. I'd also be interested if anyone heard back about Caltech organic or chem bio (I'm not personally expecting to get an interview though).

I also got accepted to UT Austin this morning! It's such a relief knowing I'll be somewhere next year even if I don't get any more acceptances.

Hi everyone! I finished my Dec 1st applications, and I'm already checking my email every hour haha. Undergrad Institution: Liberal arts, 4 yrMajor(s): B.S. Chemistry, B.S. BiologyMinor(s): N/AGPA in Major: 3.9 (both)Overall GPA: 3.9Position in Class: N/AType of Student: DomesticGRE Score: Verbal 164, Quantitative 161, Writing 5.0 (although I only sent it to Duke and UCLA since the rest didn't consider scores)Research Experience: 4 semesters, two summer research programs, and currently doing an undergraduate thesisAwards/Honors/Recognitions: Scholarships, Honors College, and Dean's ListPertinent Activities or Jobs: Four TA jobsApplying to Where: I applied to UT Austin, Caltech, UCLA, UTSW, UIUC, Northwestern, and Duke so far. I'll be applying to UC Riverside, Upitt, and one or two others with later application dates too to get a few more reasonable schools. I applied to organic or chemical biology departments depending upon the professors. I hope everyone got their submissions in on time! I'm excited to see everyone go through the rest of the process while we wait.