DBP

Throughout undergrad, I got annoyed at people boosting a bunch of different titles in their signatures like: "president of club x, vice-president of club y, founder of z, student of school ABC" So I did my own version: Name placeholder title, some organization at a hierarchical institution I only used it when emailing friends or other undergrads

I'm under the impression that CS programs are more concerned with GPA/GRE performance than research experience given the slim pickings of research opportunities during undergrad. As you've mentioned - needing to have taken upper-year courses. Is there an opportunity for you to do a thesis? Or find a RAship for the summer? Best of luck !

I think you have good stats, with well-written supportive letters and a throughtful SOP - you have nothing to worry about. My best piece of advice would be to contact the POIs during the Fall, send them your CV and let them know you're applying. This is also a good time to ask if they have any openings in their lab. I did this and saved a lot of money by only applying to schools where I knew there was a possible spot.

Is it possible for you to find another collaborator to help you with the project? It sounds like a tough situation but I am sure your advisor knows the context of your progress! Best of luck!

Hi Neeraj, The second time you took the GREs, you did worse than the first time. This is not a good thing. Admissions committees want to see an improvement in your performance. I recommend you re-take the test. Also, the profile you've listed is hard to interpret. If you could give more information, others may be able to help you evaluate your potential. Good luck!

The city of Hamilton is on a grid, very convenient and easy to navigate. Personally, I love their public transit. Torontonians bash Hamilton because it's "dirty" and "smelly" due to pollution. I lived there for most of my life, so I never noticed poor air quality. Also, depending on your area of interest in economics, Mac seems attractive given its proximity to Toronto. What are your biggest concerns?

Hi uncreativename - we seem to be swapping places! I'm currently a UWaterloo student and moving to Philly this Fall for my PhD! Here are some good resources for finding off-campus housing: UW Off Campus Housing Search Kijiji Housing Board KW4Rent Domus Property Management Also, I'd stay away from Craigslist - it's not a super popular service in this area so the ads are pretty sketchy.

http://en.wikipedia....strict,_Toronto I vote for Toronto. Great reputation and access to potential internships (which could help when applying for PhD programs). Good luck!

I'm going to accept my offer to Penn! The next few months of waiting to move to Philly and start my PhD will hopefully go smoothly! Looking forward to connecting with others on the forum.

Each of the things you mentioned seem like strengths! Don't doubt yourself. Good luck!

I wouldn't emphasize the rejection, I would emphasize the learning. Hope this makes sense! Best!

In my field, the only person eligible to present is the FIRST AUTHOR on the paper. Sometimes, with advanced notice (or in emergencies), they will admit another author to stand-in and present. I second what purpledinosaur has said. Best!

Congrats on all the improvements ! I think it's a good story and shows each of the characterists you mentioned. Personally, I would spin it as "evidence I am prepared for the program". Like, "last application cycle I wasn't prepared for SLP and I applied to schools without considering XYZ". (Insert XYZ reasons why you've applied to these schools this year rather than last year). I don't think mentioning the competitiveness of the programs will add much to the story. Good luck!

Working in "lab manager" capacity helps keep you involved in research and can provide strong LORs. But it's not necessarily, "research experience". If you emphasize to the interviewers that you'd like responsibilities in addition to your daily tasks that would allow you to get more research skills for grad school, you can do things on the job - like being involved in lab meetings, presenting data to the group, helping design experiments, etc. Maybe ask for feedback from a mentor with regard to what areas you need to develop? I think you should definitely mention that you're long term goal is doctoral programs; this is a plus for you and them. Good luck at the interview! Best!

I keep telling myself I'll get a tattoo to celebrate my undergrad, but can never think of anything super meaningful for me! I've thought about a nose piercing, but I sneeze too much in the winter, lol. In my experience, assuming you don't have a facial tattoo or attention-drawing piercings, it's acceptable as a grad student. Not sure how this is looked upon as you try to find a job afterward through. Thanks for starting the thread, interested in reading what people share! Best!

Please contact the department and let them know the situation kindly ! I hope you can figure things out. Best!

The notification can depend on the program, some notify all contacts immediately while others will have the POIs contact students. For example, one of my interview notifications was in early January while some people listed theirs a few days ago. Best!

Thanks for sharing chornicx! Hope it went well Best!

It can been as you trying to swoon the POI, which isn't a good thing at this point in the game. It also can create tension, consider the prof may be evaluating other applicants and be preparing to reject/accept you. I suppose this is a (mostly) unspoken boundary. Best!

I replied assuming, all other things being considered (mostly) equal. I'm not advocate of pay being the main factor in making this decision! This was just a suggestion for a way to phrase a negotiation, while asking for more info.

Until you have an official offer, anything goes. He was likely casual to indicate that they really, really like everyone and want to see how personalities fit into the department. Be honest with yourself in evaluating the program, department and your cohort. And be yourself when you're with them, everyone is likely as nervous and unsure of what to expect! Best of luck and congrats!

I suggest you leave after this semester, if not now. The longer you stay in the program, knowing that you're unsatisfied, the more upsetting and stressful it will become for you to be in a place you don't want to be. The master is an attractive option, but is it really worth it? What will it gain you career-wise now that you know you don't want to pursue academia (at least in History)? If you can talk to a counselor, general or career-specific, they can help you sort out the confusion. Best of luck!

A resource at my campus suggests using the "P.A.W.S" model. Profile, Academics, Work Experience and Skills. A response is too short if <15, too long is much >1 minute. Best!

After you get the details, I suggest consulting with graduate students in the program through email asking them what the cost of living comfortably is within the area. When you have a good idea of this information, I would contact my POI/admin and thank them for the offer (showing your appreciation) and that while you are excited to attend the program, the major factor will be finances. I would ask them to forward you information about university fellowships or funding opportunities in addition to their offer. This way, you directly get information you'll need - is there more money available?. And it gives them the opportunity to offer you better funding if available. Best!

I just re-read your post and noticed your background in neuroscience. There's A LOT of demand for people who like math in the neurosciences. So, with maybe one or two more courses, you have a good shot at good neurosciences programs where you can refine your skills, learn new techniques and do exciting research Best!