Sevi

Usually you can email someone at your grad school, like the recruiter or coordinator, and they sometimes keep a running list of incoming students interested in finding a roommate or current students that are looking. Even if they don't, they might be a good place to start getting contacts that you can then ask if they know anyone interested.

Remember you can always check the Results page on this site and look up UTHSCS GSBS. I applied to the school by December 15th, received an invitation to interview by email, interviewed Jan 17-20th, and received a phone call informing me I've been accepted Jan 23rd with the official paper acceptance in the mail. I hope you hear good news soon!

I am in the saaaaame predicament... Ugh. Good luck to you making a decision! I think I'll just have to cry and flip a coin.

I've definitely gone through this (and still am!). I think I've gone through every permutation of it as well. From questioning whether I should even apply this year, or at all, questioning PhD or Masters, questioning if I'd even want a career that needed a PhD later in life, and wondering if I'd lose my personality and soul by dedicating the next 5-7 years of my life to the intensity of grad school. Finally, somewhere down the line, it hit me: I really want to pursue a PhD. Now, you'd think my trepidation would cease there... but noooo. Then I started questioning where I should get my degree. Here, where I've always been and where the program is stronger or there, where the program is good but not as good and the risk of moving to a whole new place and climate is added. Everyone says you should pick the grad school off of how good the program is, but this is going to be at least a half decade of my life!! I'm a lot better now. My top choice for school has now become my second choice for personal happiness, and my second choice school is now my top choice for personal happiness. The program may not be perfect, but at least I'll have my sanity at the end of the day and take pride that I moved somewhere new as an adventure. It's all about finding a balance that makes you happy!

bear ears

I'm sure you'll hear something soon. They have quite a few applications to sift through and then all the interviews. It's just a long process, so be patient! But don't be hesitant to look up your status online, email or call them. I have a feeling right now they're trying to hear back from some of their offers before interviewing and offering acceptances to others. They asked me to inform them of my decision to attend or not by March 7th. My stats are pretty similar to yours and from what I could get out of the other interview kids on that weekend, they had very similar (if not a little less impressive) stats. So don't worry! I'm sure you'll be fine. If not, then you should definitely know it's not because you're not "good enough" or anything silly like that. I think they're being very careful this year because of the budget. They brought that point up several times.

The UTHSC-H interview was tons of fun and everyone was super friendly and fun to talk to! And I mean everyone! All the current students, all the faculty, and all the other interview kids. Don't be nervous! Just talk to faculty like its a conversation with a new friend. Have a few questions ready that you want answered about the school, the program, their research, and what recent grads are doing now. The current grad students should be taking you out to have a good time. Most of what they suggested involved alcohol and/or dancing which is not something I like to do, so don't be afraid to ask if you and some others can do something else. One group of interview kids + current students went to a pub, another to a little bar/club and another went to Olive Garden! Haha.

Everything is going downhill. And pretty quickly. Better start equipping yourself with rifles. Need one? I know a guy.

About 2 weeks is average. They got pretty quick.

Most of it was honestly just chit-chat. All the faculty were super friendly. No one really asked me about my research projects other than what field it was in and what model organisms I was using. A few went into (very enthusiastic) explanations of their current projects. Don't be shy to ask if you can see their lab spaces or ask if you can email them later for more information. It's very casual and actually a lot of fun. Don't panic! Smile and relax! Enjoy the opportunity to talk like friends with people who are very passionate about science and very kind individuals like yourself.

I've thought about this a lot. My half-brother is really into buying property so he's encouraging me and would be there for advice. It makes sense to buy a place rather than waste money on rent for 5-7 years. And it especially makes sense if you are married or in a committed relationship. That's the only thing really keeping me from going for it. Not in a relationship. So my plan now is to rent for a year to make sure I really will be there for 5-7 years and make sure I like the area, then look for a place to buy. And maybe by then I'll be in a committed serious relationship Haha. I can dream.

That's such a fantastic and great idea!!! I'm sure you'll have tons of fun and LOADS of memories from it!!

I had my interview at UTHSC-H at the end of January. They're really friendly and laid-back so don't fret! Know questions you'd like to ask, you don't need to wear a suit but rather just slacks and a nice shirt, comfortable shoes to walk in, and extra clothes to go out in. The current grad students took us out and I know I personally don't want to go to a chill pub/bar or little R&B club in slacks and collared shirt. Have fun!! They really try to make it enjoyable! Don't worry!

Blue Devils

Personal life happiness versus academic fit...

Bobby's World

I had an interview for the UTHSC GSBS last month for PhD. Is this an on-campus interview? That's what I had so if yours is too, I'd be more than happy to tell you my experience! P.S. Congrats!

I watch an ungodly amount of TV. Not like TV series and stuff I actually want to watch, but just whatever is on to melt my brain and keep me company. I've also picked up sewing. I've been making fleece shorts and bloomers to sleep in, skirts I'll never wear, and silly cat toys in the shape of donuts and PS3 controllers for friends.

I was sorting through rat urine at work. Heard my phone buzz from the email notification, read it, and told my coworkers.

I'm headed for PhD with no Masters in between. Didn't even apply to Masters programs. It seems like in the biomedical sciences a Masters doesn't really get you anywhere. Most of the people I know pursuing a Masters are trying to boost their grades/enhance their applications for PhD programs or trying to get into medical school.

playing dead

I was wondering what everyone was planning on doing before they start graduate school. With final decisions being made in March/April and classes not starting until late summer/early fall, that leaves some time in between. I keep hearing from current grad students and PIs that you should really take advantage of this time (since it'll probably be the last vacation you'll have in LONG time!). So what are you ideas? Since I've lived in Texas my whole life and will be doing a PhD here also, I'm hoping to live somewhere else for two months without school or work every day! At least I'll be able to escape the dreaded Texas summer heat!

YES! Since finalizing applications back in November, I've been listening to nothing but dubstep and drum&bass. You are my favourite!

Rat surgeries...

jalapeño popper