Chronos

The standardized ACS exams are actually not that difficult. I think it was easier than the Chem GRE. You probably should brush up on the key concepts for the test(s) you will be taking and can find the information on the website but you can also order study guides: http://examsinstitute.3dcartstores.com/Study-Guides_c_1.html. I ordered them and the only useful one for me was the physical chemistry guide (I'm an organic chemist). As for inorganic chemistry, the only study guide that isn't available, the questions were totally random. Some questions pulled from basic knowledge you learn in general chemistry, whereas other questions come from moments when professors would tell you random facts you think you will never have to know (ie. how does cisplatin destroy cancer cells). Good luck studying!

Hey there! I applied to the NSF-GRFP before entering graduate school and was accepted as a fellow. The most helpful thing for me was really understanding the program (who gets it, why, and most importantly how). I spent hours just reading the program solicitation as well as blogs from past individuals who've won the fellowship. Here are two links I found most helpful (the first has sample essays, and the second is just right on target for tips): http://www.alexhunterlang.com/nsf-fellowship/ http://www.pgbovine.net/fellowship-tips.htm I've spoken to a past grader for the NSF-GRFP and he told me the "proposed research project" essay is really just a writing sample. They want to see if you understand the science and can put research into words. Once you get the award, you don't have to stick to what you wrote in your proposed research project. You should try to finish two out of three essays by the end of this month (the personal statement and previous research). You can change it later as you get more research experience. Then, schedule an appointment with a PI whose research you enjoy and ask for tips. Most importantly, have people read your essays once you are ready. Feedback from others is very useful.

Wow I did not know this. Thanks for posting. Luckily I also didn't take out too much from them. But SallieMae... that's a different story.

You cannot get an NSF fellowship to do research outside the U.S. "The following categories are not eligible for the 2012 GRFP: Those who will not be enrolled in an eligible graduate program at an accredited US institution by Fall 2012" I'm not sure about the NIH, but I assume it would be similar.

Yes, I have to agree with prolixity. I only achieved a 54th percentile and was accepted to schools in the top 10 (Scripps, Columbia). I took the test too early though, before I even cracked open a book in inorganic chemistry.

PC. Everything in science is run on PCs, not to mention you get a better bang for your buck in performance. If I had a dime for every lecturer who had problems connecting to a projector with a Mac, I'd be rich. Not rich enough to pay for a Mac though.

http://portal.acs.org/portal/PublicWebSite/careers/salaries/chemcensus/CNBP_029043 I think these statistics speak for themselves. Also, I agree with this_isnot_here. There are a lot of factors involved...it's not really black & white. Be smart about finding the right job, and you will be "successful" (whatever that means to you).

I think the fact that you posted this and it has over 700 views with no responses except from a spammer is telling of how many people would consider/choose this route, or of how little knowledge people know about this. It is most certainly not a naive idea. I also have the same dream and I think we are very lucky because a Ph.D. from the U.S. is highly valued throughout the world, even more so if it is from a well-known university or institute. Things work differently in many different countries, but for the most part you need to make sure you have a strong publication record and a solid post-doctoral fellowship. Making contacts in the country in which you'd like to work would be ideal, especially if they are at a university you'd like to be a part of. I would recommend for you to do your post-doctoral work in this foreign country so you can test the waters. Take a look at a Marie Curie Fellowship... they are difficult to get but very prestigious and lucrative. Realize that landing a professorship is difficult anywhere, especially in certain countries in Europe where the financial situation is destroying jobs. Also, having a grasp of the native language will be important. After speaking to your mentor and other advisers you know, I'd also use the typical search engines/job sites because there are a lot of postings for jobs abroad as professors. Know what you are getting into though... I've done scientific research in several countries outside of the U.S.; nothing compares to the caliber of research the U.S. possesses (excluding Germany/UK/ETH/Japan). The quality of life is much better though outside the U.S. I've learned. A 40-hour work week is normal. People work to live; they don't live to work. Good luck!

Depends on the school. At Harvard, if you TA and get external funding, you can make more than $60,000.

The way I made it explicit in my research proposal essay was by separating each section with a header. These are the headers I used: -Keywords -Background --> this is where I set up and talked about the literature -Research --> two subsections of "Objective 1" and "Objective 2" -Broader Impact -References I wanted it to make it easy for the reviewers to follow along and apparently it worked. Good luck to you in the future.

Well, this sucks. Can't log in.

Some schools are quite rude and won't even bother letting you know you've been rejected. Last year when I went through the graduate application cycle (for chemistry), I didn't hear back from 4 schools... only until after I called them did they let me know I was rejected. If you bring in your own funding you will probably get bumped up from this "still deciding" zone to accepted. Good luck, and if all else fails you can try again next year. I took a year off and was accepted to many schools that rejected me the year before after improving my application.

Would they really send out decisions on a Sunday (April 15)? Seems strange to me.

Hello all, I am starting graduate school this upcoming Fall and am wondering when do graduate students typically start to incorporate their own ideas for their thesis work? I know it depends from field to field (I'm in chemistry), but when do you stop doing what your advisor mandates you to do and start doing your own project (as in completely your idea)?

You fill out FAFSA only if you want to take out more loans. Since you will have full funding, you no longer need to fill out FAFSA (unless the funding isn't sufficient). Most loan agencies will let you defer your student loans while you are in graduate school. Contact them and make sure you can defer your loans until you finish school completely. You don't need to fill out a FAFSA to prove you are in graduate school; a letter from the department/school should work. Interest will keep on accruing on your UG loans, so beware of that.