Immuno

I will be receiving a stipend of 26k and full tuition reimbursement. Someone recently told me I should apply for financial aid for grad school, but I didn't think this was allowed since I am receiving a stipend. This may sound a bit greedy, but could I receive both? Thanks

Same here. I'm considering it but haven't made my decision yet.

I've sent my apps to 3 immunology phD programs and already received an interview invitation from one of the programs. In my opinion, one of the biggest weaknesses in my application is the fact that I have NO publications or poster presentations. Even though I have 3 years of research experience, my current PI is very stingy with the credit-giving. Anyway, yesterday he told me (FINALLY) that my name would appear on two publications, one as 3rd author and one as 6th author. I know 6th author is not a big deal at all, basically the same as not even having a publication, but how is 3rd author viewed by the ad comms? Does it strengthen an application, or does it not really help much unless you are first or second author? I'm trying to decide if it would be worth notifying my prospective programs of this or if I would just look desperate. Thanks!

It definitely varies by program. I had this issue with one of my programs. I called the university and asked your exact question and was told to NOT have my letters sent until I filled out my online application. Filling out my online application essentially started my file. However, one of my other programs worked very differently and letters arriving first didn't seem to matter. If I were you, I would call the program and ask.

I took the powerprep practice tests "for practice." They are extremely accurate as to the level of difficulty that you will see on test day. My scores on the practice tests matched up almost exactly with my scores on the real thing (of course, I took the old GRE, but I'm sure it is true for the revised one as well). It is better only to take the real thing once and never have to worry with it again!

Yes, I've already made my pre-app visits since creating this post, and knowing the grad coordinator definitely helped (and got me a free lunch with grad students )

The way I look at it, it's better to attempt more and not meet one or two deadlines than to never try at all. The only time I would say this is not true is if applying to more programs ended up making you have many slightly weak applications versus a few very strong ones. This isn't your case since you have plenty of time if you start now.

I would go ahead and get your applications in as soon as possible. For some programs, the earlier the better because your application will be reviewed before those that apply later. For other programs, I don't think timing really matters as long as you meet the deadlines, but what could it hurt to go ahead and get it done? I'm also applying for Fall 2012. I've completed 2 of my 4 applications.

Hi. I'm applying to UF for Fall 2012 and have a few questions about the application. I've tried contacting ALL the grad secretaries and they keep sending me in circles with no answers. If you have applied to UF within the past few years or are in the process of applying now, please private message me! (I know applications differ slightly by department, but I'm pretty sure the general forms are the same.) Thanks!

Hmmm....yes, I'm quickly learning that these applications can be confusing. On the program's website, it states that being a TA is not required and that all students receive a stipend. Are you saying that in reality, TAing is not required ONLY if I'm awarded a fellowship, and being admitted doesn't automatically mean a fellowship? Yuck.

I wasn't really sure to which board this topic should be posted, so I stuck it here. My question: One particular program I am applying to gives a 26,000 stipend to every doctoral student, no exceptions. However, during the application process, I am asked to fill out a form applying for fellowships/RA/TA/etc. Why would I need to apply for fellowships if I am guaranteed a stipend? The form also asks for a "a brief essay about any additional qualifications you may have for the appointment you are seeking. In-clude details about such things as employment experience, teaching experience, laboratory experience, research writing, artistic creation, in-ventions, travel and other relevant skills. Also provide a brief description of your plans after completing your graduate education" These instructions pretty much explain the content of my personal statement, so would it be safe to leave this part blank since my personal statement will be attached to my application?

Most of the program websites simply say "A personal statement of research and career interests " with no further explanation. So it would be safe to assume that I could just follow all the advice given for the SoP?

It is officially time to begin writing my personal statement (I'm SO excited! Not. )I've searched on this board, and it seems that mostly all the advice is for the statement of purpose. I can't find much of anything on the personal statement. I understand that this piece of writing is "personal," so it is a bit harder to give advice on it than the SoP. The members of this forum have been extremely helpful thus far on other questions I have had pertaining to grad school, and I would love any help you could give on getting started on the personal statement. I have complete writer's block! Does anyone know any links that give outstanding examples from REAL students who have been accepted? Of course mine would be completely different, but it would still be great to get an idea. The main reason I have no idea where to begin is that I've never really done anything outstanding that made me realize I wanted to do a phD in immunology. I know it's cliche, but honestly, I've loved science ever since I could read and always KNEW it was what I wanted to do without really having any "experiences" that made me come to the realization. I know I can't write about childhood, so therefore I am completely lost on what to write. I also find it odd that everyone on this forum seems to be writing statements of purpose, yet ALL of the programs I'm applying to ask for a "personal statement." Is this not the norm for biological sciences phD programs, or am I missing something here?

I'm seriously considering going to UF for the Fall 2012 if accepted. I'll be going for a phD in interdisciplinary sciences (immunology concentration). Has anyone heard anything about this program? And can one of you tell me what the average cost of an apartment is around 1000 sq feet (one or two bed)? In my current town, an upscale 1,100 sq foot apartment would run around 800 dollars per month. I'm curious if I can expect the same in Gainesville.

Singlecell, I really appreciate the confidence-booster. It comes at a much needed time. I know I'm starting early, but I'm already stressing out! Yes, my PI will be writing one of my rec letters. I've heard that he thinks highly of me, so I am expecting his letter to strengthen my application. My school's undergraduate research symposium was held a couple of months ago. I realize now that I made a HUGE mistake by not trying to get involved with that, but to be honest, I didn't even know my school was having it until two days before. My state in general is quite limiting. I'm searching for other opportunities, but I'm not sure that I'll be successful before applying to grad school. If only I would have been aware of this message board 2-3 years ago.