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Immuno

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Everything posted by Immuno

  1. 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
  2. Same here. I'm considering it but haven't made my decision yet.
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. 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 )
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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!
  10. 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.
  11. 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?
  12. 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?
  13. 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?
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Thanks to everyone for all the GREAT suggestions! You've made me aware of a few things I wouldn't have thought to add before. Unfortunately, my name hasn't even been added way down the list on any pubs, posters, etc. The PI that I work for is the very selfish type...even his research associate has only gotten her name way down the list on 2 pubs, and she has been working for him for 20 years. I've thought about trying to get out and find another research job where I actually have a chance at a pub, but I feel that it is too late now considering I will be applying to grad school in a few months. A few other things: Last semester I participated in a directed individual study where I created my own reseach project. It wasn't a huge deal. I wrote a short paper (5-6 pages), but didn't publish or present anywhere. Could I include this on a CV, and if so, under what heading? Also, I recently gave a 40 minute lecture on autoimmunity to a group of 35 students, but I'm not sure if I could include that anywhere. I was actually a member of the class to which I was lecturing, and i basically only volunteered to ensure that I got an A in the class (Lecturing was not a class requirement, but the professor doesn't have any set grading system and basically gives students A's if they "show initiative"). Is it even worth mentioning?
  17. Most of the graduate programs I am applying to do not request a CV, but I've heard that it is a smart idea to include one anyway. My problem is.....I'm not really sure what I would put in a CV. I'm an undergraduate and do not have any publications, posters, etc. I have 3 years of research experience, but I've been in the same lab so it would only be ONE point on my CV. I haven't really received any honors, unless undergraduate scholarships count (I've received tons of those, but I don't know if it is relevant) So basically, I'm afraid my CV will look empty and pathetic. Suggestions? Anyone else in a similar position?
  18. I am in the exact same predicament. I got married several years ago, and just now decided that I wanted to take his last name. I'm not sure if doing that NOW would be a bad idea. Hopefully someone will respond to this thread.
  19. Thank you for the response. I agree that I should visit, but I feel like I could handle this two ways, and I'm not sure which one to choose: 1. contact 3-4 professors separately and tell them that I am interested in their research (and ask if they would meet with me) or 2. contact the director of that department and ask for a visit/tour, and then ask that director if it would be possible for me to meet with a few professors
  20. I'm wanting to set up pre-application visits to a couple of the immunology phD programs to which I will apply. These schools do rotations the first year, and then at the end of the first year the student will choose his/her mentor. In my mind, I have two possible ways to handle this, and I'm not sure which one to choose: 1. contact 3-4 professors separately and tell them that I am interested in their research (and ask if they would meet with me) or 2. contact the director of that department and ask for a visit/tour, and then ask that director if it would be possible for me to meet with a few professors I know contacting the professors directly would be the smartest option IF that was advised, but since these schools do rotations, I'm not sure how to handle it. I am hoping to meet the last week of June because I'll be driving through those towns, so I know I have to take action soon.
  21. I plan on applying to immunology phD programs this year to begin in 2012. And... I have no idea where to start when it comes to "networking" . I will be a first-generation college grad and not many students from my undergrad school take the phD route, so my avenues for advice are extremely limited. Here's my situation: One of my top 3 choices of schools is quite far away, and in a month, I'll be in that city for a week. Would it be a wise choice to set up a pre-app visit with this school? This particular program does lab rotations, so I'm not sure if i would be crossing the line by emailing individual professors and asking for meetings. Should I email a program secretary and ask for a general tour and then also email professors, or not email professors at all? And if I do email professors, would it be a bit presumptuous to ask to meet ONLY in a two day window (not my choice, but all my schedule will allow this summer) ? If I do meet with professors, what topics of conversation should I expect? I've browsed the message boards, and from what I can see, the general consensus is "research." I have no problem talking about my POI's research, but I'm extremely worried about my own research background. I've been working in the same research lab for 3 years but have never managed my own project. Unfortunately, my current lab job is simply do-as-told routine DNA extractions, PCR, gels, etc, in a situation where I'm not totally aware of the end result. The genomic DNA that I extract, for example, may be sent to another professor 3 states away to do as he wishes with it. Is this going to be practically the same as having NO research experience? I definitely don't have any research to "talk" about, nor do I have any publications. ANY advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm in complete stress-out mode right now because I just recently became aware of the true workings of the world of academia. If only I would have found this message board 3 years ago!
  22. Thanks! I was thinking along the same lines, but I didn't want to fall into that "You didn't follow instructions so we're automatically going to toss your application" category!
  23. I'm applying to immunology phD programs at several schools that do not require a CV. Would it be beneficial for me to include a CV in my application even though they do not ask for it? Or would this be a bad idea?
  24. So can I safely assume that, in general, personal statements CAN be slightly cheesy and tell a brief bit about childhood, as long as I cut to my research interests within a few paragraphs? The websites for the programs don't go into any detail other than just "submit a personal statement." I was thinking they most likely wanted to hear about my development as a person (what sparked my interests) before i jumped right into my research and future goals. But now I'm slightly lost, because I'm not sure if what I read on these boards and college confidential boards was about SoP or personal statement, since I didn't know they were two different things.
  25. Ok, I now feel really stupid. I thought SoP and personal statement were the same thing. Obviously, I am completely in the dark with all of these application processes! I am applying to the immunology phD programs at places like UAB, WUSRL, UF, and WashU. I checked their websites, and all say "personal statement." I think my high-school-level training in essay writing will come back to haunt me on this. It's going to be extremely difficult to be short and blunt with no "fluff," since it probably won't sound too great when it's done. Thank you all for your input and help. If I put the info about my childhood in my personal statement, I will definitely keep it short and try to stay away from going into story-telling mode. Any other advice would also be greatly appreciated!
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