msdostoevsky

Thanks Phdsucceed! I'll take your advice--I deleted my comment and reposted it here for reference without the name I'm sorry to hear that ringo-ring Initially I was going to apply to JHU's neuroscience program since I was really interesting in a Dr. X's work. I wish I would have known about the program you were applying to before so I could have given you more info. My PI that I've researched with has collaborated for the X lab, but once his lab published a manuscript without letting my lab know even though there was a mutual agreement. I guess that competitiveness and cut-throat nature is really prevalent in the Neuroscience department--it makes me sad, since I decided not to apply to the neuroscience department after that incident. Instead I focused on the Human genetics department which has PIs with Ph.Ds and/or M.D.s, really different approaches to research and were pretty nice. Congrats on your interview though, and I hope everything goes well with the rest of your interviews and decision process--Good luck!

I think it can be helpful to call the program you've applied to, but granted it depends on who you speak with and inquire about your decision with. I've called admins and contacted the Director of graduate admissions, and received a status update. It can really depend on the program though, whether you have been accepted, rejected or even wait-listed. Once, for one program I hadn't heard back for a whole month!! I called periodically to speak with office staff and they were unfortunately not very helpful, just stating the generic "Decisions are still being processed!" I decided to contact a PI who I met and who was on the admissions committee--he informed me that my application was on hold (it had neither been rejected, accepted, nor waitlisted) and he advised me to keep calling to inquire about the status since the admissions committee would be meeting again to discuss the applications on hold. He also said, and I quote, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease!" I got an acceptance the next week! So have faith, patience, but also a healthy sense of importunity.

I wish I had the time to read! If I did though, then I'd like to finish Francis Collins book "The language of God." Anyone looking for a good read though, I'd recommend any russian novel---going on with that theme. I love Dostoevsky and Gogol. If you're looking for a short funny read, try Gogol's "The Nose" available on onlineliterature.com Hope that helps! *The Nose summary* Humorous story about a man who wakes up one morning without his nose lol His nose parades around as a general, and the man tries to locate it.

Don't worry ifang---I think you still have a chance! For a whole month after being interviewed I didn't hear back from one of my programs of interest, while others had heard back and accepted. I called the program inquiring about the status of my application, and they told me it was on hold. This week I was accepted into program and am happy!!! Don't give up hope---waiting can pay off----I wish you the best of luck! Do you have a few back up schools?

No worries any more--heard back from them!! Good luck to anyone else waiting!! Waiting pays off

That's ok bionerd! I think it went well-It certainly wasn't as cut-throat as I imagined it would be, but that might differ across departments I was surprised! Hi ringo-ring! Sure, not a problem--I was surprised that my department was rather collaborative and welcoming. I was soooo nervous before my first interview, couldn't eat much breakfast lol, but after the first one it was pretty laid back--they expect you to know all the details of your research, and will ask you questions, but if you know your research you should do fine. Good luck on your interview ringo-ring, I'm sure you'll do fine! If you wouldn't mind me asking, which program are you applying for? I applied for their Genetics program

I've had interviews so for for biology Ph.D programs, and have enjoyed discussing my research with faculty and hearing more about their research--they've been pretty laid back---but I'm a little nervous about my final interview tomorrow since it is at a prestigious school and for a competitive program (Johns Hopkins). I've heard that the research atmosphere at JHU is somewhat cut-throat and competitive. Any advice and should I be nervous?? Any comments would be helpful!! Thanks!!

Vanderbilt Biology Ph.D. program...I'm getting weary waiting for them to contact me..I've had three acceptances and a few more interviews to go, but not sure what's up with Vandy.

Has anyone heard back from the University of Michigan PIBS program (program in biomedical sciences)? I applied to the MCB group (molecular cell biology) I attended their first interview weekend on Jan. 27-29 and they said that they would notify us in two weeks. There was a second interview weekend on Feb. 2-4 or so. I'm getting nervous since I haven't heard anything back yet!!!