Neuronista

I don't know if this is common in your field, but for us, science applicants, we usually contact professors whose work we find interesting and actually ask them if they will be available the following year and if they are willing to take new graduate students. Couldn't you guys do that too to be on the safe side?

This make so much sense to me too. Now, the programs I'm planning to apply to all state that the subject test is "highly recommended" but not a requirement. I've tried to apply last season with no success, I believe basically because both my GPA (3.30) and GRE scores are nothing near one would call "high". Since I cannot change my GPA at this point, my new plan for next season (fall 2012) is to try to improve my general GRE scores and take the subject test. Do you think a decent score on a subject test would make up for a less than stellar GPA?

Thank you so much for your advice. I am aware that the format of the GRE has changed and that there are a lot of modifications going on. What I meant is that since I've done the exam before, I have a general "feel" for it and how it's like, if that makes any sense. I already know a lot of test taking strategies and what's it like to try to be accurate and fast at the same time for example. Nonetheless, I'm definitely going to study for the general GRE too. I already bought guides and practice books for the revised version and I do need to go over them and practice a lot in order in improve my score, which is the whole point of retaking the test in the first place. But since the subject test is entirely new to me (I'll be taking the biology subject test, BTW), I'm spending more time and focus on it (at least for the time being). As for paper-based GRE tests, I've read somewhere on the ETS website that they will provide the test-takers with basic handheld calculators (people will not be allowed to bring in their own)

I'm taking the subject test in October. I've done the general GRE before, but I need to retake it. So I'm planning to that after I take the subject test. I feel somewhat more relaxed about the general GRE (because I've studied for it before and I know what it's like), that's why I think I'll take it later to focus now on studying for the subject test. But at the same time I don't want to take the subject test too late (November) so that I can have a least some time to review for the general GRE. Just asking: why did you decide to take the subject test? Is it an admission requirement or just "optional"? In my case, most of the schools I'll be applying to only state that it "highly recommended but not required". But because I've had an unsuccessful application season last year, I thought maybe taking a subject test would improve my profile and increase my chances. But at times I wonder whether it's really worth it.

In my case, it's my professor I'm having this crush on. It's a very awkward situation. I've been in "friendship" relationships with several other professors, but this particular one intimidates me, because of the those feelings I have for him. I'm always afraid that getting close to him 1. would make me miserable because I can't have him. 2. I'd let out (do or say) something that will expose my feelings. That's why I chose avoidance. You are so much like me in several ways

Sorry guys I've been away for a few days. Thanks all for sharing your stories I also thought that the best would be to avoid him, for my own sanity. Because every time we meet I end up crying the whole day because I get more attached to him (I just couldn't find a fault in him, or maybe I'm too much blind/forgiving?) and I hate my self for that. Maybe I'm a little naive in these matters, because I don't usually get a lot of crushes, and I've long been the nerdy girl who doesn't know much about the world outside her books. He's one of the first crushes I've ever got, and the strongest, and the the longest-lasting. I also don't want to look like a jerk who's just running away from him for no obvious reason (to him, and to other people, who started to notice I'm missing out on a lot of occasions), and sometimes I get afraid this very act of avoidance may give out a hint of something. I don't know

But sometimes you just can't help it, can you?

Thank you so much for bringing on this topic. I really thought I was alone in this. Although my problem is a bit different than Just me's. It's more like what Mal83 said: THIS is my problem. Since 4th year of undergrad (that's about 5 years ago), I had a special feeling towards one of my professors. He was a young assistant prof. and I was one of the students in his very first classes to teach. I don't know how or why I got attracted to him, he is gentle, good looking (and looks way younger than he actually is), and knows his subject well. I was attracted to him in a way that did not motivate me to study harder (but I did well in his class at the end as I was always a good student), but rather a in distracting way. I would spend classes just staring at him trying to figure out what was so special about him that is distracting me; I've met guys who were more handsome, closer to my age, and also gentle and nice. So WHY HIM??? As time passed, I got to know more about him. I learned he is married, has kids, and is at least 15 years older than I am. That tortured me even more. How could I ever dare have such feelings towards a married man, let aside one of my professors? I didn't know what to do. But I decided I should must delete him completely from my mind. I started missing his classes, and avoiding him like the plague. I would never go to him during his office hours or ask him anything. I was full of shame and embarrassment of my self that I was even afraid it would show on my face. My conscious mind was fully aware that this person can never be mine, but still a part of me it attracted to him. It seems like what Just me stated it: Exactly. I will never pursue anything, and this problem has bugged me for a long time. It actually continues till this day, because I've done my masters in the same institution, and now I'm a research assistant also in the same institution. I still run into him every now and then, and there are a lot of situations when I potentially have to meet him, which I all try to avoid, but this is costing me a lot. For example, I've missed lots of conferences, meetings, seminars, and departmental lunches, just because I knew he would be there. I don't know if I'm over reacting, but I really don't know what to do. I'm really embarrassed and I do not like the idea of being attracted to him, but some part of me doesn't seem to let go. I sincerely wish him all happiness, and would never want to ruin his family life or anything. I just want to get over it safely, for me and for him. It just maybe seems harder because we've been basically in the same place for a long time. I'm now applying for a PhD in a different country altogether (thankfully). But before I get accepted, there is still one more whole year ahead of me in this place. Sorry for nagging, but I wanted some place to let out my feelings without being judged. I hope you won't.

Hmmmmmmmm Then why don't you go consider yours? What are you still doing here posting on this site?

Thank you so much My problem is that I'm very shy and not so comfortable speaking in front of a group, but once I get familiar with the people I think I do OK. Oh well, let me first get into a program then worry about my teaching and speaking skills! But thanks again for the reference. I'll bookmark that!

Same here! The teaching part really intimidates me. My MS advisor told me that I could take a research assistant professor position after I get my PhD instead of a "regular" assistant professor. But teaching is obligatory in some graduate program, and I'm not sure how I'll be able to handle that.

I did the "old" GRE last November. I'll be taking the revised one sometime in August. I bought the Princeton Review and Barron's. I started a similar thread with a poll and most people voted that these two are the best. When I studied for the old GRE, I used Princeton, Barron's, and Kaplan (in addition to exercises and practice exams from a few other books), since all those were available in my college library. But because no books are available for the new GRE in the library yet, I decided I'll buy only the best. I asked and everyone seems to almost agree that I should go for Princeton and/or Barron's. Some people also are increasingly recommending the Manhattan GRE Study Guide. It's a set of 8 books. http://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-GRE-Set-Strategy-Guides/dp/1935707558/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1 Good luck to all

Good for you! I think what I'll do now is decide which PI's I want to e-mail and draft the e-mails out until at least late August. That's why I thought I should wait for a while. I'm afraid they'll forget by the time application time comes! I'm currently preparing to retake the GRE (I'm hoping to get a higher score than last year's), and also to take a subject GRE (biology).

Hi there everyone! I'm applying for neuroscience programs in the US for fall 2012. I applied for 2011 but it didn't work out, so I'm trying again. Any neuroscience applicants out there? Last time I only applied to 4 programs, this time I'm aiming for at least 5-10. I've only decided on 2 of them. I'm still searching for others! Did you really start contacting POIs from now? I've heard that usually people wait till September when the professors return fresh from their summer breaks and its the beginning of a new academic year. Are you getting any positive replies? Good luck everyone!

What do others think? Can anyone help us on this one?

This is exactly what I did. I got my MS from the local university, and now I'm looking for a US university for my PhD. I didn't feel the need to travel since my university already offers MS degrees in my field. This way I was able to get some feel of graduate school and some good research experience here at my home country without the hassle of traveling and living in a new place etc. I am hoping that this experience would prepare me for the "big thing" (PhD in the US). Also, I was able to save some money for doing the PhD abroad But my question is: does getting an MS degree from a small, local university affect, to any degree, the chances of getting accepted into a decent US university for a PhD later on? i.e., do US adcoms prefer applicants with degrees from the US, or at least from a internationally well-known university? Just wondering.

Thank you newms and starmaker! Gave me relief

Another question if you don't mind. I am currently working as a research assistant in a pharmaceutical chemistry lab. We synthesize compounds with various potential biological activities: antibacterial, antihypertensive, and also antiepileptic. Those antiepileptics are tested in the neuroscience lab where I did my MS (but that was not my project, though). This work is obviously not directly neuroscience-related. But does it still count towards my research experience? Do you think someone might wonder why I chose this position since it's not really related to my research interests and it may not add much to my knowledge or skills needed for a neuroscience PhD? The answer to that is that I did not find a better job at the time I was doing my job-hunting. The PI in this chemistry lab was my undergrad supervisor and knows me well so he hired me (and I think I'm doing well in this new field to me). No positions in neuroscience labs where available at the time, and a job is better than no job at all. Should I explain this in my SOP? Or should I just skip this part and mention nothing about my current job (adcoms may consider it a weakness in my profile?). I could just say that I'm currently working to publish papers from my MS thesis (which is true). Or do you think I should just mention my job with no need for justification? Thanks

Thank you all for your suggestions! What about Princeton's practice books (the ones with only V or Q questions). Are they worth it?

Thanks for you time and effort! Really great advice. I'll give it a try. Maybe next week when all undergrad tests are over and grades are submitted. Then he'll be much less busy than he is now and we might have more free time to discuss.

That does make me feel better. Thanks And it's good to know that adcoms do accept letters after deadlines. I thought that they may perceive this as being irresponsible (esp the student, for not following up on his/her LOR's)