[Re-Applying for a PhD in Neuroscience]

Thank you newms and starmaker! Gave me relief

[Re-Applying for a PhD in Neuroscience]

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

[Best GRE Prep Book]

Thank you all for your suggestions!

What about Princeton's practice books (the ones with only V or Q questions). Are they worth it?

[A cautionary tale]

That is an interesting situation..I've been thinking about this for the last 30 mins, and here is my suggestion.

Thanks for you time and effort!

Since your current supervisor knows you very well and has good credentials, it might be worth a second shot in asking him to write your LORs for 2012 (at least for the programs who make you re-apply). For all we know, last time you asked him he could have been super busy at that time, or dealing with personal issues. I think you need to gauge his interest. I would suggest doing this by sitting down with him, bringing up how you are applying again, and saying something to the effect of, " I was wondering if you would feel comfortable in writing a great letter of rec for me, or if you might suggest some people that would be able to do so." Even if you know darn well who you should ask, this will give him an easy out if his is less than enthusiastic about doing it. That way he doesn't feel obligated to say yes. If he wants to, he will say sure, if not, he will suggest other people.

If he does say he will do it, and you feel good about it, perhaps having the summer which is more quiet at a university, will give him ample time to do it. Also, if your recs are due Dec. 1, tell him they are due Nov 1 (that is what I did) so you don't have to worry about missing the deadline. I know he knows you well, but I gave a folder to my LOR writer's with info about each program I was applying to, so they could tailor letters specifically. This will make less work for them having to look stuff up online, and will show you are organized. (You may have done this last time, but thought I would add that to be sure).

If he doesn't end up wanting to do it again...I'm not sure what I would say to the inquiring programs. My best thought would be something like, "I know that current supervisor's are very frequently used in writing LORs, so I decided to think more outside the box and use people who could give you different perspectives of me than you would normally see." Maybe someone else has advice on what you could say?

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.

[A cautionary tale]

She still sent in most letters right at the deadline and one a week late (it was still accepted, however, as grad adcoms realize how busy profs are). When it looked as though she wouldn't get around to that last letter, I was philosophical about it. She'd already done a lot for me, so even if that ball had been dropped, I really didn't have much to complain about. Perhaps your supervisor is just overwhelmed with work. It doesn't make your situation any easier, but it may not be due to him/her not being supportive of your grad school goals.

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)

[A cautionary tale]

I would say to pick people who know you very well, and if you ask someone and sense that they are less than enthusiastic about it, screw them and get someone else. Their lack of enthusiasm will show through in the LOR.

Thank you for the advice!

But what if someone knows me very well but is not so enthusiastic about writing a letter for me?

This is my current supervisor. I am now working as an RA in his lab and he was also my undergrad project advisor. So he does know me very well (+ he is the department chair). However, like your friend, I had to constantly remind him to write the letter, and one was even sent 1 day after the deadline. Therefore, I found someone else to write the letters for the rest of schools I applied to. This other person was my MS program director, who does not know me very well, but was very welcoming. I don't know how good/accurate his letter was, though (he sent it directly through the application website).

Now some programs asked me why hasn't my current supervisor written a letter. What should I do in such a situation?

I'm applying again for Fall 2012, and I'm trying to figure out what to do about this.

Any advice?

[Best GRE Prep Book]

I'm sorry guys I know I'm fussing too much about the GRE these days. But that only reflects the state of anxiety I'm living.

I want to retake the GRE, but I'm planning to take the revised exam, and I want to buy some book(s) to study. Based on your experiences with previous versions of the most popular books (I know many cannot give me feedback on new ones because they're, well, just new. But if you have bought a book for the revised GRE, please share your opinion!), which is the best one? In terms of comprehensiveness, number of explained examples and sample tests, and how close they are to the actual GRE.

Thank you soooooo much

PS: also, do you know a good study book for the biochemistry subject GRE?

[Subject GRE in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology]

Hi everyone!

I'm planning to take the GRE subject test in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. Most programs I'll be applying to say a subject GRE is strongly recommended, so I think I'll give it a try.

I'm wondering if anyone knows any good books to study from. I searched Amazon with no luck. I only found books for other subject GRE tests, not biochem.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[Would this be enough?]

I had already decided to contact the members of faculty that I am interested in working with, but didn't really know what to write, so than you very much for that link! Also, when would be a good time to contact them?

I've been wondering the same. But most people I've consulted told me to wait till Fall (Fall 2011, if applying for Fall 2012). They told me it's too early now and profs tend to forget, given the number of things they usually have on their minds. So I say start e-mailing them early fall so you would have time for some correspondence before application deadlines.

Good luck!

[Re-Applying for a PhD in Neuroscience]

Peterson's has profiles of graduate programs here: http://www.petersons...te-schools.aspx Just search for the school and department that you are interested in and they have information such as the acceptance rate at that program. Keep in mind that they seem to combine the Masters and PhD programs, so if they say that 30% of applicants were accepted, that means 30% of Master's and PhD applicants combined were accepted. It's not perfect, but can have some use.

Found! Thank you

[Tick ... tick ... tick ... tick ...]

So It's 12:01 May 19th and the website for Kent State has finally changed from "Applied and Complete" to "Decision Made" :-D! I'm IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG I had to wake up my parents and tell them. lol Now just to wait for the aid package and figure out how I'm paying for this. And of course... how to let down my other offer gently..

CONGRATSSSSSSSSSSS!

[Picking schools amidst rankings/location]

Hi, upon looking at the rankings for grad school on USNews Report

Hi. I wanted to ask you is there a way to get a full rankings list from US News Report (a list beyond the top 10)? I need the rankings of neuroscience PhD programs and I'm only getting the top 10.

Thank you

[Re-Applying for a PhD in Neuroscience]

Thank you, newms!

I really wish I'd have a problem of the sort next season Fingers crossed.

I didn't find the rankings at that time, then I gave up!

Can you please tell me how?

[Re-Applying for a PhD in Neuroscience]

Thank you all for your very helpful advice

I have another question about contacting POIs

What if I contact several profs (different places) and I happen to get accepted into more than one program. Ultimately, I'll have to choose only one. How would I do that? I mean, how do I tell the other(s) that I'm sorry but I will not attend their program, after all the correspondence etc?

Also, what if I do join their program but get more interested in someone else's work, for example during lab rotations?

Thanks!

[Re-Applying for a PhD in Neuroscience]

I would say this is an issue- from what I've heard, a low GPA the first few years with improvement later on is better than having a bad last year. The classes the last year of undergrad and in your Master's are more similar to grad school, so if you had difficulty with them that would have been a bad sign. Also, you will be stressed in a PhD program so if you can't handle it now, you need to learn! If you have examples of how you have since learned to handle stress or otherwise can cope with a heavy course/research load, that may help assuage any concerns.

When I come to think of it now, it does seem to be an issue. I'm not sure how to make up for this other than in an LOR. Need to think about it.

Research load is not a problem for me. I'm currently working on 2 projects in 2 different (but somewhat related) fields and seem to be doing well (so far). My problem is that exams used to freak me out.

[Keeping in Touch with Previous Advisor/Mentors]

I also have an industrial researcher as a co-advisor. Do I also keep contact with those types of researchers? They are not academics. I am afraid I'll annoy them if I keep emailing them once or twice a year.

You are so sensitive

I think e-mailing once every few months is perfectly fine, especially if you had a strong professional relationship with your advisor, and especially that you have something real to say. Like telling him/her you passed this or that exam, or that you've started working on your dissertation, or that you'll be giving your 1st seminar, things like that. You might want to ask him/her for advice or tips in such situations. And if they really liked you as their student, they will care enough to reply and they will never get annoyed.

And glad to know that other people think about these things too, because I was thinking I was overly sentimental too when I felt that I should stay in touch with my MS advisor (who I consider to be my mentor) when I leave for PhD.

[Re-Applying for a PhD in Neuroscience]

Continuing your research is also an option while you reapply. Also I suggest applying more to lower ranked programs with research areas that interest you too.

What ranking range should I aim at? I'm thinking of applying to schools ranked somewhere between 11-30 in the field. Fair enough?

[Re-Applying for a PhD in Neuroscience]

- yes, definitely retake the GRE. Also, your grades are a little on the low side, but not horrible. If you could have a LOR writer insert something about how your grades don't reflect your abilities for some reason (if that is indeed true), that may help assuage any fears.

This is very good advice. How come we've never thought of this before (my LOR writers and I)? Looking at my grades and test scores, I'm just your average B student. Nothing special (I wasn't really a good test-taker). But most of those who've worked with me in a lab did compliment how well I do in research, especially at learning new techniques and software and academic/scientific writing. My advisor can mention this in the LOR.

most schools' websites will say if they require a subject test; if it's only recommended and you have to travel, I wouldn't mess with it, but some neuro programs do require it.

Yes. All programs I've looked at so far say it's only "preferred" or "recommended". But I thought if I could study hard enough for it to get good scores, maybe that will balance out my not-so-high GPA.

if people say not to contact them, then obviously don't, but otherwise I would drop a short email to POIs. if you can find out how the admissions process works in any detail (meaning, how much say individual professors have), that may help guide this decision. At some schools, unless someone is on the adcom they don't have much say, and unless they are really really interested in you contacting won't help. at other schools where they may have more say, an email may make a big difference. Plus, the person you contact may always be on the adcom...

Makes very good sense. I'll try to seek out info about the admission process then.

- your research interests seem fine, but the schools you applied to (all in TX) may look suspicious. they may wonder if you actually want to study at the school or if you're just applying everywhere in an area. If you are really set on staying in an area, throwing in a couple apps to schools farther away may still help with this.

I've never thought of it this way! But again, only one program required to mention other schools I've applied to. Is there any other way they would know?

This time I'm trying to look for schools in other places too. I'm try to have a wider range of schools in terms of rankings and locations.

- try to get those publications out! was your master's thesis publishable? You do have a lot of experience in the field, but with few publications that may be a warning sign (true or not) that you're not a productive publisher.

I'm doing my best! Just finished one manuscript and started drafting the other. These are actually from my MS thesis. I have one review published in a locally published journal (which I know is not of much value, but I still mentioned it).

ETA: how did the interviews go? did you pick up any odd vibes? the fact that you interviewed at half the schools you applied to is a good sign, but try to figure out why they liked you enough to interview but not enough to admit you.

I felt my interviews went OK. I even felt that I was likely to get into one of those programs after the interview because the interviewers seemed to be giving me some kind of approval or something. I don't know. Any interview tips?

Yes, I just remembered something. How should I reply when an interviewer asks me why my grades are lower towards the end of my bachelor's degree but where excellent in the first 3 years (which is my case)?

I thought I should be frank about it and just say I'm not good at taking exams because I get stressed out at times, especially with the heavier course load in the final years compared to the first years (this might have given them the impression that I don't handle stress well. But I couldn't think of anything else to say )

What would be the best way to answer such question ?

Thanks

[Re-Applying for a PhD in Neuroscience]

I dont know about your field, but I did not contact mine because many of them put up a note on their website saying that they do not wish to be contacted by prospective applicants. They said it in a nicer way, of course.

Exactly! This is what made me kind of reluctant to contact them. But here on the forum I find almost everyone talking about contacting potential advisors. So thought maybe was missing out something? But glad to know I'm not alone not to contact anyone

8. a) Remember that rejections do not devalue your self worthiness.

b.) Limit/reduce outside stressor (dont talk about apps to people that do not realize how competitive grad schools are). One of the hardest thing for me during the application process was having a particular colleague that tried to undermine my school choices/interviews requests and mocked the number of schools I applied. I ended up avoiding said colleague to save myself from feeling stressed/down. It worked very well

I'm now having a hard time trying to figure out a way to break the news the everyone (parents, LOR writers, advisors, etc). I haven't told anyone about my rejections yet and I've been trying to avoid the question when being asked. I know I must tell them at some point, but how? Maybe I should just face it and state it straight!

[Re-Applying for a PhD in Neuroscience]

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply! Your advice is very helpful

I don't know how important the subject Test is for Neuroscience. Perhaps you can browse the requirements of different programs to see if most places require it or not. You could also ask in the subject forum to see if any Neuroscience people can give you advice on it. Which subject test would you be taking btw?

Programs either mention nothing about the GRE subject test, or they say it's "not required but preferred" or "recommended". But they don't suggest any particular subjects. I think if I were to take a subject test, it would either be in biology or psychology (although I prefer biology more because it's more related to my background in pharmacy and pharmacology).

Is there a particular reason why you only applied to Texas schools this season? If you're able to consider out of state schools then that would give you more options.

Well, I was hoping to attend a school in Texas because I have family there. But since it didn't work out, I'm now looking for options in other states too.

I would suggest that you do a complete re-evaluation of the schools you want to apply to in the fall. Perhaps you could consider factors such as: research fit, the reputation of the school, the location of the school, its acceptance rate, the chance of you getting funding, how many PoIs you would have at that school. You could assign some numerical value and rate schools to see which would be the best ones for you to apply to.

I like the "numerical value" idea. Will do!

If MIT is any where as competitive in your field as it is in mine (<5% acceptance rate) unfortunately I wouldn't think you'd have a good shot at MIT. I'm not sure about the other places. Perhaps you can check Peterson's that has acceptance rates of different programs.

I didn't know Peterson's provides acceptance rates? How do I find them?

I know with stats like mine it is very unlikely to get into any of the top 10 programs in the field. I know MIT is, but there are a couple of people there I'd like to work with because their research is very close to what I've done for my MS (does this make any difference?). Otherwise, I'd really like to get into a program ranking somewhere in the top 20 - 25 (or 30 max.).

We'll be here to help you and I believe that if you keep trying, eventually you'll get accepted. As someone joked - it only takes one place to make a mistake and accept us, huh? Good luck.

Thank you so much for the help and for giving me hope . Indeed, one good acceptance is all what we need!

[Current vs New GRE]

Could you please post the link where you read that?

Here is a table listing the score reporting dates for new GRE

http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/register/centers_dates/

[Re-Applying for a PhD in Neuroscience]

I've finally got a reply from the last place I've been waiting on. I was rejected (which was quite accepted).

Now, since failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently (Henry Ford), I want to begin again, more intelligently

But I need your help. I want to change my whole approach to this thing. How to start? Where to start? What steps should I take?

Here is more about me:

BS pharmacy (3.30). MS pharmacology (3.36). Currently Senior Research Assistant. 2 publications being prepared.

GRE (ahem): 1115 (verbal was horrible ; took the test last minute and had no time to retake. Anyways.).

Research interests: hippocampal synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, Alzheimer's diseases, electrophysiology.

I've applied before to: UT Austin, UT Southwestern, BCM, and UNT. None accepted. (although interviewed by the last two).

My new plan:

1. RETAKE THE GRE!

2. apply to more schools (5-10)

3. ???????????????

4. ???????????????

5. ???????????????

I don't know what to do! What do you think could be done to improve my chances next time?

Questions boggling my mind:

1. Should I take a subject GRE test? ---> not available where I live; need to travel to a nearby country.

2. Should I apply to the same schools or different ones?

3. Should I contact potential advisors? ---> many schools discourage this. It says so on their websites and that's what the lady in the admission office tells me. However, I've seen people still do it. Should I?

4. Are my research interests too narrow? Should I consider schools with faculty with different interests (to increase my options)?

5. My secondary interests include substance abuse, neurobiological basis of psychiatric diseases and psychopharmacology, and epilepsy. Should I mention this? Or would I seem then out-of-focus? In other words, is it better to mention a narrow range of interests or a wider, more diverse one?

6. What is the best way to answer this question: do you want to continue researching the same area as your MS or you'd like to do something different? ---> my approach would be that although I'm more interested in so and so, but I'm also open to learning new/different things etc.

7. What schools am I likely to get in? So far, I'm interested in Brown, MIT, and Wake Forest. Do I have a chance at these? What other suggestions do you have?

8. What other things should I consider when re-applying?

9. Should I really bother and re-apply in the first place? Sometimes I think: what will make me get accepted the 2nd time when I was rejected the 1st?

Sorry for the long post, but I'm kind of lost and I really appreciate your advice!

[anyone else not get into any good programs and feel like they've lost all direction?]

Things have been similar for me...I've found myself re-focused and able to really evaluate what my weaknesses are/were. I'm intrigued by the fact that you had some success e-mailing the schools you were rejected from and getting information about weaknesses in your application--this is something I've considered doing, but have been worried that it may be inappropriate.

I think that is absolutely fine. I e-mailed the programs I've been rejected from as well and got very fast and positive responses. One program told me to focus on my statement of purpose to explain exactly what research interests are and what I'd like to do in the future.

I don't think it's a bad idea to ask. If anything, it won't hurt.

[Random thoughts from the application process trenches...]

First off, I'm sorry to hear and am surprised that you weren't accepted anywhere. How you weren't accepted anywhere is beyond belief. I agree with the poster above, maybe something was amiss with your application and perhaps you should e-mail the departments you applied to and the advisers and ask what weaknesses you may have had.

Secondly, I must admit that one of the writers of my LORs is very, very well known in his field and another one of my writers ran into two of the 5 profs who I wished to work for at a conference and talked me up. I think these connections helped me get accepted.

You people gave me back my confidence!

I am actually considering contacting the programs to ask them how can I improve my application for next year.

Lastly, when I applied, the paper I co-authored wasn't accepted yet. What I did was mention in my SOP that I had submitted a paper. I noted the title and journal publication as well. Funny thing was that the paper was rejected, so we submitted it to another journal and then it was accepted. As soon as it was accepted, I wrote in to all my potential advisers and the grad offices of the schools I applied to so that they could make a note of this.

I think when I mentioned to my potential advisers that I had a paper in submission, their interest was piqued and they encouraged me to apply. Of course having a paper in submission a huge step, having one published is even better. Either way, adcoms should realize that people (usually) don't submit a shitty paper and that you were involved in the science somehow. Your lab supervisor should note that on you LOR. I suggest you have a meeting with him/her to make sure you cover all the points you wish him/her to write on your LOR.

Thank you. I was wondering whether I could send such follow-up e-mails to the programs to inform them of any updates (paper published or new lab appointment). So that seems fine then

One of my LOR writers (my MS advisor and mentor), offered to sit with me if I get rejected from the last school I'm waiting on (he still has hope!) and we go over my entire application package again (including my SOP and CV) to see what we can do to improve it.

Let's just hope for the best!

[Random thoughts from the application process trenches...]

And you didn't get into anything? Oh lady we need to chat, something must have gone wrong somewhere (interview faux pas, LOR writer might have tossed you under the bus or some other reason). MS and 2 papers in preparation that should put you over the damn hump.

Thank you for your concern

Well, my GRE scores weren't anything stellar either (600s), so that might be a factor too. I'm thinking I should retake it for next time.

I thought my interviews went well. In fact, one of my interviewers gave me so much hope that I'll get in that I was really surprised when I was rejected over a one and half months later. He was like you made it up to a very narrow list of finalist applicants and we're planning to take in more grad students this year etc etc.

My LOR writers are my MS advisors and my undergrad advisor (who happens to be my current boss to; I'm currently an RA in his lab).

It just seems 2011 is not my year.

What would you suggest?