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Uncle Ernie

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Everything posted by Uncle Ernie

  1. Thanks for the response. Yea Ive given it alot of thought and talked it over with many people. Across the board, people tell me the first year is the worst and not very fun and exciting. In addition, no matter where your location is, it doesnt necessarily mean the lab experience will also be on par. In addition, I had a great social life in a wonderful city the 3 years I was a tech which most definitely spoiled me....so I think what Im feeling is also adjustment. I havent even entered a thesis lab yet (still rotating) so I do not know what to expect but so far my rotations have been great; the only thing disappointing is the area and crap coursework and TAing. The latter is unavoidable. So basically seeing through all this I think you are right; Im sure the majority of first years feel the same way, and even if they were in a great location it doesnt mean they are enjoying it and will in the future. The opportunities where I am at have been great and the program will set me up for the future well. What are your options for programs? Its hard to guide your decision not knowing you. Of course your decision will take on alot of influcences. Id be happy to offer any advice...
  2. Yea I did visit. The location was my only hesitation. I'm not blindsided by the "hard work" and TA requirements; I was explaining how my perception of school thus far is a culmination of alot of things including work.
  3. Thanks for the heads up on the research scholars programs.....never head of them. Wont hurt to look into as a possible option!
  4. Hey Tsujiru, Thanks for sharing your thoughts and situation. Seems like we are kind of in opposite situations in terms of why we would want to leave but still, would have to go through similar processes. I contacted a grad program admin of a target school recently to inquire about transferring, credits, etc. Turns out I would have to apply in the fall (didnt apply last year) and take all of their core coursework. So essentially I would have to start over again. I have a feeling alot of programs in the life sciences are like this. I may contact 2-3 other places just to get a feel of what steps would be ahead if I wanted to get out......one thing is for sure, I would not leave to start everything all over again. The first year is the worst and it has been challenging enough to not want to do it over again. Which makes me consider my initial reactions about the experience thus far. There is obviously alot of factors contributing to how I feel overall, and a major one is the amount of hard work and tasks that I care not to do but have to in the first year, before I start doing original research (which is why I came to the school I did). This hard work and bs requirements, coupled with an unattractive social life, coupled with coming from a great city with loads of great friends makes me want out of the area. But, I have a feeling things will change if I put up with the bs until TAing and coursework is done and I end up in a great lab........we'll see. If the thesis lab opportunities change when my rotations are done and I find a target school that would accept my credits thus far, the option to leave would be attractive. Until then, I'll continue being positive and getting everything I can out of the program. Let me know how you make out. Ill keep you posted. Ern
  5. Hi forum. So, I'm half way through my first year at a pretty reputable program (not IVY, not any UC's) in neuroscience. I've been thinking alot recently about the possibility of transferring to another program, or at least applying and obtaining information from target programs. One of the main reasons for transferring would be location of the program I am currently at, and uncertainty in deciding a thesis lab. To some, location is not that important, but after being in a great city as a tech for 3 years and then moving to a crummy suburb, there is really no outlets in the event I am not working and want to do stuff. Also, I have been pretty disappointed in the course work thus far, but am not certain as to how different it is program to program......if I could guess my program would rank 15-25th nationwide for neuroscience, I'm curious if my experience at an even better ranked program would lead to a more satisfying experience. The idea of staying is not terrible, however, staying for 5-6 years is. I hate where I live. Perhaps it would be a good incentive to finish as quick as possible? Anyways, I would love to hear some feedback on anybody who has been in the same boat, people who have successfully transferred biological phd programs, or anybody with helpful insight. Would it be a difficult thing to do? Is this a valid reason to try and transfer? How would I go about it? Do programs take transfer students? How easy are credits transferred? Much thanks and looking forward to reading any responses. Ernie
  6. Hi forum. So, I'm half way through my first year at a pretty reputable program (not IVY, not any UC's) in neuroscience. I've been thinking alot recently about the possibility of transferring to another program, or at least applying and obtaining information from target programs. One of the main reasons for transferring would be location of the program I am currently at, and uncertainty in deciding a thesis lab. To some, location is not that important, but after being in a great city as a tech for 3 years and then moving to a crummy suburb, there is really no outlets in the event I am not working and want to do stuff. Also, I have been pretty disappointed in the course work thus far, but am not certain as to how different it is program to program......if I could guess my program would rank 15-25th nationwide for neuroscience, I'm curious if my experience at an even better ranked program would lead to a more satisfying experience. The idea of staying is not terrible, however, staying for 5-6 years is. I hate where I live. Perhaps it would be a good incentive to finish as quick as possible? Anyways, I would love to hear some feedback on anybody who has been in the same boat, people who have successfully transferred biological phd programs, or anybody with helpful insight. Would it be a difficult thing to do? Is this a valid reason to try and transfer? How would I go about it? Do programs take transfer students? How easy are credits transferred? Much thanks and looking forward to reading any responses. Ernie
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