mechengr2000

I have heard a story from one of my professors that Maxwell had failed the first two questions of his qualifying exam, and as a last chance, they gave him a take-home assignment. Maxwell returned with the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of velocities. Can anyone verify also hearing a similar story (the details may be off) ? Can anyone find a source for this? I can't find anything on Google

I was completely unaware of any negative connotation when I used it. Sorry.

As the original poster, I would ask that members stop using this forum to argue about the merits/shortcomings on the new healthcare law. This is obviously not the website for it (thegradcafe.com). Additionally, the way that you are arguing about it is not intellectual - its personal. Moderators, please close this topic!

1. The impact and quantity of the research you've already done 2. Having a good research proposal that explains why you should work with them

Wow, Eigen! Thank you so much! :) :) I notice you didn't mention grades/GPA. Does that mean the difference between a 4.0 and a 3.5 won't matter as much as the other things you've mentioned? Yes, I would apply to both R1 and R2.

What is your field? What are you good at teaching?

I would also try other teaching jobs, such as being a tutor (private 1-on-1 tutors make big $$$). And if you could be a GRE instructor, you would hit a gold mine. Were your GRE scores high?

Good luck! And don't forget charisma, politeness, and perseverance!!!!!!!!! =D

$4000 of debt for a Master's is really, really good considering what other students are going through right now. But of course, you should still try to avoid paying for it out of pocket by aggressively pursuing opportunities, even if they do not announce themselves to you.

****************Most jobs in this world are not advertised.*********************** I would write a VERY, VERY strong cover letter and curriculum vitae, and make an excellent impression in person when you hand deliver it to every department on campus that you could possibly TA for. If you need details on what to put in the cover letter, let me know

Can you take out a loan? How much do you have in savings? FYI - I know PhD students at private schools who are paying out of pocket right now for their engineering degrees, so for this to happen to a Master's student.... it doesn't make it any better for you, but the economy is terrible right now and this is whats happening

What other options have you looked into? Have you tried TA-ing for other departments?

I have just started my PhD and I would like to apply for professorships at Research Universities (R1 level) when I graduate. I am a Mechanical Engineer. If you are doing something similar, what have you learned from the process that you wish you knew earlier? Here is the limited amount of information I have at this point: 1. The number of publications matter most. 2. The ability to attract funding. 3. Prestige of PhD degree (where was it done) 4. What kind of Vision does the candidate have for future research work In addition to what kind of things you may know, do any of the following also matter? Which ones are priorities? Which ones should I forget about? 1. Grades/GPA 2. Industry Experience 3. Extracurricular activities (e.g. leadership experience) 4. Teaching experience (as a course lecturer) 5. Teaching experience (as a course teaching assistant) 6. Textbooks published 7. Postdoctoral program experience

Huh? Someone he barely knows is asking for a letter of reference. What is he supposed to say in his letter? It's supposed to serve as a character reference! You can't write a letter of reference for someone you meet in an elevator, even if they tell you what goals they are pursuing. You are recommending them based on evidence of what YOU have seen. More importantly, You are providing character testimony, which is what the resume and application can't give. How can you write a letter of reference for someone you think of as "forgettable" ?

If this is a school with a big name or "Ivy League", don't be surprised. That is the standard treatment. Look for a different school. It will be worth it. West Coast schools tend to be more relaxed and collaborative. And they can still carry the "prestige" you are looking for. I would say education comes first. Don't worry about prestige. You can earn your own prestige through the quality of the work you do.

If you casually, very casually, say you would like to try assisting a different professor next term to someone who manages this in the department, they will be sure to get the message and help you out if they can.

1. What is your field? Are you a manufacturing engineer? 2. What made you apply for a PhD? Were you being honest with yourself when you wrote your statement of purpose?

I think the only people who can answer if a Master's is worth anything are people in your field. In my field, engineering, a master's is worth a lot. But there are other fields, like physics, where a master's is worthless. In physics, all the jobs are either for BS or PhD holders. It makes no sense to get an MS in Physics in most cases. You have to ask people in your field.

If you are applying for graduate level studies, grades will not matter very much. What matters is your research/project experience, and what your letters of reference say about your character strengths and weaknesses as a person and as a professional

Were you given any warning that this might happen? How far in advance of your last paycheck were you told of this situation?

I've just started, so no I've never had this happen. What other options have you looked into? Have you tried TA-ing for other departments? Are you in a PhD or Master's? If you are a PhD student, and you have achieved Candidacy, and you are finishing your dissertation, the university may be able to help you out if the department cannot.

"Ivy League" students have an enormous chip on their shoulder because of the rampant grade inflation at their schools. You will learn much more from a school like the one you are at now. Don't let other's people's bad behaviors affect you. Their situation should be of any concern to you, even if you were friends in the past. Time for them to grow up. Focus on what you are doing and make the best of your life. You only get one shot at this.

What date did you start working with him? It would be helpful to know how invested you are. What kind of environment does he come from? Did he do his PhD at a place where it was likely that he was treated the same way? If so, he probably thinks that he is building the right type of environment. You can try mediation, but I really think it would be better to get a different advisor. OR - get your own funding. It will earn the respect of others.

I've just finished taking my prelims. I am really hoping that I pass. How harshly are prelims graded? I have spoken to one of the more senior grad students, and he said they are graded so that if I get one question wrong out of four, I should be ok. I am just wondering how harshly they will grade the problems... I am at a top 3 school for my program... How were your prelims graded? What was your experience?

Hey, I am redesigning my lab's website from scratch. I am looking for good ideas on what to do with it. What makes a good lab website? And, equally important, what makes a bad lab website?