Michelley262003

does anyone know when we are suppose to register for courses???

hey so are you going to UVM?

I think the GRE is just another silly hoop you have to go through to get where you want. The GRE is stupid. It's a waste of money and time. It really illustrates very little. People on this forum stress way too much about it. Don't waste your time worrying about something as insignificant as a standardized test. I hope you do well (whenever it is you take it)

I don't know if this will help anyone San Diego (Lived here my entire life)- I would not recommend living in San Diego without a car. UCSD is do-able with a bike. Although it could make life potentially hard. San Diego's public transit system is in the works. There is much room for improvement. The trolly system is alright, but trolly stops are few and far between. I would recommend getting a car at least for the winter months when gas prices are low. Use your bike in the summer when the weather is beautiful. Shreveport Louisiana- (I did my undergrad here) It's virtually impossible to not own a car. There are virtually no walkable sidewalks. And it gets to be a billion degrees in the summer, making being outside pretty brutal. The winters can be rainy and cold and icy. Get a car.

A class is sooo not worth it. Get books, practice exams etc. Do all the practice you can get. I took the test twice. I knew the programs I was applying for would look at my two highest scores. The first time I focused on the verbal and entirely neglected the math. I made a 600 on the Verbal. I took it again, this time focusing on the math. I made a 680. My overall score was good in that it got me into a variety of schools.

Here's another rude one: I got invited to an interview at University of X... on the other side of the country. It took me 9 hours to get there, 12 hours back home. I was there for four days. I have yet to hear back, and doubt that I will. RUDE!

To cell and Molecular bio person (above) That's awesome! I'm sure we will come across one another. It's not a huge place, so I'm sure our paths will cross. When do you start? I start Aug. 1. Are you from Vermont? Or the East? I'm from the west coast and am excited/ scared about the winters (I've never lived in snow).

Here's another one... Me: Hi my name is ---- ------. I have applied for admissions for 2009. Would it be possible to find out the status of my application Admission: No we have not made decisions yet. The next day... my rejection came via email.

Thanks everybody. That makes me feel a hundred times better. I think I've let the stress of the whole process get to me. And then moving across the country and starting school all over again. I graduated last year and I am excited about going back to school and all that lies ahead. I wish you all the best.

I have been accepted to an awesome PhD program. I have accepted their offer. It appears to me...a match made in heaven. Since I have accepted their offer I am constantly at a worry that I will mess something up and they will rescind their offer. Is this possible? Is there anything I could do to blow this. I know this probably sounds like an entirely irrational fear. Has anyone ever heard of a school rescinding their offer of admissions?

Hi everyone going to UCSD. I am a San Diego native. I applied to UCSD, got in, decided to go else where. I wanted to let all of you future Tritons something about UCSD. The area surrounding UCSD is very expensive. If any of you are interested, my grandparents rent apartments in the Pacific beach area. It is not walking distance to UCSD, but less than 5 miles away. This complex is not in the "heart" of PB, but within walking distance. Our rent is reasonable (See details below) and ideal for a graduate student. If I were going to UCSD I would live here. 1 bedroom patio fireplace (carpet 1 year old) laundry book case freshly painted Garage extra 100$ a month rent w/o garage=1200 w/ garage = 1300 If interested give me a call @ 858 752-0547 or 858 453-6208 or contact me through thegradcafe

Wow. That is weird. I would be annoyed with SDSU.

Thanks. Best of luck to you as well. If you are looking for a place to live in SD I know of a place in Pacific beach that is definitely renting. I could give you the number if you would like.

I have an extended silence story. I applied to school X for a PhD program. I did so obsessively early. Aug. 2008 and the deadline was December 15. The last I spoke with admissions was around the deadline- Decemberish and from my conversation with the admissions officer got the feeling that I was not going to be accepted. However, while on another interview trip (to school Y) in late feb. I received a phone call that I would be interviewed at school X. I went to the interview and chose the program. I don't know if this helps. But there is still hope.

I did notice that Newsweek makes little mention of Vermont. However, I was under the impression that the neuroscience program is on par with the medical school- which, as far as I know, is outstanding.

Would you happen to know anything about the neuroscience program?

One last thing: The LGBT community is very supportive/ very friendly. If you do choose SDSU I would stay away from the east county though. A general trend being- the farther east one goes the more conservative the city gets. Hillcrest, North Park, College area, UTC areas are all great.

Hi! I think I can help you out a bit. I am from San Diego. Have lived here my whole life (except during undergraduate years- I went to school in the South). Living in San Diego has been a great experience for me. My family is here, the weather is great, nightlife is fantastic, its diverse, always things going on, the beach etc.... However, there is traffic like you could never imagine (I've only seen worse in Dallas), SD is crowded, expensive and has a high crime rate. If you are not from here I believe that you would find the people to be a bit impersonal and fairly resistant to "foreigners" invading upon their turf. It's a very locals only type community. I am not a Chemistry major so I can not speak to the credibility of the Chem program. I am in science (neuroscience/biomedical) and know SDSU is not known for its science. On the plus side, San Diego does have a booming biotech industry which could supply you with ample opportunities to get industry experience (if that is what you truly wish to do). I worked for a biotech company for a couple of summers (while doing my undergrad). I am particularly drawn to your post because I will be attending UVM next year. I think UVM and Vermont for that matter is an entirely different world. I have only been to Vermont once (my interview), but I loved it. I am happy to leave SD and start a new chapter of my life. Again, not being a chemistry major, I can not speak to the credibility of the chem department. I do know that the people at UVM are great- friendly and encouraging. It is up to you. I think either choice is a great one. It just depends on what type of atmosphere you wish to spend the next few years of your life in. I wish you luck on your decision.

I'm in the neuroscience PhD program and will be spending a good portion of my life in Fletcher allen/ the health sciences buildings. I see your doing an MA in historical preservation. I'm from california (did my undergrad work in the South) and have only been to Vermont once. I loved the school, the campus, the faculty, the graduate students etc. etc. From what I gather, it's a pretty small place. I think we will probably run into one another sooner or later (if not at school then around town). Where is Adelphi??? I have heard of it before, although I am not sure where. How'd you come to find Vermont?

Hi! I'm going to UVM too. I hope I'll run into you.

I got my rejection yesterday. Oh well. Chicago is a hell whole anyone.

I feel like I should offer my two cents here. I am from Southern Cali. On the coast. Some of the most beautiful weather in the world. I did my undergrad in the deep south. We had the hottest summers, icy winters, tornados, hurricanes, 20 plus inches of rain a year. My point: weather was awful. However, I loved it. I fell in love with the school, the faculty, even the 120 degree summers. I was very happy there for four years. I am now going to grad school on the east coast. In one of the coldest places in the country. And I can't speak to the future, but I have a feeling that I will love this place too. I think a lot has to do with the type of person you are. You must ask yourself: How flexible am I? How willing am I to put myself into an unfamiliar situation? Only you know.

I think it entirely depends on how significant your SO actually is. I have friends who went to school X together...in different programs. They ended up wanting different things and ending their relationship. However, they are both happy at their school. I think one has to find a place where they would be happy, even if they were not together.

I feel the pain in your decision. I have been accepted to two very good schools. One in a very large city- not a huge one, but big enough. And a school in a smaller, very beautiful city. I have decided to go to the school in the smaller city. My advisor at my undergraduate advisor pointed out that it does not matter where you go to get your PhD. It's what you do during your 5-7 years that really matters. There are people who went to the best, most well known schools who have done nothing with their degree. Then there are people who go to little schools, with great academics and accomplish more than most would accomplish at large institutions. What I feel is most important, and what I would encourage anyone to consider is the following question: Is this what I want? And will this make me happy? Ultimately your happiness is key. Do what you feel makes you happy.

Thank you whatevernever3n. I really appreciate all of your insight. I am from the opposite end of the country (So. cal). So Im a little bit nervous about moving 3000 miles away. My interview/ recruitment weekend was great. I interviewed at four other places. Some nice...some (not to name any names) were awful. I think Vermont is the place for me. I loved the faculty, the administration and the grad students. I feel that I would receive a tremendous amount of support from the school. Im thinking about living in grad housing. At least for the first year, or until I can find something better. I believe its called Red Rock. Do you know anything about these? They seem nice (from the pics online) and affordable... which with the stipend 20,700 is definitely something Im looking for. Anyway. Thanks for all of your help.