renoona

There must have been some serious A+ students applying to the west coast BME programs this year...ROUGH competition.

ghanada, I've been thinking about reapplying next year, and I probably will. I went on a school-calling spree today, and was told that I was a "great candidate" and "favored" by the committees at my top three schools: UCSD, UCLA, and USC, but the thing that consistently edged me out was my 3.6 GPA. All schools advised applying again, and to establish a connection with the professors beforehand. Many of the notes on my application said that the committees recommended me for the MS program for the meantime, and that I could get the classes out of the way that way, start researching with the PIs I would want, and petition to apply to the PhD program and the end of the school year. UCSD (because I love San Diego) said they would've done this for me had I mentioned I was willing to do a masters instead of a PhD (I wish someone told me that before I called today! I would've totally taken that opportunity), but it's too late now because they've accepted 30 MS students, when they normally accept 15-20. USC has given me this choice for the upcoming school year, however, I'm not sold on paying private-university, out-of-state tuition to go to USC in East LA, haha. Also not sure if I could transfer the first year grad classes from USC to UCSD. If I can, I would consider doing this just so I don't kill another year of my 20's waiting to go to grad school...

My two cents: As 2010 ChemE graduate someone similar stats and research experience, great letters of rec from big names in BioE, and industry experience, I have some advice for you: I applied this year for mostly top tier west coast schools, and while I was a good candidate (and waitlisted with a few schools), I ultimately didn't get in to any of them because of the all the variables mentioned above. While your stats might be good enough for one school, that same school might not have an open slot with the profs you want. Likewise, there might be an open slot with a prof you want in another school, but you might end up edged out by another person with a slightly better GPA. Those are just 2 of the MANY possibilities of getting rejected. So my main advice to you is: apply to a MIX of top tier schools as well as other good programs that aren't as prestigious. You'll increase your chances of getting into more than one program, you'll get your PhD, and you'll get to do research you actually like.

This thread has been dead for a while, but just in case the previous poster that replied to me sees this: I chose West coast schools to be near family and friends (silly, I know). Turns out it was a very stupid idea, as I was rejected from absolutely every single school. Was waitlisted at some point at UCSD, UCLA ChemE, UC Davis BME, but ultimately rejected from all. Just going to find a job for the meantime, and think about whether I still have the heart to apply to schools again next year. If i do apply again later this year, it would be my 3rd year applying in row, and frankly, I'm exhausted. I got into University of Florida the first time applying, no schools this second time applying, and I have little faith that I'd get in anywhere decent this year... Major: ChemE from Top 10 Engineering School Undergrad GPA: 3.6 GRE: 590V / 740Q / 5.5W Research: 2 years in drug-delivery focused lab in ChemE, 1 year in drug delivery BioE lab (1 publication pending) Work experience: 1 year as chemical process engineer in manufacturing industry Applied: UCSF/UCB, UCSD, UW, UC Davis (BME and ChemE), USC, UCLA (BME and ChemE), Caltech, Stanford Rejected: The whole lot of 'em. Cheers to the ones that got in! And an "I know that feel bro" to the ones who didn't, like me

BME PhD applicants: If it makes anyone feel better, I too am getting nervous from not hearing back. Hoping that I still have a shot with the whole rolling-admissions thing, and that i'm not too far down on the priority list for invites. My numbers might be low, but I have the heart, haha! Major: ChemE from Top 10 Engineering School Undergrad GPA: 3.6 GRE: 590V / 740Q / 5.5W Research: 2 years in drug-delivery focused lab in ChemE, 1 year in drug delivery BioE lab (1 publication pending) Work experience: 1 year as chemical process engineer in manufacturing industry Applied: UCSF/UCB, UCSD, UW, UC Davis (BME and ChemE), USC, UCLA (BME and ChemE), Caltech, Stanford Rejected: UCSF/UCB, UW, Stanford Accepted: ...all silent on acceptance front. I'm giving it one more week before I start applying to jobs.

Amazonian probably just got the rejection from UW's BioE program, because I just got the same email too.