sam_1

This is very reassuring, thanks:-) I agree that many papers are very badly written...

I've been going to the gym (cardio, but mostly weights) since first year undergrad, though not sure if I'll be able to go as often or for as long, especially now that I'll be driving to campus and back... I am considering signing up for intro yoga classes just to try something new.

I agree - the inter nation student orientation often involves a lot of paperwork and admin. Fun...

Same here, at least I found some nice frames:) Said to a friend that it may come in useful to see where I'm going when i drive!

Haven't started grad school yet, so can only comment on university in general - always thought I had pretty decent vision, and yesterday while registering for my driver's license, I failed the eye test spectacularly. Felt like such an idiot.... Needless to say, have an appointment with an optometrist this week. I hope grad school doesn't make it worse.... I've been using "age-defying" skincare products for a while, it's just a part of my routine. Some products are great, others a complete rip off. For the dark circles, I'd recommend something like http://www.vichyusa.com/aqualia-thermal-eye-roll-on-hydrogel.htm

I would probably avoid dating someone in the same department, mostly because I need space - and what would we have left to talk about? :-) That said, I would probably tend towards someone with very similar interests and goals: someone I can relate to and who knows enough about academia in general and my field... But life happens, and I don't think it makes sense to go into grad school with excessively strict rules, but rather to have an open mind and use common sense. I think it also depends on the size of the department; for example, a larger one would provide a helpful buffer of sorts should things get ugly.

Hi:) I'll be starting a biology PhD in September, and although I suspect the workload will be high, I'm very interested in getting involved in (higher/science) education research eventually - this was emphasized in my personal statement. Any ideas on the best way to do so - i.e., do an education Master's later, or somehow obtain training in the relevant methodology? I'm certainly not laboring under the delusion that I can suddenly become an expert in social science research, especially while working in a lab, but I'd appreciate advice on the best place to start

I'm moving to a different country, and the hardest part is deciding which of my books to take...

Very encouraging comments:-) My family isn't unsupportive in any hostile sense, but they really don't seem to 'get' what I'm doing. When you hear good news, it can be very hurtful and surprising for people to 'rain on your parade': it is perhaps normal for practical concerns to be expressed, but not when you've just gotten in.

Agreed, thanks - my honors project supervisor was very relaxed about keeping the lab book, and I normally just kept loads of raw data and graphs on my laptop, but a PhD will require much more discipline. WIll also have to be a little less 'OCD' about it, and resist the urge to throw the whole thing away if there's a smudge or something

Hi everyone:) Starting biology PhD in September, will be doing fairly long rotations for the first year, which will hopefully flow into a research project. Any ideas/suggestions regarding keeping a lab notebook: I tried during undergrad projects but always got a bit lazy and struggled to keep it neat. Also, seems weird writing things that aren't of much consequence.... Should I rather type it up daily and file, or use an app, or just a regular notebook?

I agree - many of the papers I have to wade through are very technical; speed reading could be useful to get an overall feel for the work, but I usually have to pick it apart bit by bit. I always read with a pencil or something, find it helps to follow and underline/make notes - turning it into an active process helps me remember important details. My problem lately seems more related to concentration, I'll be thinking/worrying about several things at once and keep jumping from one activity or task to the next, can be quite frustrating.

I've had friends who have made the long distance thing work, but when they finally were together again (in a more permanent set-up), things were somehow 'different'... I suppose, as has been said, it depends largely on the couple. I am so grateful and relieved that my partner and I were placed within 20 minutes of each other - and I only applied to my school randomly at the very last minute, they were literally about to meet to start discussing applicants!

I've used Parker pens since high school, very reliable - except I tend to lose them eventually... Sometimes I find them in the strangest places.

For interest, what are the latest stats for completion of PhDs - by discipline/faculty, age, part vs full time etc?

My condolences... :-)

Good tips. I love buying school supplies - though am rather preoccupied with finding an apartment and a car:)

This is quite a stressful situation - I know the feeling since I'm moving halfway across the world to my PhD. Fortunately, my partner is much, much better at organizing this sort of thing (we both got accepted in the same state, by sheer luck!). One thing I've learned is that current grad students and faculty seem more than willing to provide advice; my (future) supervisor even offered to help, so don't be afraid to ask. There's always someone who knows someone who's moving out or has a great place, or knows what to really avoid.

I really think that given how much work you've already put in, and that your dissertation project is exciting, your PhD is worth 'fighting for', although not at the expense of your happiness and well being. Getting the PhD will certainly put you in a better position, in terms of securing a job and a (hopefully) decent salary - and pulling through will avoid a great big hole in your CV. Therefore, I think it would be best to firstly get to a point where you can take some time out, maybe travel and get a fresh perspective on things. You do not necessarily need to commit to returning from the leave of absence (which there is no shame in taking - they must just deal with it). Also, in my country, it is very common for PhD students to work part time - usually in a related field - while pursuing their graduate work over an extended period. This tends to lend a sense of purpose amidst all the abstract uncertainty, the life experience often provides valuable insight and skills which actually help with the research, and of course the income is useful. You need to be honest with your supervisor and potential employers, and negotiate terms most conducive to you being able to balance work and research.

Many, many of my lecturers dressed terribly during undergrad, so I will have to be careful:-) One prof came in late a few times and lectured in super skimpy cycling shorts, seriously... he only got away with it because he was actually a great lecturer. Dressing well is also important for your own confidence - if you feel neat, presentable and in control, you will project confidence and credibility. But don't overdo it.

This has probably been debated before, but is it worth doing a GRE subject test, to make an application stand out? Do admission committees even look at the scores if they're not a requirement? Have looked at the topics covered and it's quite a lot of work!

This is my first post on this site, it's very encouraging to know there are others in a similar position - being an international grad applicant can be extremely stressful, and lonely! Anyway, I completely underestimated the competitive nature of the programs I applied to, even though I have a fairly ok academic and research 'history', and the last few weeks have been seriously depressing. Fortunately, managed to get a Skype interview at a small but nice program which I really like - it went well and I had follow-up chats with current grad students. Should be getting feedback quite soon. However, also been offered a "post-bac" of sorts at a Really good school - it would involve about a year of lab experience with a very high profile supervisor, and possibly some coursework. This would be a means to improve my chances of admission to the same school's PhD program, or a similar one. Both options seem appealing: the PhD (which I think I'll be offered) is 'safe' in terms of visas and so on, because there are no guarantees that I'll get in anywhere after the post-bac. But, the post-bac may open great doors - it's just such a gamble. Obviously I can't decide anything until I have a firm offer, but it seems like a tough call.... what should I do??

This is a very useful thread, just sorry I didn't come across this forum last year! Completely agree that the US GPA student can give a very poor reflection of your performance - my GPA certainly doesn't indicate mine, and this really hurt my application process. It can be soul destroying to actually be a very good or above average student, and then get rejected by programs because you're (e.g.) 3.5 and not 3.6 - seems so trivial and inaccurate!! It doesn't indicate the difficulty or relevance of some of your courses, or take into account that one or two stupid subjects can bring you down. If it wasn't for my first year I'd have near 4.0, but so much for that...