Quantum Buckyball

The link was very informative. Make sure to talk to the current students, especially the senior-level students. You'll get a better/accurate information from them than from professors and first years.

I wouldn't worry about the reputation of your school - I'm sure it can take care of itself. 
 
Talk to the individual and make your expectations clear for working jointly on projects. Help him out by discussing strategies for thinking critically about problems (treat somebody like a lost cause...and they usually end up acting like a lost cause) - everybody had to start from scratch at some point. If he's really problematic then talk to the PI and suggest that with the individual's lack of experience he could benefit from working with a more senior group member/post doc. 

You sir, are a troll. 

Here is another interesting piece (just read the executive summary unless you have a ton of time). It is a survey of postdocs in Canada and part of it addresses the same issue--postdocs are getting longer and the instability of the job is driving people away! http://www.mitacs.ca/sites/default/files/caps-mitacs_postdoc_report-full_oct22013-final.pdf
 
I don't think it's fair to say that "they chose to leave academia/research so don't feel bad for them". I think the system is set up so that many talented people don't really have a choice. In some cases, the opportunities are not there / too much competition. Or, there may be other personal/health constraints, such as geographic ones. Sure, you can argue that these are one's "choice" and that if you were "dedicated" you would be willing to work in middle of nowhere to continue doing science. I don't agree though and I think it is sad that instead of getting the best people getting jobs in academia, it becomes more of a matter of who is willing to work more hours or put up with crappy postdoc conditions etc. It seems to me that I might have to choose between a non-academic career where I can have a stable income to support a new family near my parents, or an academic career without the right economic and social support to start a family the way I want. So, I feel that for many people who want other things in their life besides research work, we/they may have no choice but to leave academia.
 
On the other hand, I don't think it's fair to feel sorry for those who leave either. Even if they didn't want to leave, they may be happier in their new careers. Also, that attitude implies that if you are PhD not working in research in your field, you are automatically a failure. I do think that one main goal of the PhD is to train a person to do independent, original research, but that training can also impart a lot of other useful skills that you can use in other careers too. I believe that PhD programs should encourage and support their students who might want to pursue other careers after graduation. Departments that truly believe all of their PhD graduates will get tenure tracked positions are either deluded or buying into the "Ponzi scheme". It is a reality that the tenure track position "market" can't support all the PhD generated each year, so I think graduate programs should try to help their students succeed in whatever career path they choose after graduation!

It's really not just about the classes and degree. In your case, I think you should do a Masters first to see if it's for you or not, especially you don't really have a strong background.

It would be extraordinarily hard to convince the admission committee to accept you over applicants with a BS in Biology/Zoology with relevant research experiences/number of publications/scholarships/fellowships/teaching/volunteer experiences.

a vague question deserves a vague answer

It ain't happening. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I personally don't think it's realistic for someone with your portfolio would get into top programs like that, especially with all the budget-cut, government shut down and lack of funding situations.

In order to get into a top program (e.g. MIT, Harvard, Standford, Penn State etc.), you will need at least a first-authored research-based publication in a well-known journal, or a bunch of co-author research-based publications. In addition, you will need outstanding recommendations from someone who's in the same/related field already.

Today, two women in their late 30s stopped by the lab trying to sell lab supplies to us. At first, I didn't want to talk to them, but then I quickly changed my mind.   Long story short, I found out both women have a PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics and have done postdoc. One of them worked as a postdoc for 5 years because she had enough, and the second one only did it for a year and a half. They graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and VA Tech.   It broke my heart to see talented Scientists being forced to change their career just in order to survive. It is extremely hard to start a family or buy a house on a postdoc salary.

I've been learning how to deal with this the past few months.  We have a bunch of undergraduate RAs, some are great, while others…echo the statement OP posted. It's frustrating and here's something of the things I've learned that maybe will help others:
 
1) Create an application process for undergrads who are interested in working with you.  It helps to weed out those who are just there to get "credit" and don't actually want to work and learn. You'd be surprise how easy it is to weed out the lazy students just by making an application where they have to fill in and articulate their thoughts.
 
2) TRUST YOUR GUT.  This is the biggest thing I've taken from this semester. I interview all my undergrad RAs before I take them on.  I had an uneasy feeling about two we took on this semester, turned out I was right, they were very unmotivated.  Left early or didn't show up for their hours, one eventually dropped out. When interviewing ask questions about what they're looking to gain out of the experience, etc and from their answers you can usually get a feel of what they're looking for, but trust your gut feeling.
 
3) Make it a requirement that they be able to devote good chunks of time (3-4 a day at least). Otherwise it's hard to gain meaningful experience.  When you start to take on new students, make this a requirement for the lab. I find that makes everything easier scheduling wise as well.
 
It's our job to teach them how research works and the responsibilities that come along with it. Try to give them a sense of ownership over things and that can often help make them more motivated to follow through with things. Also, address their behavior.  If an RA is not showing up or doing poor work, tell them.  In a very professional way of course.  Let them know you see what's going on and that you want them to re-engage in the lab, and that you want to make it known you see this happening.  You want to make it aware before it's too late not only to hopefully help them get on it, but also so they know for letters of recommendation. I assume most undergrads are doing this because they want experience and go to grad school.  Along with their grade for the research credit, dangle the idea of a good vs. bad letter of recommendation and hopefully that'll get them to shape up.
 
If all is lost and you try all these things and still no improvement, see if you can get new RAs.  I wouldn't keep a student like that on for the next semester.  I have a few I'm not letting stay on with us because of that.  I will allow people to "volunteer" but I won't let these type sign-up officially.
 
Despite all the bad that can come with it, mentoring can be really satisfying.  Eventually you'll get some RAs who are really motivated and are extremely helpful!

Dear Undergrad,
 
If you're unable to commit a minimum of 10 hrs/week in a lab please don't even bother to show up. I don't want you here even if you're just a volunteer.
 
My research progress is more valuable than your research credit. 
 

Dear Undergrad,
 
If you're unable to commit a minimum of 10 hrs/week in a lab please don't even bother to show up. I don't want you here even if you're just a volunteer.
 
My research progress is more valuable than your research credit. 
 

Do you know how to cook really well and love kids? 

Daniele yeah I have definitely thought about that. I already don't have a lot of work experience so for me that is important. Idk I mean in all honesty if I was married with kids right now or just married in general I don't know that I would even be trying to go back to grad school. If I had my pick right now I would be married and having kids but since I can't make that happen I have to put myself in positions that put me around potential dates

It ain't happening. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I personally don't think it's realistic for someone with your portfolio would get into top programs like that, especially with all the budget-cut, government shut down and lack of funding situations.

In order to get into a top program (e.g. MIT, Harvard, Standford, Penn State etc.), you will need at least a first-authored research-based publication in a well-known journal, or a bunch of co-author research-based publications. In addition, you will need outstanding recommendations from someone who's in the same/related field already.

It ain't happening. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I personally don't think it's realistic for someone with your portfolio would get into top programs like that, especially with all the budget-cut, government shut down and lack of funding situations.

In order to get into a top program (e.g. MIT, Harvard, Standford, Penn State etc.), you will need at least a first-authored research-based publication in a well-known journal, or a bunch of co-author research-based publications. In addition, you will need outstanding recommendations from someone who's in the same/related field already.

Thanks for your replies, all. I've already done with a professor at one of these schools and it went very well IMO. I got a "we'll be in touch," at least.   But the professor was a really excellent fit for both my short- and long-term interests.
 
So I'm hesitant to accept that publications are mandatory. My investigations into the graduate student bodies of my depts of interest seems to reflect that as well. 
 
Takeru, in re: biology--that's what I'm doing with two of my schools. I definitely agree that it's a good idea.

My experience of grad school to date is that it isn't about finding time to do something...it's about making time. Make the time to visit the labs and talk to the students there. Ask if you can join the group members for lunch. Request to sit in on their group meeting. Ask other older grad students in your program what the gossip is on those two groups - everybody will know if there is some.
 
Also take the time to sit down with a piece of paper and suss out what it is you want from your PhD. Are you an independent person who would get driven up the wall by a hands-on PI? Is it important for you to be in a group that publishes regularly, or do you not want that stress? Think about your past research experiences - what were the things that worked and what didn't (if say you worked in a small research group, did you enjoy it?). 
 
Also accept that you aren't going to make a perfect choice of PI & group. No one will. It's about deciding what you value most: the relevance of the research to your previous experience, the personality of the PI, the group dynamics, etc.

No. This is not a place to ask for homework help. Go somewhere else.

Hello Applicants!
 
Applying to graduate school is one of the most stressful (academic) periods of your life! You have my deepest sympathies.
 
If you aren't feeling stressed enough, here's something maybe not all of you are aware of. I encourage all applicants to also apply for fellowships this year (NSF, NDSEG, Hertz...etc.). 
 
Pros:
 
1. Most fellowships let you apply multiple times. You have the highest chance of winning it PRIOR to entering graduate school.
 
2. You can mention that you applied for it in your SOP, and your Referees can mention that too (it gives at least one of them more to talk about). Applying for these fellowships is not easy, and to an admissions officer it shows your commitment and determination to pursue research. It's a tie-breaker (in your favor!), at the least. 
 
3. It gives you excellent experience writing proposals, which you will have to do several times during your graduate career. Also, the feedback you receive from the fellowship committees is invaluable. 
 
Cons:
 
1. The added stress might give you a heart attack.
 
---
 
I understand your schedules are busy, but if you believe that you might have time, then I HIGHLY encourage you to apply.
 
Note: The Hertz/NSF deadlines are at the beginning of November, so it might be difficult to pull it off if you haven't started. However, the NDSEG has a deadline in late December, so that's a possibility. Sorry I didn't mention this sooner.
 
Good luck to you all!
DTB

You have a chance.

You should transfer to a PhD Chemistry program....

I've never been this stressed out in my life, we have so many projects/papers/proposals/presentations to do from the 3 classes we're required to take in our first year, along with teaching/grading/prepping, attending weekly departmental and divisional seminars (analytical, physical, biochemistry divisions), research plan planning, fellowships and grants searching, abstract writing, research manuscript writing, all in one semester

It's okay though because I have Jesus by my side.

You should transfer to a PhD Chemistry program....

I've never been this stressed out in my life, we have so many projects/papers/proposals/presentations to do from the 3 classes we're required to take in our first year, along with teaching/grading/prepping, attending weekly departmental and divisional seminars (analytical, physical, biochemistry divisions), research plan planning, fellowships and grants searching, abstract writing, research manuscript writing, all in one semester

It's okay though because I have Jesus by my side.

You should transfer to a PhD Chemistry program....

I've never been this stressed out in my life, we have so many projects/papers/proposals/presentations to do from the 3 classes we're required to take in our first year, along with teaching/grading/prepping, attending weekly departmental and divisional seminars (analytical, physical, biochemistry divisions), research plan planning, fellowships and grants searching, abstract writing, research manuscript writing, all in one semester

It's okay though because I have Jesus by my side.

One of the PhD schools I got accepted to offer me a conditional acceptance letter. They wanted me to send them a copy of my Masters' transcript, a pdf copy of my thesis and other materials from the register's office to prove that I have completed my Masters successfully prior to start my doctoral program. One of my colleagues from my cohort class got accepted because she had a Masters degree as well but she never finished it. It made her look real bad when she tried to apply to join a research group.

try to get a place near or in Cary, Cary is the best place to stay in the Triangle Area.