[Where is the future of PhD students in Biomedical Science]

Depends on whether you finish with an MS or a PhD and how much autonomy you want

[Choosing a technical MBA]

Hi all, I am a resident of Boston/Cambridge.  I work in biotech and plan to never move from that field. I have an MS (not planning on doing a PhD).  I see an MBA as a powerful asset but I would like to do a technical MBA of sorts in the area I live.  Can anyone offer any suggestions?  Thanks.  

[Do I need a PhD]

Hi all, I am wondering whether a PhD is even a good investment of time and energy for me.  I got my masters in math/applied math in 2011.  Since then I have worked at Boston University doing computational immunology and am now am a bioinformatician doing research and development at a well funded and profitable MIT/Harvard Biotech Startup.  

My question is simple:  Should I be thinking about getting my PhD in bioinformatics/computational biology if I already have a job in the field (doing cutting edge NGS Analysis).  While a PhD would open new opportunities solely for having a PhD, I feel I am learning a lot and don't feel being in a doctoral program would aid me much in my knowledge and skills.  Thoughts?  

[bioinformatics]

Hi all,

I recently graduated with my masters in mathematics. I am taking a year to work. I want to then go into a bioinformatics/biomath/biostatistics. I am very interested in studying bioinformatics and doing work in comparative genomics. I was wondering if anyone had any faculty/school suggestions on good schools that do this. Thanks again!

[which to go to learn biostatistics? Brown or Georgetown]

Have you given both schools final notice?

[Math PhD at University of Illinois – Chicago]

Yes that means they didn't want you. Being out of state for a degree that is expected to take 5.5 years means that you will have to take out approximately 40k a year for 6 years about. Thats over $200,000 that you will almost never pay back.

[Math PhD at University of Illinois – Chicago]

Wait a year. It is a huge mistake to go to a school without taking out loans. You will be out of state and paying for yourself with no funding in sight. Generally they won't give you funding either because any money they have they give to fresh blood and bringing in new students. Wait a year and take the subject GRE.

[Accepted by one school, but with no money]

Also your stats are terrible. Try aiming lower to see where you get into. Worked for me.

[Accepted by one school, but with no money]

Study again for the GRE and work for a year and reapply. Most programs if you don't wander in with funding then you won't get it as funding is reserved to bring fresh blood into the program.

[Professor's rep and publications]

Well first of all you have no idea how the chemistry is going to be or if that guy is moving. Don't pick a school on one guy. That said, you want a good advisor who has a strong name that will get you to conferences and get your recognized. But look at research groups, not necessarily individuals.

[Applied Math as an easier option?]

Depends on your interests. If you are interested in applied topics then go to an applied program. If you care about pure topics i.e. geometry, logic, topology, analysis, algebra then go to a pure department. It shows a lack of understanding of mathematics if you think going to an applied math department is "copping out".

[Masters in math student applying for PhD in math]

Try picking one area you want to look into. Schools that are good in algebra (such as oregon) are not the same schools that are good at topology (such as Louisiana State). Any one particular area you are interested in?

[Asking for an Extension]

You can ask them. However, they want to fill a spot and there are people on their waitlist that are happy to take your spot. Call both schools, ask what the deal is. Then chances are take the offer at your secondary school.

[which to go to learn biostatistics? Brown or Georgetown]

Honestly I would ask the faculty see who is publishing in the top journals, and talk to current graduate students. Best of luck at Georgetown!

[Ideal ways to finance grad school]

Most of the time you are funded by the department with an assistantship in either research or teaching. Sometimes you are awarded a fellowship

[Will people wait until April 15 for phd programs?]

Ya but it is April 9th. Funding decisions have already gone out. You have a list of schools. You read about said schools. Make a decision. It isn't that life altering. You are getting a degree. You don't want to weigh it lightly but grad school is simply learning how to learn. These people that are waiting to the last minute are simply being selfish and indecisive.

[choose which, advice needed!]

Need way more information before answering this one

[Accepting more than one offer?]

I agree. Taking multiple spots is HIGHLY unethical. If any school finds out you are doing, there are plenty of ethical qualified applicants willing to take your spot. You will probably be rejected and blacklisted at that department.

[Accepting an offer?]

Don't bother wasting the money. Call/email the graduate director. He will then send you paperwork you need to fill out so it will be official in some way shape or form. But filing a letter to let him know that you are attending or not attending is a waste of both time and money on your part, their part, and people on the waitlist's part.

[Ahhh! Deadline dilemma]

Ask for an extension if no then take TC. The other option should be considered dead

[Masters in math student applying for PhD in math]

Any REUs, GRE scores, Grants, papers, conferences presentations, or selecting reading?

[which to go to learn biostatistics? Brown or Georgetown]

I agree, nobody cares about Ivy league for graduate schools, people know what programs are good. For instance arguably the top program in the US is University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. I would strongly considering taking a stronger program like Georgetown. Your chances of getting a job will be higher. Where did you decide?

[Should I wait until April 15th?]

You've have to talk to that school.

[How Important is Real Analysis]

If you do well in both of them it will look good, if you screw up in the earlier one and do fine in the later one it will look ok, if you screw up in the later one, not so good

[which to go to learn biostatistics? Brown or Georgetown]

Whitesmile, look at the rankings. First of all Georgetown is a much better program. Brown while being Ivy does not have a strong biostats program. When you exit you will be at a disadvantage because employers will want people that come from strong and reputable programs. Brown's program is just starting out. I would not take the chance if I were you. Also, there is lots of oppurtunity in New England. HOWEVER, you will lose out to jobs from Harvard, Yale, BU, Columbia, Penn, and plenty of other schools with programs that are more respected. I would take Georgetown and not chance your future.