LMac

I had a 2.95 GPA and a B.S. in Psychology from my original college work. I took post-bacc classes for 1.5 years, pulled a 4.0 and was accepted to a program that I thought was beyond my reach. I would consider post-bacc classes to show that you can handle the course work and that you're serious about continuing your education. Best of luck to you!

I attended the GSU NI recruitment weekend, but accepted an offer at another school. I have been at GSU for 2 years doing my post-bac work and have lived in the city for 10, so I'm familiar with the area. From the 2 spots you listed it sounds like you're trying to stay in town more than suburbs? Atlanta's "suburbs" are 25+ minutes out on the highways. I've never rented in an apartment complex, so I don't know much about that, but Decatur is a great place to live and is a bit safer than the rest of the city. I still wouldn't walk around late at night alone, but that goes for all areas of Atlanta. Other options are East Atlanta (where I live), Edgewood, Kirkwood and Oakhurst which are all relatively close to downtown. Will you have a car? If not, factor in how close you are to the MARTA train stops. I currently work in one of the NI labs at GSU and know most of the grad students so if you have any questions, I'm happy to try to answer them.

Jameson all the way. For commiserating or celebrating, it's the way to go

Also, pay attention to which schools have labs doing research that interests you. I'll be attending a program that my stats would suggest I couldn't get in to, but the research fit was perfect. In my SOP and in my interview I could enthusiastically explain why I should be at that school. I also found a POI who acted as my advocate during admissions because I was a great fit for her lab. If you keep your stats at a level to carry your application through initial screenings, your ability to explain what you want to study and why you want to study it at that school wil be the thing that takes you the rest of the way.

I've had one for two years and I love it. If you need a CD disc drive you can get one for $60ish

Agreed. Lab experience is incredibly important for Neuroscience PhD programs. The main thing I was asked about in my interviews was my research. If you have the opportunity to do research in the Neuropharm lab, go for it!

I am finally able to stop losing my mind! My final rejection letter was in my inbox this morning. This process is brutal (as everyone here know). I was lucky and have been admitted to a great program, but I was rejected from the other 12 programs I applied to. 12 letters telling me "we regret to inform you....blah, blah, blah," and "we had an overwhelming number of highly qualified applicants....blah, blah, blah." Ouch and good riddance.

Mine was really fun. We knew that if I got accepted I'd hear within a couple days, and I was meeting with my PI in her office when the call came in. I walked out into the hall to take the call and while I did another faculty member walked into her office. While I was on the phone with the Admissions Chair I could hear her shushing the other professor as she tried to hear what I was saying on the phone. When I walked back in she gave me a huge hug and had tears in her eyes. She has done so much to help me and I was really happy I could share that moment with her.

Do they all offer comparable funding? Which school has the best fit POIs?

That's a good looking list

Continue taking classes as a transient student and don't get less than A's. Research experience is going to be a big factor. I would contact faculty at your school who are doing research you find interesting and offer to volunteer. It can be hard to get a foot in the door, so keep trying. Once you find a lab, put in as many hours as you can. Learn anything someone is willing to teach you, be proactive and help with whatever you can. Impress your PI. You'll need a letter of recommendation from them. Make sure get to know your professors (and they get to know you) so you can ask them to write raving letters of recommendation. Know exactly why you are going to grad school and why this program is a great fit. You'll need to for a kick ass goal statement. Also, I'd recommend applying broadly, not just to one program. I applied to 13 and got in to 2. You can bounce back from lackluster undergrad stats, just keep in mind that making yourself competitive for Vanderbilt's IGP will probably take longer than a year. If you really want it, it can be done. I'll share my experience - I've completed 2 years of full time post-bac classes to repair a 2.95 GPA from years ago. Consequently, I have 60 recent credit hours in science and math with a 4.0. I was accepted into and completed a summer research fellowship last summer, I presented posters at a couple conferences, I have a year of lab experience in my current lab and have been given my own research by my PI. I also had 6 months experience in 2 other labs. I was rejected from Vanderbilt's IGP without interview, but was accepted to Emory where I'll be attending in the fall. Good luck!

I was able to pull mine from 61st percentile to 84th in 3.5 weeks. I studied A LOT. I used the Kaplan math workbook and every free online test I could find. The biggest help was taking practice tests that provided feedback on what I needed to work on. The workbook is much easier than the real test but is helpful to build a foundation. I also didn't write in the book so I could go back and do the questions again later. The free tests on ETS site are the most important in my opinion because they are closer in difficulty to the actual test. After studying for a while, you can take one to get a real idea of where you stand before you continue. I think they only offer 2 or 3, so be careful when you use them. Good luck!

Just to share with those who have received rejections and have fewer programs to hear back from, I applied to 13 programs and got 12 rejections. I got 1 acceptance and it was to a really good program at one that was one of my "reach" schools. Despite my recently strong academic performance, I had a lot to make up for. It just takes the right school being willing to take a chance on you, so don't necessarily give up hope!

You guys may have already found this, but I stumbled across this link to apartments around Emory https://housing.emory.edu/off-campus/search_results.cfm?search_type=current_week

I'm glad I applied broadly because by chance, I was accepted into a really great program and I would have wondered if I could have gotten in other places. The part I regret is that 13 applications are hard on the wallet and holy hell 11 rejections is hard are the ego.

I know those of us going directly from undergrad to grad may be finishing up classes over the summer, but what about the rest of you? Are you giving yourself a break before your program starts? Traveling? Prepping for classes?

Because of the wonderful 70 degree weather in Atlanta yesterday, I went walking/hiking in Lullwater Park and Hahn Woods, both of which are part of campus. It was absolutely beautiful! Grassy hills for reading, a small lake, a few miles of paths, a pedestrian suspension bridge over the river, and the park wasn't too crowded. I highly recommend checking it out.

Wow hippo74, that's quite a decision you have ahead of you. It's an impressive list of programs, congrats!

Ah, gotcha. I did the second weekend with the NGP. Maybe try renting the first year and then see how you feel. In my experience, it's difficult to buy in a new city when you haven't figured out what areas appeal most to you. RiseofthePhoenix, I've always preferred individual apts vs ones in complexes, but that's just me. The trick is that they're harder to find and usually require going to the city, answering listing ads and driving around. I'm not as familiar with that part of town so I'm not sure if it's worth the pursuit. Sorry I'm not more help there. Does your dept give you a grad students to help answer questions the first semester? I know mine does and they could be a really good resource.

Ah, totally forgot the Druid Hills area. That one is big for Emory students as well. I don't think that price range sounds off the mark but are you looking at apt complexes or smaller places like duplexes?

I was phoned by the Admissions Chair. He told me my official acceptance would follow two days later via email and told me that they requested I don't accept or decline for just over a week. They want to be sure that you've thought about it first. I had planned that if they asked for an answer that I would tell them I needed to speak with my SO and would let them know as soon as possible.

Congrats on your acceptance Laconic! Which recruitment weekend did you attend? I would think if your budget allows you to buy in a good part of Decatur, you could probably only rent to students. If you need to rent outside of the student population, it can be really difficult. I have a friend who rents out a bedroom in her house in Decatur and it's taken her months to rent it out at times. Not only that, but there have been a fair number of sketchy people who answer her ads. She is renting to Emory student now. Just be sure to find a 2 bathroom house. It's a much harder sell if you'll be sharing a bathroom.

I already live in Atlanta, so I'll be staying in the same house. It sounded like a lot of first year grad students live in the apartments on/close to campus even though they can be a little pricier than some options further away. After the first year they have a better idea of what neighborhoods they want to live in and rent a house with other grad students. Will you have a car? If so, popular (less expensive) neighborhoods are Inman Park, Kirkwood, East Atlanta and some places in Virginia Highlands. If you have any questions about specific areas, I'd be happy to help

Anyone else starting at Emory in the Fall?

Just saw an Emory Neuro acceptance on the results board. It looked like that person might accept, so if you're on here, PM me. Hoping to find out who is in my class.