Post-Bacc Programs (NIH PREP, informal, etc)

[glialstar]

Hello! I couldn't find a thread for postbacc options, so here we go!

Im graduating early, so decided a postbacc would be a great way to spend the year before applying to PhD programs. 

Ive applied to the NIH PREP program at Yale, Northwestern, Harvard, Mayo Clinic, Brown, and possibly one more!

[glialstar]

Also, I would love to hear about anyones previous experiences applying/participating, or if you're currently applying!

[Katiebird]

I always planned that if my graduate applications didn't work out I would try for a postbacc. 

I didn't apply to NIH PREP programs because I felt I didn't fit the "diversity" that these programs asked for, but I did apply for the NIH IRTA program a few weeks ago. 

I've had interest from that end, but no faculty yet that I have been interested in. Past years indicate I'm late to the game but I am staying hopeful that someone will have a late opening left. 

I applied to others as well but I'm keeping those anonymous for now because those programs are much more specific. 

I have a decent GPA and ~2 years research experience. Hopefully that helps me get into a postbac somewhere. 

[glialstar]

@Katiebird Hope you've had some luck! Postbaccs seem to be pretty tricky 

[PsychedSloth]

I applied to Northwestern, IUPUI, and Ohio State! I was going to apply for the NIH IRTA one as well, but at the last minute I decided not to. 

[Katiebird]

@leecy77 Thank you and good luck to you too! I am still waiting on hearing from a program. I've interviewed with two NIH researchers for the IRTA program recently and I hope one will take me on. 

Have you heard anything yet? 

[PsychedSloth]

10 hours ago, Katiebird said:

Have you heard anything yet? 

Not sure if this was directed at me or in general, but I'll go ahead and answer anyway. No, I haven't. I was told decisions should be made around mid-April though. 

[glialstar]

@Katiebird, @PsychedSloth

Hey! I haven't heard anything yet. Most places mentioned they are reviewing at the end of March/early April! I did get an offer to do an informal postbacc (paid research/take a few grad classes) from a professor that I had contacted about working with through the program!

[PsychedSloth]

@leecy77

Nice! Do you mind sharing the initials of you POI(s) for Northwestern? I can PM you if you want to compare notes/maintain privacy! 

Also, Ohio said they should have decisions by mid-April. I'm not sure about IUPUI though. 

[glialstar]

@PsychedSloth Sure, in the neuro department I selected J.C., J. G., A.F., and W.K. Feel free to PM me if you'd like to further compare! The lab offer I received though was at a different university. Its nerve wracking to think decisions should be rolling out in a couple weeks!

[PsychedSloth]

@leecy77 I selected A. S.-C., P. O., J. M., and R. V.! But that's pretty cool. Hopefully good news for both of us will be delivered in the coming weeks. 

[PsychedSloth]

I hate to double post, but I have some information about processing timelines for some NIH-prep programs! @leecy77

Northwestern: application review begins 3/19, with invites for interviews being made shortly after, and final decisions being made by mid-April

IUPUI: applications are under review and decisions will start rolling out in early April 

Ohio State: applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions being made in mid-April. There is a waitlist through May

[glialstar]

@PsychedSloth Hello, thank you for the information! I received the email from Northwestern about review as well, fingers crossed and good luck! 

As far as I know, the other NIH PREP programs I applied to are as follows- Yale (end of March/early April), Mayo Clinic (rolling), Harvard (early April), Brown (April?)

[PsychedSloth]

@leecy77 Awesome! I almost applied to Yale, but decided not to at the last minute. 

[glialstar]

@PsychedSloth Oh darn, you should have! I had an offer at my university for next year, so figured Id apply to reaches as the worst they can say is no 

 

[PsychedSloth]

@leecy77 My main LOR wasn't keen on it (not sure if he has something against Ivy leagues) so that influenced my decision. I applied to a few grad schools and one of them was definitely a reach, but he had no problem writing a letter for them. I've been in contact with the program director for Northwestern and IUPUI, so I'm feeling hopeful...especially for Northwestern. 

[glialstar]

@PsychedSloth I understand, in the end its just up to you and where you feel comfortable! Postbaccs are amazing in that they can be gateways into the PhD programs, so Im sure you'll thrive whoever you end up. Definitely agree as well, the NW director is very hands on and was incredibly helpful in giving feedback on my essays to edit. Fingers crossed this week!

[glialstar]

@PsychedSloth Sorry for the double post, just received an invitation to interview from Northwestern PREP! Yale PREP emailed to say they will be sending out invitations within the next two weeks. 

[PsychedSloth]

@leecy77 Nice! I haven't heard anything.

[glialstar]

Just finished Skype interview for Mayo Clinic PREP today, and have Skype interview for the Yale PREP later this week. Nothing back from the Harvard or Brown PREP's. Good luck to everyone!

Edited April 2, 2018 by leecy77

[PsychedSloth]

I still haven't heard anything from any of the programs. Decisions should be released soon for certain programs. 

[1seulgi]

I applied to Upenn and a couple others has anyone heard back from Upenn's PREP program yet?

[lambda]

I did the NIH IRTA for a couple years and was involved with activities on campus (bethesda), so if anyone has questions about it, tag me! I can also direct you to other people as well in a PM.

[readyset123]

Just wondering if anyone who applied to Yale's PREP program applied to the NIH PREP or to the ESI-PREP? And if you know if the timeline for each program is similar? 

Thanks! 

[glialstar]

I ended up with an informal offer at one school and was waiting on a decision from one other PREP interview, however decided to go ahead and accept the Mayo Clinic PREP offer as they seemed really great and had faculty in my area of interest!