peacebot Posted February 16, 2019 Share Posted February 16, 2019 I want to know what would you advise: either go to Indiana University or wait over a year and re-apply (while working in research)? I was invited to Uchicago for their Cell and Molecular Biology PhD program interview weekend (this was my first interview), but unfortunately got rejected. It was hard cause I fell in love with the university during the interview. I realized, however, some mistakes I made in preparation for this interview, which I believe could have changed this decision. Basically I prepared in a wrong way. Most of the other schools I applied to rejected me (half of them never received my unofficial transcripts cause they were encrypted and never got a notice :/). My last alternative (or "rebound school") out of the 8 schools I applied was Indiana University. They invited me to an interview, and I aced it (this time I prepared the proper way). The faculty is very nice, the research is super interesting, but the environment is very unappealing to me. I am definitely not a rural person, and this shocked me in a very harsh way. I don't mind going through it cause I am not a person that goes out a lot, but it is hard to see myself living there. I am torn because the faculty really seemed interested in what I got to say and they have very top-notch facilities (some things have to be out-sourced but this is a minimum). I got an unofficial acceptance. Another reason why I don't know if I should go, however, is because I felt like I worked really hard to try to get to at least a bit more recognized university (or maybe that's what I have made myself think). Either way, I got a 3.76 GPA, a biochem major, Phi Beta Kappa, 2 years of research, but no publications. I got a job offer at this nice research lab, with a nice pay, where I could stay til next year when interviews restart. I already talked to them about my intentions.I will get another lor and maybe even a publication (AT LAST!). So I don't know if I should just go to IU or wait a year and do research before I can reapply to bunch of universities I am really interested in (they don't have to be top tier unis , although I'll try)? I will try to apply to UChicago, but my main plan is to do a better research on the universities before I apply to them (and do a better job when submitting my grades). Please help!. Sorry for the long post! But I think the details might be important. This is my first post here at the grad cafe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllAboutThatChem Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 I am sorry for what you are going through. I am not sure anyone can advise you on this, but here is my 2c. Working is a plan B and the game changes every year, different students and different school needs can change your chances. I only applied to schools I will be OK with going to, that way I only needed one. You have your one, go get your Phd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacebot Posted February 18, 2019 Author Share Posted February 18, 2019 1 hour ago, AllAboutThatChem said: I am sorry for what you are going through. I am not sure anyone can advise you on this, but here is my 2c. Working is a plan B and the game changes every year, different students and different school needs can change your chances. I only applied to schools I will be OK with going to, that way I only needed one. You have your one, go get your Phd. Thanks for the help. It is a difficult decision to make for sure. I am afraid of things becoming harder and not having any place to go if I reapply. I think getting more experience is helpful and and improving my applications with more time might help, but the question would be: how much more will it? I really appreciate the response. I will take it into consideration. I am also waiting for their specific offer. If its good enough, that could definitely tilt my decision significantly, but either way, I will be assessing this decision for a bit. I shouldn't take this lightly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now