School Suggestions

[atm14834]

Hello everyone!

So, I am re-applying to PhD programs this fall. I am looking into umbrella programs and micro/immuno programs. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for some good lower tier schools to apply to. Right now a lot of my list consists of places like Columbia and Hopkins. I just wanted to apply to as wide a variety as possible.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

-Ash

[queerorpheus]

Honestly don't worry too much about the "tier" of the schools you're applying to. Yes, obviously some schools are better than others, but focus on what's a good fit for you. I know people who got rejected from "lower tier" schools but got into better schools because their academic interests just weren't a good fit with schools they thought would be easier to get into. Getting into any grad program is hard. I would recommend looking at where research you like is being done and really tailoring your application to show that you did your research on the program and how their goals align with yours. 

 

That being said, I interviewed with both University of Maryland and Penn State and found them to have a solid base of micro research with a more umbrella curriculum. They're both very reputable schools with great research - not easier to get into by any means, but good based on the criteria you listed.

[rainestorm]

On 4/20/2021 at 12:17 PM, atm14834 said:

Hello everyone!

So, I am re-applying to PhD programs this fall. I am looking into umbrella programs and micro/immuno programs. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for some good lower tier schools to apply to. Right now a lot of my list consists of places like Columbia and Hopkins. I just wanted to apply to as wide a variety as possible.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

-Ash

Similar to what @queeorpheus said, it's not so much about "tier" or prestige but more about fit, i.e. are there labs and mentors you could see yourself working with? You could be rejected by "lower-tier" schools just because your research interests don't align well with those of the faculty members.

I've applied to biomedical science umbrella programs twice; here are some programs and schools I'm familiar with, you can look into these: Penn State (BMS), University of Michigan (PIBS), Boston University (PIBS), USC (PIBBS), University of Virginia (BIMS), Washington University in St. Louis (DBBS), Emory University (GDBBS), Ohio State University (BSGP), UCSD (BMS), Northwestern University (IGP or DGP), Vanderbilt University (IGP), UNC Chapel Hill (BBSP), UT Southwestern (Biomed), CU Denver (BSP).