Fall 2023 Biomedical Sciences U.S. Ph.D. Program Applications

[Angela211]

3 hours ago, Cherryblue001 said:

I also had a student led interview but they were mostly there to check the vibes. We bantered about research and we talked about the city. I think that those interviews are pretty low stakes but if you want to be prepared you can look into the labs they are in and ask research questions. The program asks for student feedback but it isn’t weighted heavily.

Thanks for letting me.

[bmorr]

Has anyone heard back from MIT biology yet/know when we might hear back? Looking at last year's results it looks like interviews should be announced soon...

[yikesonbikes]

10 hours ago, bmorr said:

Has anyone heard back from MIT biology yet/know when we might hear back? Looking at last year's results it looks like interviews should be announced soon...

Just got an interview!!

[Prayforphd]

Has anyone heard from BMB at Mayo Clinic? or is anyone waiting for this program? It seems like there is no action from this track even though others sent some invites out before. 

[genomics-gal]

Received an interview for the Molecular Medicine program at Case Western/Cleveland Clinic today!

[Mustang_97]

What are some of the common questions asked during online interview ? This is my first time and would be grateful if someone could help me on this.

[क्रीं]

33 minutes ago, Mustang_97 said:

What are some of the common questions asked during online interview ? This is my first time and would be grateful if someone could help me on this.

This is what I used to practice. dm me and send me a zoom link if you want to practice. 

 

[Mustang_97]

7 minutes ago, क्रीं said:

This is what I used to practice. dm me and send me a zoom link if you want to practice. 

 

Thank you!

 

[biomedtrack112]

Did anyone else hear back from UMiami then never get a follow up email? I’ve tried to contact them several times since they offered me the interview but they have never gotten back to me with a date. 

[Peanut]

Does anyone receive any results from Tufts University GSBS? I saw that someone receive the rejection. But I am in the kinda of limbo situation.... No rejection... No waiting list...No interview.... Does that mean I am done?

[Mustang_97]

13 hours ago, Peanut said:

Does anyone receive any results from Tufts University GSBS? I saw that someone receive the rejection. But I am in the kinda of limbo situation.... No rejection... No waiting list...No interview.... Does that mean I am done?

Nothing can be said until the mid of February. If you don't hear from them by then, it might be a silent rejection.

[क्रीं]

18 hours ago, Peanut said:

Does anyone receive any results from Tufts University GSBS? I saw that someone receive the rejection. But I am in the kinda of limbo situation.... No rejection... No waiting list...No interview.... Does that mean I am done?

That was me. I'm an international student.

[totoblabla]

1 hour ago, क्रीं said:

That was me. I'm an international student.

Which track in Columbia CMBS that you applied? Also, did you know if all the track under CMBS send interview at the same time? 

[क्रीं]

5 hours ago, totoblabla said:

Which track in Columbia CMBS that you applied? Also, did you know if all the track under CMBS send interview at the same time? 

Physiology. I am not sure but being honest, I would not expect any interviews from Columbia CMBS at this point. 

[BMYJC]

Well looks like that's it for me, 1 interview from UCI and radio silence/rejections from all the other schools

[gradcafe_squirrel66]

On 9/21/2022 at 3:46 PM, coconutgirl69 said:

Hi everyone! I applied for PhD programs the last two cycles and am currently starting as a first year in my top choice program! I wanted to post some advice here because I know this process is extremely stressful and there are things I wish I knew while applying that will hopefully help you guys. I am an American who applied to only US schools so if you are a non-American student and/or applying for non-US programs things may differ for you. 

1. Picking schools

- Know why you want to do a PhD: Doing a PhD takes a long time (up to 7 years or more sometimes!), and you won't be paid well. You'll probably be here for most of your 20s. You can still have fun of course (and you should!) but if you want to do a PhD for the Dr. title or because you think its "just what you do" or what your parents want you to do, take some time to reevaluate if this is the right choice for you. If you graduated with a STEM major, you will make more money working for a company (tech, biotech, pharmaceutical, etc.). If you have dependents or are struggling financially, doing a PhD will probably add to that stress. If you know this is what you want to do then make sure the school you choose is dedicated to supporting you.

- Each school's application will take a lot of time, effort, and (usually) money, so you will want to pick your school list carefully. I would recommend applying to 8-14 schools to give yourself a good spread while not overexerting yourself with too many apps. I applied to 11 the first time (rejected everywhere, no interviews) and 12 the second time (5 interview invites, all interviews I did led to acceptances). Don't get too hung up on applying to 'elite' schools. Apply to schools where the science that is being done there excites you. If you're having trouble finding schools, look up research papers about the topic you want to study and note down which institution the authors are from.

- Know generally what you want to study, and have some experience in that or a related field. Research experience is extremely crucial - you'll have more to write about in your essay and talk about in your interviews. Having experience will also help you choose schools. Pick programs where at least three professors are doing research you are interested in. For any biomedical sciences programs, I would not recommend starting a PhD program if you have no research experience (even if you have a perfect GPA, etc.)

- Narrowing down your list: You'll be living there for a good chunk of time, so which locations do you see yourself thriving? Do you need to be close to family or friends? Do you need to be in a city with good public transportation, or are you ok being in a more urban or suburban area where you'll need a car? Will you struggle in an expensive area? Will you struggle if the elected officials in that area don't prioritize the well being of their citizens? Check what the stipend amount is - does it match the cost of living of the area?

- Check the schools requirements for standardized tests you need to take. If the school's website says you don't need to take the GRE, believe them! This is not a trick. I didn't take the GRE and I got into multiple "top" schools (and my GPA is nothing to write home about).

- ***IMPORTANT*** Look through the websites of each school. Do they post their admissions statistics? Some schools will use filters to weed out applications. They will all say that their GPA cutoff is 3.0 or 3.2, but secretly they are weeding out MUCH higher GPAs. If the school has not posted their average GPA, email the admissions coordinator to ask what it is. You don't want to waste hours of your time and up to $120 per application when a school is just going to look at your GPA and weed you out. If your GPA is more than ~0.2 below the average, you'll need to stand out to catch their attention, which can be a first author paper or many years of research experience.

- ***ALSO IMPORTANT*** Despite what you might think from doom scrolling through this website, you DON'T need to have a perfect GPA or first author paper (or any publication really) to get into an amazing program. Don't let people on here intimidate you from applying to your dream schools. No matter what your background or scores are, it is your love for science that should shine through on your application and will catch the attention of admissions committees (the exception being schools like the above bullet which you don't want to be at anyway). 

 

2. Starting applications

- Unfortunately, applying to graduate schools is not like undergrad, so there is no common app. This means you'll have to fill out your information separately for each school's application website, and this will take longer than you think. For this reason, I recommend filling out all this info first because it's somewhat mindless and will alleviate a lot of application stress to get this stuff done early. This info includes basic personal information, schools attended, GPA, CV, work experience, etc etc. Some schools use common application websites so you may luck out and get some overlap. For me, three schools used one of these websites.

- Ask your recommenders to write your letters of rec early (like at LEAST a month before, but I would recommend asking like 2-3 months before due dates and then sending a reminder a month before if they haven't done it yet). I know this part can be stressful, but the longer you wait the more the stress will build up. Here is a template email to ask professors, former PIs, etc.: Hi Dr. X, I hope you had a great summer! I had an awesome time in your class/lab and I learned so much! I will be applying for PhD programs in Y this cycle and I would be so grateful if you could write me a letter of recommendation. If you are able to write a strong letter of recommendation for me, I can send you a list of schools, due dates, and any other info you need right away. Let me know, thank you! Best, Z (The part about STRONG letter is important - make sure your recommender will write about you positively and not passively). 

 

3. The personal statement

- YES this is important. My first attempt I made the mistake of thinking this was not so important, and I honestly think that was my main downfall. It's hard to start writing your personal statement, because how do you begin? Here is a rough roadmap to help you out if you're struggling:

  a) Once you've made your school list, go to each school's application website and find their personal statement prompt(s). Copy/paste them all into a document. You will hopefully take comfort in the fact that you'll see a lot of common themes. Most will look something like this: Describe your research experience, research goals, and career goals. Why do you want to do a PhD? Why our school? 

  b) Start by describing your research experience (this will probably be in the middle of your statement). You might already have conference or talk abstracts you've written that you can spruce up to use here. Keep it interesting and succinct. In one or two paragraphs, start with a) what is the research gap you tried to fill? b) what was your hypothesis? c) what experiments did you do to test your hypothesis? d) what were your findings?

  c) Your first paragraph should describe your motivations for doing a PhD/research. Brainstorm why you want to do this and write down bulletpoints to help you get started. Example: Making discoveries in the lab with my colleagues has brought me immeasurable joy for the past two years. Learning more about X disease and how Y methods can be used to study it has driven me to pursue a PhD. I hope to one day lead the field in the study of Z and have a lab myself where I can mentor others and spearhead Z research.  

  d) Think about something interesting to catch the reader's attention in the first few sentences. It can be a personal anecdote (describe the feeling you had when you gave a talk or poster presentation, or when an experiment you struggled with finally worked)

  e) You can add a small paragraph at the end with other details like extracurriculars (but make sure it relates to being a graduate student, like "being the captain of the club soccer team was crucial to my development as a leader..."). 

  f) Wrap up the statement by reiterating why this school, why a PhD, why this field. 

  g) Get input on your statement from people in your lab, professors, friends, and family. Remember that everyone will have different opinions and you don't have to take everyone's suggestions. Send your drafts to people and ask for edits, then read through the edits and keep the bits and pieces that feel right to you. Thank everyone profusely!

  h) Up until this point, you will have a sort of 'master' personal statement, but you'll have to tailor it to each school specifically, so make sure you follow each school's specific guidelines before you upload it to each application website. Remember to focus on the SCIENCE at the institution, not how 'elite' it is. 

 

4. Try to keep calm!

- I know this is easier said than done, but try not to go on this website or Reddit too much. It will ruin your mental health and waste your time to continually refresh, panic read, etc. The best thing to do is focus on yourself, your application, and whatever you happen to be doing this fall be it school or work. 

- Treat yourself for getting parts of this process done. Keep a checklist and give yourself little rewards if that helps you stay on track. 

- Once you start getting interviews, sign up for interview preps at the institution you're at or try to find one at a different school. You can ask PIs at your institution to help you with interview practice. Practice your research elevator pitch so that it flows naturally (practice a 30 sec, 1 minute, and 5 min pitch). 

- If you don't get any interviews (which will eventually lead to rejections later in the winter) - I know it sucks. I've been there, it will get better! These PhD programs are extremely competitive and LOTS of people have to take 2 or 3 tries to get in. If you know that a PhD is the right path for you, take a deep breath, dust yourself off, and get yourself ready for another application cycle. The second time will be easier, because you already know what the application process will entail and you have a lot of things written already to use. However, DON'T use the same personal statement as your first try, ESPECIALLY if you're applying to the same schools again. Write it again from scratch, and make sure your second one is better than your first. From your first school list, you can apply to some of the same schools but try to find some new ones too. I applied to 3 of the same schools from my first attempt and got rejected from all three a second time. Be proud of yourself for tackling this process twice - it takes dedication!

- Take care of yourself. Spend time with loved ones, eat well, get enough sleep, move your body, do fun activities, etc! Your health is more important than getting into a PhD program. I repeat: YOUR HEALTH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN GETTING INTO A PHD PROGRAM!!! 

 

5. Celebrate!!! Here are some suggestions on milestones to celebrate:

- Finishing your applications

- Getting your first interview invite

- Finishing your first interview/all interviews

- Getting your first acceptance

- Committing to a program

 

6. Thank everyone

- Send thank you emails to your recommenders, everyone who helped you with your application, the program directors/coordinators at each school you interviewed at, every person who interviewed you (do this the day after your interview with them!)

- Keep people in the loop! Tell your recommenders when you commit, when you start your program, etc.

 

That's all for this extremely long post! Good luck everyone!!!

This is VERY helpful info. Thanks for sharing it.

[yikesonbikes]

Does anyone know when Columbia (CMBS/umbrella track) is supposed to get back to us about second round interviews? ?

Edit: nvm—just got the invite two seconds after posting haha

Edited January 17, 2023 by yikesonbikes

[genomics-gal]

Got an interview from Case Western today (BSTP) and a rejection from UW-Madison MDTP. Gotta be honest, the double Wisconsin rejects are brutal. That was one of my top choices lol. Just crossing my fingers for Vanderbilt IGP now!

Edited January 17, 2023 by genomics-gal

[immuno.virology]

Hello, did anyone hear back from Weill Cornell IMP for the second in-person interview invite?

[scifiafac]

23 hours ago, yikesonbikes said:

Does anyone know when Columbia (CMBS/umbrella track) is supposed to get back to us about second round interviews? ?

Edit: nvm—just got the invite two seconds after posting haha

Do you think they sent them for all tracks? Have not received a response yet!

[yikesonbikes]

1 minute ago, scifiafac said:

Do you think they sent them for all tracks? Have not received a response yet!

anecdotally (from reddit) have seen a few people who've said they got invites for the second round but it's all about the umbrella track so they may be doing it track by track! I think it's definitely sometime this week though

[scifiafac]

26 minutes ago, yikesonbikes said:

anecdotally (from reddit) have seen a few people who've said they got invites for the second round but it's all about the umbrella track so they may be doing it track by track! I think it's definitely sometime this week though

Sounds reasonable! I did not apply umbrella and the others that got it were also from the umbrella track.

[YunoIKnow]

Late update and I am procrastinating on preparing for interviews. 

I applied to multiple schools in the biomedical sciences/microbiology/infectious diseases 

 

Rejected: Rockefeller Bioscience, Pitts Microbiology, UNSF Microbiology, UW Microbiology

There is an umbrella program for UW and I didn't learn about it after I submitted my application) I can give dates on the rejection but I believe they were all in Jan 2023. They never responded back to me but oh well. 

Rockefeller was a far reach school that I applied for a chance. Shoot the shot even if it's into space. It might just hit something/someone. Hopefully not Antman multiverse  The school is very accomplished, as in a lot of Nobel and future Nobel Peace Prize winners.(26 winners afflicted and 5 current winners are still at Rocke)  Faculties there publish in Science/Nature/Cell/PLos/ etc. An amazing school and a huge community of very "hard-working" scientists. I discussed this with the admission committee and they receive hundreds if not close to 4 digits numbers applications. In my opinion, this school is very competitive and has many accolades and funding.

University of California San Francisco: They went on strike for higher pay for graduate students/postdocs/etc due to the unlivable conditions. They reached a deal to increase stipend/benefits etc. Funds don't grow from trees, so I think they are reducing the cap space for the incoming class to make up for the wage increase. A tactic that is very common in academics and industry. Kinda like when an NFL team are overcapped on team funds and needs to send their veteran players to free agency so their all-star QB, who is terrible and host-trash, can be paid. "cough cough Minnesota".

Also, I was more interested in the faculties at the Gladstone Institute. (Dual appointed)

University Pittsburg and Washington: Don't got any tea, sorry. Great school, an amazing place, and great research. I know they are hiring a lot of faculties for departments and making some changes. But some of the football teams are terrible and were mopped by rival teams. Especially the Steelers or Seahawks. So maybe they saw that I was from a rival state for football (pig skin) and didn't want to extend an interview.  

Fly Eagles Bandwagon time. 

 

Accepted Interviews: Mayo Biomedical Sciences, John Hopkins Molecular Microbiology, Cornell BBS, University of Minnesota MiCAB

 

Waiting to hear back: Emory, Duke, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Northwestern, and University of Maryland Baltimore.

(I emailed all the schools and they said my application was still under view and the departments have yet to make any decisions to offer interviews) (Maybe I am waitlisted or maybe its true)

I did email some of the schools in regards to my rejection, and some of the answers were my research interest didn't support the faculties that were looking for grad students or didn't have faculties that aligned with my interests. None of them ever mentioned my credentials or lack of coursework or GPA. 

Also, the departments are aware of students applying to their schools as a "backup", so they will reject you even if you are a well-decorated student.

 

 

[Mustang_97]

Got my first admit (email from prospective PI who interviewed me) from University of Minnesota! First choice!

Woot woot!

[ESAT6]

3 hours ago, Mustang_97 said:

Got my first admit (email from prospective PI who interviewed me) from University of Minnesota! First choice!

Woot woot!

Congrats!