C.V. weaknesses, strengths, feedback

[Monochrome Spring]

I am a second year Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity B.S. major, but because of previous college during high school, I am graduating in three years. So, I will be applying for grad schools (Ph.D. programs) for the 2014 year. I was wondering if anyone could review my C.V. (link in my signature) so that I can identify strengths and weaknesses to try to overcome. I have the rest of this school year and summer to build up my application more.

[Vincenzo]

I'd say it's strong all the way around. If you want to knock the ball outta the park try to get a paper published or in review before fall.

Otherwise, study up and do good on the GRE, make sure you have at least four references lined up from whom you can expect the highest marks, and spend the entire summer working on your statement(s) of purpose (try to get help revising from your current professors/mentors). (Note: I say at least four references because inevitably people are going to forget and be late or just be too busy and you don't want to end up with an application under water because you're missing a letter of rec. Two of my applications to national fellowships were rejected without review because of this.) It's also a good idea (do this late summer or early fall) to put some feelers out with professors of interest - just quick emails to get on their radar(s) and see if they're planning to accept students for the next year (and to let them know what area of their work you're interested in). And all the other usual points of order...

 

The short: your CV is better than most. Keep it up and you'll be fine.

If there's one thing I would absolutely advise, though, it's that you apply to more than just the three programs listed in your signature. Like, at least three times as many. Just in cases.

The competition out there is incredibly thick and the available slots for new PhD students are very few. Read some of the madness in the Waiting it Out section for a good picture. You'll probably make a fantastic applicant, but the way things are right now the programs have ten such for every one they can accept. All of them are having to turn away numerous people that they would otherwise really want, if only they had the space/money. Aside from having some grand accomplishment to stand out by, your best best is to apply apply apply apply apply. 

[uromastyx]

First, excellent job with the professional approach here. I would try to stack up a few more presentations/conferences.

As it is, because 'presentations' and 'awards' is a bit bare (I don't mean this to be negative) I would put 'volunteer service' under 'research experience.'

Also, I'm not in a STEM field, but I would consider labeling that section 'Service and Outreach.'

Your CV leans towards the composition of a resume. There are some elements that I would remove if you are able to really build up your CV. For example, things like GPA and relevant coursework are not typical for a CV, as it pulls away from the professional element, however, I think given your level of experience it works in areas. It's up to you to determine how you wish to present yourself. The structure and content of a CV are very important. I would look around, perhaps even at those of your faculty, to get a sense of things. (Again, you're in a different field than I.)

I can't stress enough how important it is to beef up any and all aspects of your CV. Areas that you still have time to influence are professional experience, presentations/conferences, service, publications (?).

Let me add: I love your website. When submitting a CV to programs I would list this site at the top with you name, adress, etc. Is there a way then to beef up your site? Add tabs for sections of your CV where you can then provide details (which often won't be found on the CV).

Edited February 3, 2013 by uromastyx

[Monochrome Spring]

Thanks for the advice.

 

Where should I start looking to get more presentation experience? I know about my University's conference and the national undergraduate conference (I'm applying to that but won't hear until after grad applications are due).

 

Also, I know of 2 people from my lab groups who would give me a good recommendation, but if I can only get 3 from lab groups, would it be okay to get a professor from one of my courses to do the 4th?

 

I like the relevant coursework in my online C.V. because I think it shows that I've chosen courses that will help my specific interests of tropical rainforest conservation. But I don't think I'll list those when I submit a C.V. document to grad schools since they'll have my transcript. 

[Faraday]

You should be able to talk to people in local biology/environmental science/ecology groups about chances to present. They tend to have all kind of conferences. For example, my school's chapter of the biological honors society attends a conference once each semester and any students are welcome to present.

 

You shouldn't need 4 letters of recommendation, right? That is unless EEB programs are vastly different from most biology/chemistry programs I am familiar with. What you should focus most on is obtaining a good relationship with potential PI's at your schools of interest (especially those outside of your undergraduate institution).

 

Also, you might not want to list your email directly on the website (or phone number...). Usually the safe thing to do is list name[at]ucdavis.edu

Edited February 3, 2013 by Faraday

[Biohopeful]

Where should I start looking to get more presentation experience? I know about my University's conference and the national undergraduate conference (I'm applying to that but won't hear until after grad applications are due).

 

I would talk to your research advisers to see what is available.  Does your university of a BBB chapter?  I know they hold regional and national conferences.  There's also the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (which I think that's what you're referring to) and Council on Undergraduate Research (more competitive).

 

Also look into regional conferences for Ecology and Evolution Biology, or anything related to your research, and see if you have enough data to present at those.

 

If you have the time, I would investigate opportunities for teaching assistantships as an undergraduate.

 

Otherwise, I think everything looks good.

Edited February 4, 2013 by Biohopeful

[bamafan]

Thanks for the advice.

 

Where should I start looking to get more presentation experience? I know about my University's conference and the national undergraduate conference (I'm applying to that but won't hear until after grad applications are due).

 

Also, I know of 2 people from my lab groups who would give me a good recommendation, but if I can only get 3 from lab groups, would it be okay to get a professor from one of my courses to do the 4th?

 

I like the relevant coursework in my online C.V. because I think it shows that I've chosen courses that will help my specific interests of tropical rainforest conservation. But I don't think I'll list those when I submit a C.V. document to grad schools since they'll have my transcript. 

 

You can leave the classes online, just don't have it on your CV when you submit your apps. It's totally fine to have class professor recommendations, in fact, it's sometimes advised that you have at least one. You don't need 4, often schools will ignore the 4th and some frown on sending more than 3. Two research and one class rec is fine. Just make sure ALL of your recs come from PIs.

 

Small etiquette thing, you should write Dr. in front of your advisors' names. 

[Pitangus]

First, I will agree with previous posters that your website is nice and professional.

 

I didn't encounter any applications that requested more than 3 recommendation letters, so I don't think it's necessary (or helpful) to add a 4th letter from a classes-only professor. The NSF GRFP application does allow you to list 4 recommenders, but in that case I would consider including a classes-only professor only for the 4th position (this 4th letter will only be included with your application if one of the other recommenders does not submit a letter by the deadline).

 

I second the recommendation of pursuing an undergraduate Teaching Assistant position, if such a position is available at your school. 

 

Did you apply for the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship this year? Your GPA at UC Davis is a bit on the low side for this scholarship, but since you have research experience I would imagine you would still be competitive. The application is open to second and third year undergraduate students, but if you are planning to graduate in three years then you will not be eligible next year. 

 

Finally, not to take away from your achievement, but by graduating in three years (and applying to graduate programs right after) you are, in my opinion, probably missing out on opportunities to gain more research/TA experience, presentations/publications, awards, and field experience (if you are interested in field work). You certainly have enough experience to be competitive in the PhD application process, but just keep in mind that you will be applying alongside people with M.S. degrees and/or post-bacc experience as lab technicians / research associates / field assistants.

 

It is definitely a good idea to get in touch with potential advisors this spring or early fall because faculty interest/sponsorship is very important for acceptance into most EEB-type programs. Good luck!

[Monochrome Spring]

First, I will agree with previous posters that your website is nice and professional.

 

I didn't encounter any applications that requested more than 3 recommendation letters, so I don't think it's necessary (or helpful) to add a 4th letter from a classes-only professor. The NSF GRFP application does allow you to list 4 recommenders, but in that case I would consider including a classes-only professor only for the 4th position (this 4th letter will only be included with your application if one of the other recommenders does not submit a letter by the deadline).

 

I second the recommendation of pursuing an undergraduate Teaching Assistant position, if such a position is available at your school. 

 

Did you apply for the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship this year? Your GPA at UC Davis is a bit on the low side for this scholarship, but since you have research experience I would imagine you would still be competitive. The application is open to second and third year undergraduate students, but if you are planning to graduate in three years then you will not be eligible next year. 

 

Finally, not to take away from your achievement, but by graduating in three years (and applying to graduate programs right after) you are, in my opinion, probably missing out on opportunities to gain more research/TA experience, presentations/publications, awards, and field experience (if you are interested in field work). You certainly have enough experience to be competitive in the PhD application process, but just keep in mind that you will be applying alongside people with M.S. degrees and/or post-bacc experience as lab technicians / research associates / field assistants.

 

It is definitely a good idea to get in touch with potential advisors this spring or early fall because faculty interest/sponsorship is very important for acceptance into most EEB-type programs. Good luck!

 

I've looked at undergraduate teaching positions, and I've looked at some in biology for the summer, but the course commitment for the quarter before that is inconvenient.

 

And thanks for the recommendation for the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. I don't need financial support and it's a little late for the application unfortunately.

 

I do feel badly about leaving undergraduate in 3 years, but I being forced out. I came in with enough units to be junior standing, but I wasn't a transfer. So, I'm maxing out on units in my 3 year span. I would love to stay and have another year after this to get experience and make my application stronger, but I can't.

 

I also understand that will have a poor chance of getting in with only 2 1/2 years of university work at application. I'm hoping that my SOP will show that I really am focused on research in my field. And I have been in college for "6 1/2 years", so I have about the same experience as a transfer student in that respect. Of course, I may still not get in, so I've made a plan B to do lab/field tech work and then reapply.

 

I'm applying for a couple summer grants to allow me to do more field research, and I'm going to spend the summer asking around  for advisors and honing my SOP.

[Monochrome Spring]

Would it look like I'm trying too hard if I put down scholarships that I got last year? They were awarded for high school achievements and for my college major, not necessarily high merit or research.

[Pitangus]

Would it look like I'm trying too hard if I put down scholarships that I got last year? They were awarded for high school achievements and for my college major, not necessarily high merit or research.

 

I would put down any merit-based scholarships (this is why I asked if you had applied for the Goldwater Scholarship: the prestige of the award is just as valuable as the funding itself). Since you completed much of your college coursework during high school, it is understandable that some of your awards are based on that work. 

 

I still think you will be competitive if you apply next year, but if the season doesn't turn out the way you want, then your Plan B sounds good. I decided not to apply for grad school during my senior year, so I worked field jobs for a year after graduating and found it to be both a helpful and enjoyable experience. 

[bamafan]

Would it look like I'm trying too hard if I put down scholarships that I got last year? They were awarded for high school achievements and for my college major, not necessarily high merit or research.

 

It won't hurt to have them for now. The grad adcoms don't care about this honestly, unless it's something super prestigious anyway. 

 

I second the comment that you're in an inherent disadvantage if only because you haven't had the time to do a lot of research, but I don't think it will be a problem necessarily. I don't have all that much research either, but I'm interviewing now at a ton of places. If you can get published, that's like a knockout punch for your app. 

 

Do well on the GRE, write a kick ass SOP, and you should be just as competitive as anyone else.

 

I do think though that you should consider applying to other schools as well. Three is a relatively small # (I did over 10), and you're choosing very, very, very selective programs where even the best get rejected because it's just such a crapshoot. The number of qualified applicants >>> spots available. I know it sucks to leave the sunny paradise that is California, but you should consider some Midwest and East Coast schools as well. 

[Pitangus]

I do think though that you should consider applying to other schools as well. Three is a relatively small # (I did over 10), and you're choosing very, very, very selective programs where even the best get rejected because it's just such a crapshoot. The number of qualified applicants >>> spots available. I know it sucks to leave the sunny paradise that is California, but you should consider some Midwest and East Coast schools as well. 

 

Yes, I would recommend that any EEB applicant consider applying to more than three programs unless that applicant has established strong connections to those three; that is, s/he has contacted at least one potential advisor at each program who has responded and said 1) s/he thinks the applicant would be a good fit in the lab and 2) is planning to take on new students in the upcoming application cycle. Many EEB programs expect you to identify faculty that are willing and able to take you on, including programs that do not explicitly lay out a faculty sponsorship procedure.

 

I applied to three programs last year and received an acceptance from one. I had strong previous connections to a lab in one program, but I was ultimately rejected from that program because my potential advisor was unsure about taking on new students and eventually decided it was not possible (and I unfortunately did not fit as well into any other lab). Thus my emphasis on identifying potential advisors who are willing and able to take on new students (preferably more than one per program if possible).

[Monochrome Spring]

I'm still deciding which programs I'm going to apply to, so I only have 4 listed for now. I'm thinking about expanding it to about 8 by the end of spring quarter when summer starts. I can't afford to apply to more than 8 though, so I'll have to stick to that and then apply to more at a later time.

 

For POIs, do you think that contacting them at the beginning of summer is too early? I was planning on dedicating a few hours each day this summer to graduate application/POI search/etc. and I could also use that time to visit and expand on my current research.

 

Also, I'm looking at having 1 paper in review or published by the end of the year, a second one in manuscript prep. or submitted for review, and another experiment or two started with their manuscripts in prep. as well.

[Pitangus]

The beginning of the summer is not too early; however, spring and fall are usually the recommended contact times because many EEB professors travel to field sites and/or conduct much of their research during the summer, thus they may not be as responsive to prospective students during this time. If you try to contact a professor during the summer and receive no response, then you should try again in early fall. If you still do not get a response, then it is up to you to decide if you want to continue to pursue this professor or move on and focus on those who have responded. 

[bamafan]

I'm still deciding which programs I'm going to apply to, so I only have 4 listed for now. I'm thinking about expanding it to about 8 by the end of spring quarter when summer starts. I can't afford to apply to more than 8 though, so I'll have to stick to that and then apply to more at a later time.

 

For POIs, do you think that contacting them at the beginning of summer is too early? I was planning on dedicating a few hours each day this summer to graduate application/POI search/etc. and I could also use that time to visit and expand on my current research.

 

Also, I'm looking at having 1 paper in review or published by the end of the year, a second one in manuscript prep. or submitted for review, and another experiment or two started with their manuscripts in prep. as well.

 

It's never too early. In fact, it shows initiative and interest. You are way more proactive and on top of things than I was when I first applied, and I think it will show to the POIs/adcoms. 

 

I really think the unspoken gear in the cog though is the SOP. It can vault a candidate that's less impressive on paper above others, and sink an incredibly well qualified applicant if it's written poorly.