2014 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results

[BG20]

Today I got waitlisted at UAB - Genetic and Genomic Sciences program after my interview One of my interviewers asked me point blank if I wasn't too old to start a PhD since I'd want to have kids some day. And from my point of view, the beer bottles circling around after interviews were a bit too excessive for my liking. One of our graduate student guides had a bit too much to drink and was blurting out curse words while we played games. The next morning, she did not show up for our tour and I ended up having to drive in my own car because we were not all able to fit into one car. Should've seen it coming that I wasn't their ideal candidate, nor were they the school for someone like me. This is why you go on interviews, to make sure you fit into the school. One day, we are going to laugh at all this and smile how we all eventually got into our perfect schools

 

The interviewer that asked you about whether you are too old to start PHD - is very rude -  You should  consider reporting about him to his faculty supervisor...

[aba1984]

The interviewer that asked you about whether you are too old to start PHD - is very rude -  You should  consider reporting about him to his faculty supervisor...

 

It's ok. Don't really want to open that can of worms. It had no effect on me other than to consider other PIs. It's funny actually because I don't even want to have biological kids. I wanted to tell him that me and my fiance plan to adopt a little baby girl, but then I was like, "too personal, don't get sucked into that conversation" and I just steered back to his research.

Edited February 1, 2014 by aba1984

[sunpenguin]

It's ok. Don't really want to open that can of worms. It had no effect on me other than to consider other PIs. It's funny actually because I don't even want to have biological kids. I wanted to tell him that me and my fiance plan to adopt a little baby girl, but then I was like, "too personal, don't get sucked into that conversation" and I just steered back to his research.

Good for you--well played.

[toxicgirl]

Baylor update: Baylor accepts 4-5 students, and they interview 14. They will meet Monday about this interview weekend that just ended to possibly make some decisions before the interview next weekend.

[theycombinator]

Baylor update: Baylor accepts 4-5 students, and they interview 14. They will meet Monday about this interview weekend that just ended to possibly make some decisions before the interview next weekend.

I've interviewed at a top program, and they called in 25 people for just 5 positions---which I found rather extreme. Plus, the interview was short and non-technical, which left me a bit frustrated.

 

It's OK to be selective, but at least I wish they enhanced their interviewing techniques. Otherwise, I don't see how they will be able to make wise choices. End of my rant

Edited February 1, 2014 by theycombinator

[jl2782]

Just checked my application status for Purdue (PULSe) Ph.D. program and it says "Recommended by Program-pending Graduate School approval." They have finally updated my status. For anybody that hasn't heard from Purdue yet, go online to their website and check your application status. Good luck!! 

[jl2782]

FYI UCLA Access Applicants - I emailed the Access coordinator and this was his response: We are still in the process of determining the pool of applicants that will be invited to interview. If you do not receive an invitation to interview by mid-February, it is unlikely that you will be extended an offer of admission to ACCESS/BSP. Over the next few months, formal notification about admission decisions from the university will be sent to all applicants.

[astaroth27]

It was difficult to find a number to call, I was worried about calling a professor directly - this was from the site for the Molecular Microbiology Program - the first number under the program director ended up being the I guess assistant or office administrator. See if your program has something like that! I applied for Micro & the MERGE-ID

 

Also - anyone know what is going on with UPENN CAMB?

 

My guess (and this is complete speculation on my part) is that the 1st round of interviewees will get the decision at the same time as the 2nd round because they couldn't reschedule the adcom meeting after that snowstorm. My guess is we will hear back by wednesday if this is the case. Glad it is not just me waiting. I was wigging out this last week.

[somanyphage]

My guess (and this is complete speculation on my part) is that the 1st round of interviewees will get the decision at the same time as the 2nd round because they couldn't reschedule the adcom meeting after that snowstorm. My guess is we will hear back by wednesday if this is the case. Glad it is not just me waiting. I was wigging out this last week.

Not alone waiting out! I am waiting on so many programs - my anxiety is through the roof! I think it is safe to say I am a second round/waitlist applicant at this point. I have mediocre grades, not stellar but i do have impressive research experience. As long as I get one program I will be happy, don't care what round interview I am in at this point.

[MackF]

Rounding out my first interview weekend at University of Rochester Medical Center today.  They brought in 11 of us, and when I asked our program coordinator she said that this was the only weekend.  The program took in 8 students last year so I'm hopeful.  Fingers crossed!  The interview process was really enjoyable but also grueling.  Good luck to all you out there too.

[elanorci]

Someone asked me a while ago (was it ERR_Alpha?) to talk about the Caltech bio interview, so here it is. It ran from Wed to Fri. I arrived pretty late on Wednesday night and was up bright and early on Thursday, so I was really tired. We had a nice breakfast, during which a director of the program (I think?) gave us an overview of the curriculum and structure -- one year of classes, two or three rotations, pretty standard stuff. Then we had a short look around some of the graduate housing and some of the campus, and then we had interviews; some first and second year grad students helped us find our way around, and they were really helpful! My interview experiences were very surprising. I had 5 interviews, 4 of which I had requested the professors for and 1 of whom I assume is on the admissions committee or something. Only 2 asked me about my own research at all, and one of these was the one I hadn't requested. The other 3 just talked pretty much nonstop about their own research for the full 30 - 45 minutes. Overall, the interviews were really interesting and enjoyable, and I only heard about a couple bad experiences. 

 

There were also a fair number of reception/social type things: a reception/poster session, a dinner at a faculty member's house, a trip to a bar. ~5-7 grad students showed us around and were extremely nice and informative for the entire trip. I never once talked to a 3rd year or older, which was a little strange, but I heard that someone else ran into one. On the last day, we toured some facilities, some people had more interviews, and then we spent a while lying around at the beach, which was really wonderful! 

 

Overall, it was a pretty relaxed experience, and I had a ton of fun, although I was totally exhausted for a lot of it, as activities ran for more than 12 hours (8 am - midnight or so) on the first day, and I got the impression that a lot of other people were really tired too. I really liked everyone I met, especially the other interviewees -- everyone was really nice and really impressive, which is a pretty rare combination! 

 

Hope this helps. This was my first interview, and it definitely taught me not to worry that much about them: most of my time was spent hearing about cool science, not being grilled! 

Edited February 1, 2014 by elanorci

[tcmazer]

Anybody else notice the results page entry saying Northwestern DGP has sent out all their interviews?

[RR1]

Anybody else notice the results page entry saying Northwestern DGP has sent out all their interviews?

Yeah, guess one more down the drain 

[tcmazer]

Yeah, guess one more down the drain 

 

I just don't think it's right though, the coordinator I talked to said that there was still a lot more invites to be sent out.

[pcsteak]

Anyone know when to expect a letter from the University of Maryland (BISI program)? Also, anyone going to the Johns Hopkins Pharmacology interview this week? 

[msr420]

Is anyone here going to attend interview weekend at Baylor College Medicine Neuroscience PhD?

 

Also, does anybody please know the post-interview acceptance rate in this program?

 

Thanks in advance!

[pcsteak]

Is anyone here going to attend interview weekend at Baylor College Medicine Neuroscience PhD?

 

Also, does anybody please know the post-interview acceptance rate in this program?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

  When I looked it up on Petersons it says an acceptance rate of 9% from the applicant pool which was 181. I think the numbers are probably from either last year, or the year before, but hopefully that helps  

[Neuro_Guy]

... Only 2 asked me about my own research at all, and one of these was the one I hadn't requested. The other 3 just talked pretty much nonstop about their own research for the full 30 - 45 minutes. Overall, the interviews were really interesting and enjoyable, and I only heard about a couple bad experiences. 

...

Hope this helps. This was my first interview, and it definitely taught me not to worry that much about them: most of my time was spent hearing about cool science, not being grilled! 

 

I'm glad that you had a nice interview (but for the record I'm not straight bio and didn't apply to caltech) but to be honest I'm actually worried about a situation like this. If the interviews don't give you the opportunity to talk a lot and 'prove' yourself to the interviewer, then how can one distinguish themselves from the competition? I'm under the impression that competitive programs have pre-ranked (formally or informally) their candidates and based on when I got my interview I suspect I'm not so high up. I want the chance to talk about my work, maybe even get grilled a little (not too much, maybe like sauteed?) to prove I have what it takes. So if the interviews don't give you a chance to impress, then I -  and anyone in the same shoes as me - am SOL. 

[hopefulengineer]

Does anyone know the odds of making it off the waitlist for Vanderbilt's IGP? I really love the program and I just found out that I won't be getting an interview for Northwestern's DGP. Since these were my top two choices I'm starting to get worried..

[theycombinator]

I'm glad that you had a nice interview (but for the record I'm not straight bio and didn't apply to caltech) but to be honest I'm actually worried about a situation like this. If the interviews don't give you the opportunity to talk a lot and 'prove' yourself to the interviewer, then how can one distinguish themselves from the competition? I'm under the impression that competitive programs have pre-ranked (formally or informally) their candidates and based on when I got my interview I suspect I'm not so high up. I want the chance to talk about my work, maybe even get grilled a little (not too much, maybe like sauteed?) to prove I have what it takes. So if the interviews don't give you a chance to impress, then I -  and anyone in the same shoes as me - am SOL. 

 

This is very frustrating, and I have experienced it last week. Short interviews with almost no technical content, just vague questions like where do you see yourself in 5 years time. Hard to distinguish yourself or impress anyone in this framework. Many if you're a good speaker, but that doesn't have any correlation with science.

[aba1984]

I'm glad that you had a nice interview (but for the record I'm not straight bio and didn't apply to caltech) but to be honest I'm actually worried about a situation like this. If the interviews don't give you the opportunity to talk a lot and 'prove' yourself to the interviewer, then how can one distinguish themselves from the competition? I'm under the impression that competitive programs have pre-ranked (formally or informally) their candidates and based on when I got my interview I suspect I'm not so high up. I want the chance to talk about my work, maybe even get grilled a little (not too much, maybe like sauteed?) to prove I have what it takes. So if the interviews don't give you a chance to impress, then I -  and anyone in the same shoes as me - am SOL. 

 

This is very frustrating, and I have experienced it last week. Short interviews with almost no technical content, just vague questions like where do you see yourself in 5 years time. Hard to distinguish yourself or impress anyone in this framework. Many if you're a good speaker, but that doesn't have any correlation with science.

 

I know exactly what you guys mean. I wanted the same opportunity as you did. The only reasons why I think they might do that is if most of the people they send offers to tend to go elsewhere (so they choose to impress rather than "grill" you), or if they had already made up their mind before you got there or needed a certain percentage of ethnicities, age groups, etc. and the interview was just an informality. I guess admissions have a reason why they do interviews the way they do - there's a reason for everything.

[ss2player]

I'm glad that you had a nice interview (but for the record I'm not straight bio and didn't apply to caltech) but to be honest I'm actually worried about a situation like this. If the interviews don't give you the opportunity to talk a lot and 'prove' yourself to the interviewer, then how can one distinguish themselves from the competition? I'm under the impression that competitive programs have pre-ranked (formally or informally) their candidates and based on when I got my interview I suspect I'm not so high up. I want the chance to talk about my work, maybe even get grilled a little (not too much, maybe like sauteed?) to prove I have what it takes. So if the interviews don't give you a chance to impress, then I -  and anyone in the same shoes as me - am SOL.

I would also love some insight into this. I made sure to talk as much as I could without being dominant or arrogant. Some faculty are tougher nuts to crack and I let them go on before contributing more.

Hopefully I "strutted my stuff" enough at my first two interviews. We shall see.

[aba1984]

Yeah, my next interview I'm going to introduce myself and immediately tell them I have questions or talk about my thesis before they even pull out their powerpoints. Definitely not gonna get waitlisted next time around. Lesson learned.

[persimmony]

I'm glad that you had a nice interview (but for the record I'm not straight bio and didn't apply to caltech) but to be honest I'm actually worried about a situation like this. If the interviews don't give you the opportunity to talk a lot and 'prove' yourself to the interviewer, then how can one distinguish themselves from the competition? I'm under the impression that competitive programs have pre-ranked (formally or informally) their candidates and based on when I got my interview I suspect I'm not so high up. I want the chance to talk about my work, maybe even get grilled a little (not too much, maybe like sauteed?) to prove I have what it takes. So if the interviews don't give you a chance to impress, then I -  and anyone in the same shoes as me - am SOL. 

 

I totally relate. I think it's important to show your competence first. Depending on the personality of the interviewer, if they don't jump right in to questions immediately I'll try to be more dominant and explain the research I've been doing for the past 1.5yrs. I start by stating the overall purpose in the lab and the disease we're looking at. If they don't interrupt me for questions, I move on to how we've been investigating our problem (mouse model, human samples). I keep it brief and then let them steer the convo and if they happen to know more about my area of research they will ask me more technical questions which I try to answer as coherently as possible. Otherwise, they can steer the convo into the school, politics of science, their research, whatever keeps the convo going. 

 

As far as having the interviewer talk the entire time..well I got a lot of one-on-one time with a professor at my first interview who took me and another applicant to see the area and even dropped us off at the airport. He mentioned that he felt some pressure to talk about the school and his research and the time flew by. I guess he did a lot of talking and for one of his interviewees he couldn't even remember if they had spoken about themselves at all. Which was bad because he has to fill out an evaluation of each interviewee, and probably won't have much to go off of for that person that didn't maintain their side of the conversation. 

 

So I've been to 2 interviews so far and my advice is to be very social, smile, know your research in and out, and display a curious nature. Ask intelligent questions if you can come up with them when professors explain their research. 

Edited February 2, 2014 by persimmony

[ERR_Alpha]

I totally relate. I think it's important to show your competence first. Depending on the personality of the interviewer, if they don't jump right in to questions immediately I'll try to be more dominant and explain the research I've been doing for the past 1.5yrs. I start by stating the overall purpose in the lab and the disease we're looking at. If they don't interrupt me for questions, I move on to how we've been investigating our problem (mouse model, human samples). I keep it brief and then let them steer the convo and if they happen to know more about my area of research they will ask me more technical questions which I try to answer as coherently as possible. Otherwise, they can steer the convo into the school, politics of science, their research, whatever keeps the convo going. 

 

As far as having the interviewer talk the entire time..well I got a lot of one-on-one time with a professor at my first interview who took me and another applicant to see the area and even dropped us off at the airport. He mentioned that he felt some pressure to talk about the school and his research and the time flew by. I guess he did a lot of talking and for one of his interviewees he couldn't even remember if they had spoken about themselves at all. Which was bad because he has to fill out an evaluation of each interviewee, and probably won't have much to go off of for that person that didn't maintain their side of the conversation. 

 

So I've been to 2 interviews so far and my advice is to be very social, smile, know your research in and out, and display a curious nature. Ask intelligent questions if you can come up with them when professors explain their research.

Did you go to Boston yet? How was it? I still have no idea what is going on with them.