ERR_Alpha Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 It was the worst. I spent hours trying to find a blazer that wasn't too stuffy and didn't make me look like a box. None of my interviews have specified a dress code, so I'm just trying to find some middle ground between my usual cardigan and a business suit. Yup I feel ya, I tried on half a dozen boxy blazers today. Also apparently I'm lopsided and dresses don't fit me well Finally found a decent one. Now I have to find shoes, that are comfortable, dressy, and not too high of a heel. Impossible? Maybe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njoymusic2 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Yup I feel ya, I tried on half a dozen boxy blazers today. Also apparently I'm lopsided and dresses don't fit me well Finally found a decent one. Now I have to find shoes, that are comfortable, dressy, and not too high of a heel. Impossible? Maybe. Simple black flats usually work for me =) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elanorci Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Yup I feel ya, I tried on half a dozen boxy blazers today. Also apparently I'm lopsided and dresses don't fit me well Finally found a decent one. Now I have to find shoes, that are comfortable, dressy, and not too high of a heel. Impossible? Maybe.  Too real. I'm pretty much planning on high boots with a slight heel for all of the trips. Anyone think this will look weird? I'm visiting some California schools but they're fairly chilly (get down to 50s) so I'm hoping it won't seem anomalous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ERR_Alpha Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Too real. I'm pretty much planning on high boots with a slight heel for all of the trips. Anyone think this will look weird? I'm visiting some California schools but they're fairly chilly (get down to 50s) so I'm hoping it won't seem anomalous. I think you'll be fine. Honestly I think as long as we don't wear skirts too short or boobs hanging out no one will notice anything.  I'm just worried about my feet either being hurt or freezing. In my experience black flats don't support me enough, so I wind up in pain after a bit. I'm so horrible at dressing up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elanorci Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Since we're on the subject of interview attire, I thought you guys might appreciate this joke: my dad just suggested that, since people say that you should "dress for the job you want," I should show up to my interviews in a lab coat and goggles. Â sunpenguin, tuba250, aba1984 and 3 others 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pyrocide Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 I have been idly collecting really fancy blazers off clearance racks since high school, and a grad school interview will finally give me a chance to wear the nice ones.    (Dear grad schools: if you could humor my fashion indulgence with an interview invite, I'd be ever so happy.) lasercats11, ss2player and Eatin' Biscuits 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunpenguin Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Too real. I'm pretty much planning on high boots with a slight heel for all of the trips. Anyone think this will look weird? I'm visiting some California schools but they're fairly chilly (get down to 50s) so I'm hoping it won't seem anomalous.  People here in California wear boots pretty often, so it won't look weird at all.   I would be too hot in boots here though. I find that people keep indoor temps a few degrees warmer in Cali than in colder climates Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ERR_Alpha Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Since we're on the subject of interview attire, I thought you guys might appreciate this joke: my dad just suggested that, since people say that you should "dress for the job you want," I should show up to my interviews in a lab coat and goggles. Haha or I could show up wearing sweatpants looking frazzled and overtired, play the role of stressed out grad student! LMac and elanorci 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Etern Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Just got an email inviting me for a Skype interview in 2 days time for the genetics, genomics and development PhD at Cornell University! Also got my official acceptance from Penn State, they are offering: 26000$ stipend per year + 2000$ enhancement for first year and also full tuition fee waiver. They will also nominate me for additional fellowships. I am from the UK, so I am not sure whether this is a good offer or not, any input?  My situation is therefore at:  Oxford- Genomic Medicine and Statistics - Interview Sanger Institute- 4-year PhD -Interview Cambridge- Mathematical Genomics and Medicine - Interview Imperial College- Genomic Medicine - Interview Harvard- Biostatistics Harvard- Public Health: Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics Yale- Biostatistics UC Davis- Entomology Penn State- Entomology - Acceptance - 26000$ + tuition fee waiver Cornell- Genetics, Genomics, and Development - Interview Sylvia88, hashirama, RR1 and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
byt2104 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Just got an email inviting me for a Skype interview in 2 days time for the genetics, genomics and development PhD at Cornell University! Also got my official acceptance from Penn State, they are offering: 26000$ stipend per year + 2000$ enhancement for first year and also full tuition fee waiver. They will also nominate me for additional fellowships. I am from the UK, so I am not sure whether this is a good offer or not, any input?  My situation is therefore at:  Oxford- Genomic Medicine and Statistics - Interview Sanger Institute- 4-year PhD -Interview Cambridge- Mathematical Genomics and Medicine - Interview Imperial College- Genomic Medicine - Interview Harvard- Biostatistics Harvard- Public Health: Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics Yale- Biostatistics UC Davis- Entomology Penn State- Entomology - Acceptance - 26000$ + tuition fee waiver Cornell- Genetics, Genomics, and Development - Interview You might want to ask about health insurance and grad student housing. $26K is pretty good outside of NYC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmw77 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 (edited) You might want to ask about health insurance and grad student housing. $26K is pretty good outside of NYC. I agree! I'm from that area originally, and you will be able to live comfortably on that stipend. Edited January 21, 2014 by mmw77 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunpenguin Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Just got an email inviting me for a Skype interview in 2 days time for the genetics, genomics and development PhD at Cornell University! Also got my official acceptance from Penn State, they are offering: 26000$ stipend per year + 2000$ enhancement for first year and also full tuition fee waiver. They will also nominate me for additional fellowships. I am from the UK, so I am not sure whether this is a good offer or not, any input?  My situation is therefore at:  Oxford- Genomic Medicine and Statistics - Interview Sanger Institute- 4-year PhD -Interview Cambridge- Mathematical Genomics and Medicine - Interview Imperial College- Genomic Medicine - Interview Harvard- Biostatistics Harvard- Public Health: Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics Yale- Biostatistics UC Davis- Entomology Penn State- Entomology - Acceptance - 26000$ + tuition fee waiver Cornell- Genetics, Genomics, and Development - Interview  I also think this is good. $26K should be a comfortable living salary in State College. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devneuro18 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 If a school offers to house you at a hotel or with a current student during an interview, would it be seen as "greedy" to request a hotel? I just figure that a hotel would let me rest and focus on the interviews. Â I'm a US applicant, so they are paying some for airfare too. The school/program is UPenn Biology Department. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nermah1 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Just got an email inviting me for a Skype interview in 2 days time for the genetics, genomics and development PhD at Cornell University! Also got my official acceptance from Penn State, they are offering: 26000$ stipend per year + 2000$ enhancement for first year and also full tuition fee waiver. They will also nominate me for additional fellowships. I am from the UK, so I am not sure whether this is a good offer or not, any input?  My situation is therefore at:  Oxford- Genomic Medicine and Statistics - Interview Sanger Institute- 4-year PhD -Interview Cambridge- Mathematical Genomics and Medicine - Interview Imperial College- Genomic Medicine - Interview Harvard- Biostatistics Harvard- Public Health: Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics Yale- Biostatistics UC Davis- Entomology Penn State- Entomology - Acceptance - 26000$ + tuition fee waiver Cornell- Genetics, Genomics, and Development - Interview I must say that is envious offer! Isn't that almost the best offer they can give you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BG20 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Hi,  Important note for international students that have spouse - check what kind of visa does the university give you... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ppp1r1b Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 If a school offers to house you at a hotel or with a current student during an interview, would it be seen as "greedy" to request a hotel? I just figure that a hotel would let me rest and focus on the interviews. Â I'm a US applicant, so they are paying some for airfare too. The school/program is UPenn Biology Department. It's not a test of greed, you're overthinking this, just take the hotel if that's what you prefer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
microarray Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Just got an email inviting me for a Skype interview in 2 days time for the genetics, genomics and development PhD at Cornell University! Also got my official acceptance from Penn State, they are offering: 26000$ stipend per year + 2000$ enhancement for first year and also full tuition fee waiver. They will also nominate me for additional fellowships. I am from the UK, so I am not sure whether this is a good offer or not, any input? Â From what I can tell, this is pretty comparable to stipends at most universities across the US. i'm not from Penn so not sure how much it costs to live there. To figure out about how much housing is - craigslist is a good place to look up apartments/houses for rent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgg Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 http://www.bestplaces.net/cost-of-living/ This is a good cost of living calculator. You can compare two cities to get an idea of the relative cost to live in each place. It makes it really hard to consider leaving Texas for someplace in the northeast... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obaka Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 If a school offers to house you at a hotel or with a current student during an interview, would it be seen as "greedy" to request a hotel? I just figure that a hotel would let me rest and focus on the interviews. Â I'm a US applicant, so they are paying some for airfare too. The school/program is UPenn Biology Department. I think it's fine since they're giving you the option. Some people might want to maximize with grad students to really get the inside scoop. Some people might want to get a full night's rest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Etern Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Alright, thanks guys for your input! The offer also includes health, dental, and vision insurance. I thought that was rather unimportant because it is free here in the UK, that's why I didn't mention it... It seems like it is a good offer! That's great! Â On another note, I just received another Interview invite for a program at Oxford. It's really weird because I didn't apply for it... I guess somebody nominated me? I'm excited about it, but I am also scared that they made an error and will retract the interview invite, haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iheartplants Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 If a school offers to house you at a hotel or with a current student during an interview, would it be seen as "greedy" to request a hotel? I just figure that a hotel would let me rest and focus on the interviews. Â I'm a US applicant, so they are paying some for airfare too. The school/program is UPenn Biology Department. I don't think it is necessarily "greedy," but I do think it is generally best to just go along with the flow if they seem to have a preference. If your POI or coordinator indicates it would be best for you to stay with a grad student, I'd do that. They might very well want you to stay with a grad student to become better acquainted with the grad student point of view at the university, and to see what living accomodations are like in the area. If they honestly don't indicate a preference, do what feels right to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuba250 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Update for those who are worried about UVA BIMS ! Just called them and they are still reviewing applications. They said that they are behind the schedule this year and trying to catch up. So it may take 1-2 weeks more to get any update.Lets hope for the best. Â FYI,I called the cancer bio office. So not very sure about other depts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molecularmagic Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 For people saying only 8 spots are open for UVA BIMS, that is probably for every department. On the website they say 45 students are admitted into the program. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knightrunner Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Later today or tomorrow I am going to try to change my fate on this application process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ss2player Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Who else am I seeing at UArizona later this week? Rat.girl, adenine.monarch, wolbachia0908...anyone else? 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