Profile evaluation for PhD application in Computational Neuroscience

[bsrhng]

I'm studying in the UK and applying for PhD positions in the US starting next fall. My goal is to get into a computational/theoretical neuroscience program and work in memory/learning/synaptic plasticity. I would appreciate some comments on my profile and suggestions for suitable programs.

 

Degrees: I have an integrated Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence from a top UK university in computer science (top 12 worldwide according to QS) (upper second class, ~68%). I'm currently doing a 2-year MSc in Mathematics at a top 4 UK university in maths and top 25 worldwide in maths (again according to QS). I will likely get upper second class as well (between 60 and 70).

 

Courses: I took some tough, very rigorous courses in maths but my marks were generally not very good in the first year (I am in my second year of the MSc now).

Here they are: Measure theory ( D ), Qualitative theory of ODEs ( B ), Ergodic theory ( C ), Fourier Analysis ( C ), Functional Analysis I ( C ), Functional Analysis II ( A ), Relativity and Electrodynamics ( B ), Probability theory ( D ).

This year I'm taking (all graduate-level courses): Stochastic analysis, Dynamical systems, Introduction to topology, Advanced PDEs, Brownian Motion, Advanced real analysis, Introduction to theoretical neuroscience, Mathematical Relativity. I don't have any marks yet, of course.

At my first university I took all computational neuroscience courses available --- about 6.

 

Research:

1. Dissertation in computational neuroscience for my Master's degree in AI (Mark: A, 73).

2. First year project in computational biology for my MSc in Mathematcs (Mark: A, 87).

3. Dissertation (second year) in theoretical neuroscience for my MSc in Mathematics (Ongoing). This one is relevant since it is directly on topic (synaptic plasticity).

 

I have no publications. I had to publish my first dissertation as a first author but never got around to do it.

 

Letters of Recommendation: (correspond to the research experience above)

1. My supervisor is a Reader and very enthusiastic about me. Well-known in the field. Has written very good recommendation letters for me at least 5 times and always sends them to me to read.

2. My supervisor is again a Reader, co-director of Systems Biology Centre, very enthusiastic. In a different field. Also wrote a couple of recommendation letters for me and sent them to me.

3. Just starting out so I don't expect a great recommendation. He is also a Reader and a very well-known researcher.

 

GRE:

Q: 163

V: 163

A: 4.5

 

Programming: I did AI and Computer Science so I'm comfortable with many languages (Matlab, Mathematica, python etc.). Have worked with frameworks popular in computational neuroscience.

 

Extra:

- I attended several big summer schools in computational neuroscience with the majority of accepted students being PhD students. I attended one of the top summer schools in learning and memory with many top researchers as lecturers and the school itself was fully funded (accommodation plus food plus trips minus travel to Asia). I got a travel grant from INCF. There was also a small research project that I can talk about in my statement of purpose.

- I attended another fully funded top summer school on memory but from a broader perspective including philosophy (this time travel expenses were covered).

- I presented two posters on two separate summer schools.

- I sat on the Board of Studies at my first university.

 

Programs I'm planning to apply to:

1. MIT

2. Caltech

3. Berkeley

4. Columbia

5. NYU

6. University of Texas at Austin/UCSD/Brandeis

 

Questions:

1. Do you think my profile would be good enough for the universities I have chosen?

2. Do you think my marks and my GRE would significantly hurt my chances?

3. What other programs would you suggest are suitable for my profile?

 

I am a bit worried about my grades and GRE. These could be corrected if I wait another year but what do you make of the rest of the profile?

 

Thanks for your time!

Edited November 19, 2014 by bsrhng

[Agrippa]

To me, you seem like a strong candidate. I am unfamiliar with the Computational Neuroscience ranking of the schools you selected, but I'm certain they are all ranked in the top 20. As you mentioned, one weakness of your profile is your earlier grades. In order to counteract them, you must show you have improved by getting high marks in your current classes. This may also be worth mentioning in your statement of purpose.

 

I think GRE-Q scores at or above 160 are usually good enough for most PhD programs related to science, but since you are applying to top programs, this average might shift to 163 or 164. Since your score is GRE-Q score is 163, I think you are okay. Of course, your GRE-V score is high enough for any PhD program in science.

 

As for the rest, I think it is good. You have demonstrated that you have an interest in a specific area and are capable and willing to independently devote time and energy in the pursuit of knowledge related to that area. Since a large part of a PhD program revovles around independent research, your summer schools and projects will be a big benefit to your application.

 

As always, remember the admission committee considers all parts of your application, so a strong showing in one area will help cover weaknesses in another. Your letters of recommendation and independent learning experience will help make up for your first year grades. They should pose absolutely no problem if you can show you have improved with grades for the current term.

 

I apologize, but I can't recommend any other programs to you, since I am not familiar with computational neuroscience.

 

Also, if for some reason you aren't admitted to one of your choices, then you will have an excellent opportunity to make your next application completely ironclad. Because of this, don't slack off once your applications are sent, since you will want to be ready in case this opportunity arises. Think of how much you would then be able to accomplish between now and the next application season!

[bsrhng]

Thanks for the reply, Agrippa.

 

My question shouldn't be seen as specific to Computational Neuroscience but I want to know in general how much research you are expected to have done before you begin a PhD. Also, to what extent, for top schools, research offsets grades.

[lighterllf]

Just curious. How is your GPA or GPA relevant? Do some of the departments you want to apply require a B average?

[bsrhng]

I have a B average albeit from universities that are quite good for my degree. That is what I am worried about because I expect most applicants to top schools will have a high GPA.

 

I am therefore asking about the typical amount of research PhD applicants to top schools have.