Did I just ignore an interview request from Mich?

[Bryan]

@tellmealready

Have you gotten any information back from them yet? So far all I have is my trip itinerary. By the way, which concentration were you looking at?

[NeuroNerd86]

they told me they will contact me soon with further details.. I submitted my professors list and got a ticket with AAA.

[Serric]

@tellmealready

Have you gotten any information back from them yet? So far all I have is my trip itinerary. By the way, which concentration were you looking at?

Wasn't aimed at me, but I don't think anybody's got any other information yet. They said we'd get our specific itinerary between one and three weeks before our interview weekend, so I'm thinking (hoping) either late this week or early next week.

Also not aimed at me, but I'm looking at the neuroscience and human genetics concentrations, as well as the 'public policy' dual degree program. Check those out; they're actually pretty awesome, and you can take them in tandem with your Ph.D.

[Bryan]

Wasn't aimed at me, but I don't think anybody's got any other information yet. They said we'd get our specific itinerary between one and three weeks before our interview weekend, so I'm thinking (hoping) either late this week or early next week.

Also not aimed at me, but I'm looking at the neuroscience and human genetics concentrations, as well as the 'public policy' dual degree program. Check those out; they're actually pretty awesome, and you can take them in tandem with your Ph.D.

I was thinking about these dual degree programs too...although I was looking at the MBA and JD ones (although merely out of curiosity than true interest). I work for the government now through an internship program. I think a public policy degree on top of a PhD would actually be really helpful. I've noticed that a lot of doctors have a hard time getting out of technical offices and into the more regulatory ones. Although, it's possible that most of them just enjoy their jobs more than I give them credit.

[caramel_geek]

First of, congrats to all of you that got the interview invite. This is my first post here at the forum, so I'm really excited.

Just to add to the whole interview party here, my sister just got an interview invite from UT Austin (she applied to cellular biology something something; I don't really get her whole biology thing so, pardon me).

[Serric]

I was thinking about these dual degree programs too...although I was looking at the MBA and JD ones (although merely out of curiosity than true interest). I work for the government now through an internship program. I think a public policy degree on top of a PhD would actually be really helpful. I've noticed that a lot of doctors have a hard time getting out of technical offices and into the more regulatory ones. Although, it's possible that most of them just enjoy their jobs more than I give them credit.

I wholeheartedly agree with the public policy idea, and I'm almost certainly going to go for that if I'm admitted to PIBS. My two goals after earning a Ph.D. are to do research and to do the public education of science (with a heaping helping of inspiration from Carl Sagan), and I was thrilled when she recommended me this program due both to the policy-making aspects of it and the ties that they have to local schools in Detroit.

[Bryan]

I wholeheartedly agree with the public policy idea, and I'm almost certainly going to go for that if I'm admitted to PIBS. My two goals after earning a Ph.D. are to do research and to do the public education of science (with a heaping helping of inspiration from Carl Sagan), and I was thrilled when she recommended me this program due both to the policy-making aspects of it and the ties that they have to local schools in Detroit.

I was snooping around collegeconfidential and noticed that you said Mich was your first choice. Is the dual degree your primary reason?

[Serric]

The dual degree's part of it, but it's a mix of a lot of factors. In no particular order: the research being done is spot-on with my interests, the strong collaboration between labs (turns out that one lab I was interested in actually collaborates with two others I was interested in) and lack of cut-throat competition; I liked their attention to detail on just the 'little' things for people (such as the new biomedical sciences building having faculty spatially arranged according to research interests), all the grad students I spoke to were honest with me (but still were enthusiastic about their program), the area was both friendly and gorgeous (I actually like cold weather, so that's a bonus for me), the dual degrees, the opportunities for teaching I'd have while there, and the hospital on-campus helping immensely with translational research.

Yeah, most of that could be attributed to attending what was effectively a recruitment weekend...but still. I'm DEFINITELY interested in getting to know the program better. January 28th can't come soon enough.

PS: If you ever feel like chatting, let me know. My name on Yahoo and AIM is 'Enresshou' (although I'm invisible a lot of the time on Yahoo).

Edited January 13, 2010 by Serric

[tellmealready]

This may be a really dumb question,

but what are you guys wearing to cope with the Michigan winter weather?

I am from Southern California, and I definitely do not own anything more than a thin hoodie.

Should I buy myself something on the less ridiculous side of a puffy jacket or should I bring a big black European peacoat type thing?

snowboots vs dress shoes?

scarf?

[Bryan]

This may be a really dumb question,

but what are you guys wearing to cope with the Michigan winter weather?

I am from Southern California, and I definitely do not own anything more than a thin hoodie.

Should I buy myself something on the less ridiculous side of a puffy jacket or should I bring a big black European peacoat type thing?

snowboots vs dress shoes?

scarf?

I'm planning on wearing a blazer with a puffy winter jacket on top and a scarf, some gloves, and a beanie. My plan is to just move as fast as possible to wherever I need to be. I'm hoping it's not super freezing there. When it comes to cold weather, fashion goes out the window for me. I also don't own snow boots, so I can't give you an opinion there... I take it you're female and talking about those Ugg things, or are you just really well equipped for snowy weather?

Edited January 14, 2010 by Bryan

[Grad Hopeful]

This may be a really dumb question,

but what are you guys wearing to cope with the Michigan winter weather?

I am from Southern California, and I definitely do not own anything more than a thin hoodie.

Should I buy myself something on the less ridiculous side of a puffy jacket or should I bring a big black European peacoat type thing?

snowboots vs dress shoes?

scarf?

I currently live in Michigan and it has been in the 30's and will most likely stay that way. Regarding the issue of snow, they will most likely have the surrounding area well plowed and well salted. Due to the salt you may want to avoid wearing any shoes that are strongly attached to due to possible salt damage. If you have a scarf, hat, and gloves you might want to bring them. What kind of coat you should wear would depend on how well-adjusted you are to the cold. I am not sure how prepared you are for Michigan weather and since I have always lived in this climate I can not give you any advice on the transition between California and Michigan.

[NeuroNerd86]

Grad Hopeful,

thank you for sharing this information with us. While I've spent most of my life in Michigan-like weather, last five years were in Southern California, and local weather is sooo easy to get used to... (proceeds to recalling what sub-zero C temperatures feel like)

[socialpsych]

Re: coat, I would go with a black wool peacoat if you can get your hands on one. You will look nice and professional, and you are unlikely to feel out of place or self-conscious. Definitely wear a few (or more than a few) layers underneath though, since they are not quite as warm as the big puffy coats. If it is in the 30s, though, you should be okay. (I grew up in a mild, non-snowy climate, by the way.)