2018 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results

[troutmaster]

Undergrad Institution: Mid sized university in south Louisiana
Major(s): Chemistry
Minor(s): 
GPA in Major: 3.3
Overall GPA: 3.5
Position in Class: no idea
Type of Student: Domestic white male

GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q: 160
V: 159
W: 4.0
B:



Research Experience: By the time I graduate I will have almost 2 years of undergraduate research and 4 or 5 poster presentations and 2 oral presentations. My group has a paper that we're ready to publish (I'm second author).

Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Presidents list twice, rest of the semesters I made Dean's list. I also have a few honors scholarships

Pertinent Activities or Jobs: President of our chapter's chem club

Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:

Special Bonus Points: My research hasn't really been done before and we're getting pretty interesting results

Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: I have C's in both organic lectures (ouch, I know) but I have A's in both labs. I'm not sure how much this will matter because my research advisor was my lecture teacher and he wrote me a really great recommendation letter. I'm just worried because I want to do organic research in grad school and I'm not sure if this will be a huge negative. I have a great statement of purpose and 3 good recommendation letters

Applying to Where:

Washington University in St. Louis - Chemistry

UNC Chapel Hill - Chemistry

Duke University- Chemistry

Colorado State- Chemistry

 

Hey Everyone!

I would appreciate it if anyone could give me any advice on my profile. I'm pretty nervous that I'm not competitive enough for these schools and any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[samman1994]

Undergrad Institution: State University (CSUN)
Major(s): Chemistry
GPA in Major: 3.05
Overall GPA:3.00
Position in Class: About average
Type of Student: Male, domestic 

GRE Scores (revised):
Q:156
V:155
W: Not graded yet

Research Experience: 3 years with one  Biochemistry lab (no publications yet)

Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Presented at 3 conferences, only author (aside from PI). All posters. Won first place in all of them.

Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Private tutor in Chemistry and Math for 3 years (mostly high school level, but have taught a little bit at college level too). Recently got an R&D job at a start up Biotech company looking at protein structure and protein formulation (related to my PhD program). However, don't know if I can put it in my SOP since I just started this week. 

Special Bonus Points: My letters are rec are from Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Synthetic Chemistry (so wide range). One letter of rec is from my PI (Biochemist), the other is from someone I did a collaboration with (P. Chemist), and the final one is a professor I took a class with (Synthetic Chemist). Both the professor and collaborator told me they wanted to write my rec letter. So I assume I have strong rec letters across a good spectrum. 

Applying to Where:

Iowa State University- BBMB- Structural Biology and Biophysics
Scripps Research Institute- Structural Biology and Biophysics
UNC Chapel Hill- BBSP- Same as above

Harvard

UConn- UConn Health- Biomedical Science

[Cubemaker]

Hi I am applying for fall 2018, and would love some inputs on my profile. 

Undergrad Institution: private college in India
Major(s):Biotechnology
Minor(s):n/a
GPA in Major:9.72/10
Overall GPA:9.72/10
Position in Class: near top (3-5%)
Type of Student:International,female

GRE Scores (revised):
Q:161
V:162
W:4.5
B:-


TOEFL Total: 119/120
Research Experience: One summer internships(unpaid and short) at one national institute , one observer position at a private research institution attached to a famous eye hospital,, one year(a little more if you consider observers to have experience) at an immunology lab in college, six months and counting at a cancer immunology lab in college (final year thesis will be here). No publications as of now, can see some forming on the horizon, but don't think they'll be reportable in any way for the admissions this Fall.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Two major Merit scholarships from college( one was for being ranked second in the department )

Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Have helped out in department symposiums, managed an event (quiz)

Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Won a couple of small competitions in college?

Special Bonus Points:  One of my recommenders is very enthusiastic about my applying and will show it in his letter
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: 

Applying to Where:
UC Davis- immunology- (DE host microbe interactions (I'm obsessed with studying the microbiome and the immune system))

Washington U, St Louis- DBBS- research on the human microbiome

OHSU- Department of Immunology- PhD immunology

University of Calgary- Gastrointestinal Sciences (masters)

University of Toronto- Msc fundamental immunology

I'm not very sure of the others, which are:  UCLA, University of Michigan (Ann Arbour), Harvard (MS Immunology), UC berkeley (Public health), University of Alberta  

I'm quite confused as my research experience is probably half baked in comparison to my competition, and while my grades are decent, I feel like my publication front needs to progress a little bit. I need some advice on whether I should continue with my application process, or wait another year and work on something that'd give me an edge. Or should I apply to other universities for an MSc for the time being. Being an international applicant, I'm especially worried about any chance I might have in terms of funding.

[nt1996]

On 10/25/2017 at 4:00 PM, bioquant said:

Looks like you have a solid application - good work!  It's recommended to have the GRE scores in the 160's, but not having that won't keep you from being considered.

As for schools, I'd suggest checking out UT Austin to see if there are labs there that might interest you.  While I ended up choosing a computational biology program, I interviewed at UT's BCMB and it was one of my favorites. Plus, there's plenty of CA transplants out in Austin to commiserate with!

Thank you for your reply! I was able to find a few labs that fit my interest very well at UT Austin so I've added the school to my list as well

[StemCellFan]

I already have an interview invite for Case Western Reserve's BSTP program!  I got my applications in early and it seems they're already evaluating them before their Dec 1st deadline.

Edited November 2, 2017 by StemCellFan

[Crucial BBQ]

On 11/1/2017 at 12:21 AM, samman1994 said:

Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Private tutor in Chemistry and Math for 3 years (mostly high school level, but have taught a little bit at college level too). Recently got an R&D job at a start up Biotech company looking at protein structure and protein formulation (related to my PhD program). However, don't know if I can put it in my SOP since I just started this week. 
 

Keep it out of SOP but do include it on your CV.  Who ever is looking over your application will make the connection.  

[catsareme]

Undergrad Institution: The Ohio State University
Major(s): Molecular Genetics
Minor(s):
GPA in Major: 3.80
Overall GPA: 3.41 (did not do the best in Ochem)
Position in Class: Not sure? Did very well in major classes
Type of Student: Female, domestic

GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q: 161 (78%)
V: 158 (80%)
W: 5.5 (98%)


Research Experience: Worked in a research lab for 3.5 years in undergrad, had my own independent projects, and graduated with research distinction for writing and defending a thesis. I now work at Washington University in St. Louis as a research technician for the School of Medicine's Pathology and Immunology Department.

Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Received funding to continue my research full time for two summers as well as multiple department level and college level research fellowships for my proposals.

Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Did a volunteer class that did DNA fingerprinting at high schools, volunteered to talk about undergraduate research through the Undergraduate Research Office at OSU

Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Presented 4 poster presentations between my last two years, got 4th place for one of them

Special Bonus Points: I took 2 graduate level courses with mainly all graduate students and got an A- in one and an A in the other.

Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:  I did not do super hot in Organic Chemistry, and I just don't know if my lower grades in that class that lowered my overall GPA will hurt me in getting into programs

Applying to Where:

Northwestern, Driskill Program in Life Sciences

University of Washington, Department of Genome Sciences

Washington University in St. Louis, Division of Biological Sciences

University of Wisconsin Madison, Genetics Program

University of Maryland, Epidemeology and Human Genetics

University of Toronto, Molecular Genetics (already have an international sponsor by a faculty member set up)

UC San Fransisco, TETRAD

University of Pennsylvania, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group

University of Iowa Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics

University of Georgia, Department of Genetics

[Mitocrazy]

 

Undergrad Institution: University of Toronto, it's high up on rankings but who knows
Major(s): Biochemistry specialist (equiv. to double major in terms of course load), Neuroscience major; Biochemistry masters
Minor(s):
GPA in Major:
Overall GPA: UG: 3.78, M: 4.0
Position in Class: Near top
Type of Student: International, Female

GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q: 161 (93rd percentile)
V: 163 (78th percentile)
W: 4.5 (82nd percentile)
B:

Subject Scores:
Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology: 92nd percentile
Biochemistry: 94th percentile
Cell Biology: 63rd percentile
Molecular Biology and Genetics: 95th percentile

Research Experience: 2 years undergrad in biochemistry labs, 2.5 years masters in biochemistry; no publications, no conference talks (this is what I'm really worried about); My research passion is mitochondrial biology, and I conducted 3.5 years of my research experience in a mitochondria lab. It's kind of niche so I've been thinking of talking about RNA biology in my letter to broaden appeal but I'd love to hear what you think.

Awards/Honors/Recognitions: schoolwide scholarship, Dean's list, basic scholarship to conduct research from department

Pertinent Activities or Jobs: 1 yr TA, 1 yr Invigilation, 1 yr graduate department student council

Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: This is going to completely give me away but Taekwondo ITF junior representative like... 7 years ago. Won some medals, but like. who cares? Still had to buy my own plane ticket.

Special Bonus Points:

Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:

Applying to Where:

UCDavis - BMCDB

Columbia - Neuroscience/Pathology and Cell Biology

UMass Med - MCCB

Boulder - MCDB

Yale - MCDB

UW-Madison - Biochemistry

My 'backup' is McGill, which I'm not really worried about in terms of admission. My real worry is that my lack of publications and conference attendance will really hold me back. I'm pretty sure I'll have positive references but I doubt my PI is going to go on and on about how great I am - it's not in his personality. I don't really know American school expectations so I'd welcome any feedback on likelihood for these schools. Should I bother or just save my money?

[samman1994]

5 hours ago, Crucial BBQ said:

Keep it out of SOP but do include it on your CV.  Who ever is looking over your application will make the connection.  

Thanks! Any other feedback on my application and chances in general (regarding the schools and programs I'm applying for)?

[Robbinah]

 

Undergrad Institution: Boston College
Major(s): Psychology B.S. (no neuroscience major available)
Minor(s):
GPA in Major: 3.98
Overall GPA: 3.64 (junior year 3.7, senior year 3.8-3.9) Graduated in 3.5 years
Position in Class: cum laude, near top
Type of Student: Domestic, Hispanic, Femal

GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q: 157 (66th)
V: 158 (80th)
W: 5.5 (93rd)
 I know these are lower than average, but I took twice studied for months and did no better, never done well with standardized testing


Research Experience: 2.5 years of research in undergraduate, behavioral neuroscience studying PTSD/ fear conditioning. Great LOR. Independent project... nothing published, never got significant results

6 months in a neurogenetics lab, working on iPSC derived neuronal lines at Harvard/MGH. 

2 years as a full time research technician in a very well known lab at Harvard Medical School. 1 second-author publication, 2 other publications in the works (I'm not 1,2, or 3rd author on these) 1 publication, AD/PD conference in Vienna, Austria. Working on independent project which hopefully will be a first author publication or at least poster. 

Awards/Honors/Recognitions: 3 years of awarded undergraduate research fellowships. I have just submitted my application for the NSF graduate fellowship and also applying for the National Defence Fellowship

Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Mentor Scientist for Science Club for Girls

Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Established protocols to isolate microglia and endothelial cells from donated human brain tissue, took over this project and have collected isolated cells from 17 cases with the MGH Alzheimers Brain Bank

Special Bonus Points: My post-doc who I work under went to WashU St. Louis and my PI is the head of Harvard Medical Schools neurology department. 

Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: I should have great LORS.... I am proficient in animal surgery, two-photon imaging, qPCR, and some other specialized techniques. Worked in a lab with a lot of resources to newer techniques.
Applying to Where:

Harvard-Neuroscience

WashU St. Louis- Neuroscience

Northwestern- Medical School-Neuroscience

Duke-Neurobiology

UNC Medical- Neuroscience

UChicago- Neurobiology

Upenn- Neuroscience

John Hopkins- Neuroscience

Tufts Sackler Institute- Neuroscience

UC boulder- Neuroscience

[Crucial BBQ]

20 hours ago, samman1994 said:

Thanks! Any other feedback on my application and chances in general (regarding the schools and programs I'm applying for)?

Your GPA is at the cut-off for most programs, so I wouldn't worry to much about it.  What will be more important are the courses in which you earned those lower grades, in particular whether they were math and science courses or not. If so, mention this and the reason in your SOP--but keep it brief.  

Your QR and VR scores will hurt your chances more than your GPA will.  If you have the time (and the money), I strongly suggest retaking the GRE.  

Your SOP will need to be top-notch, well written.  Even if you think that you wrote a killer SOP, you likely did not.  That is rude to say, but it's true because you do not know who the PI/program/etc.  is looking for.  With one program I had applied to my application was deemed 'admissible', yet no PI had picked me to join their labs.  With the Physical Oceanography lab I was admitted into, I was admitted by the PI of that lab because I have small boat handling skills/experience/certs which the PI found to be of use to his lab.  How was I supposed to know that before applying?  I did a phone interview with him before he had seen my application, he didn't mention it.  To further illustrate with another example:  you are applying to biochem/biophysics programs.  Maybe with one or more of the labs you are looking at have enough students who are good at biochem and with the related research.  As it stands, the PI of this lab is now looking for someone who is only good enough with the biochem but who possesses strong programming skills; a skill that the other students in the lab do not possess.  Maybe this PI is looking to get into informatics?  PIs do take their research into a new direction every so often.  

About LORs;  typically, a professor/PI are not going to waste their time by agreeing to write a bad letter.  If they feel they cannot recommend you, they simply won't agree to do it. 

About your selected schools;  there is simply no way of knowing where you will get in.  With that, Scripps and Harvard are likely long shots for you.  I am from California and know a bit about the college systems there.  Mainly, because a ridiculously large portion of the State budget is dedicated to higher education, and because that money comes from taxpayers, California heavily favors California.  Having graduated from a CSU you stand a good chance of getting into a UC.  You are pretty much guaranteed admittance into a CSU if you are willing to do an MS first.  

Edited November 3, 2017 by Crucial BBQ
Not wearing my glasses.

[samman1994]

1 hour ago, Crucial BBQ said:

Your GPA is at the cut-off for most programs, so I wouldn't worry to much about it.  What will be more important are the courses in which you earned those lower grades, in particular whether they were math and science courses or not. If so, mention this and the reason in your SOP--but keep it brief.  

Your QR and VR scores will hurt your chances more than your GPA will.  If you have the time (and the money), I strongly suggest retaking the GRE.  

Your SOP will need to be top-notch, well written.  Even if you think that you wrote a killer SOP, you likely did not.  That is rude to say, but it's true because you do not know who the PI/program/etc.  is looking for.  With one program I had applied to my application was deemed 'admissible', yet no PI had picked me to join their labs.  With the Physical Oceanography lab I was admitted into, I was admitted by the PI of that lab because I have small boat handling skills/experience/certs which the PI found to be of use to his lab.  How was I supposed to know that before applying?  I did a phone interview with him before he had seen my application, he didn't mention it.  To further illustrate with another example:  you are applying to biochem/biophysics programs.  Maybe with one or more of the labs you are looking at have enough students who are good at biochem and with the related research.  As it stands, the PI of this lab is now looking for someone who is only good enough with the biochem but who possesses strong programming skills; a skill that the other students in the lab do not possess.  Maybe this PI is looking to get into informatics?  PIs do take their research into a new direction every so often.  

About LORs;  typically, a professor/PI are not going to waste their time by agreeing to write a bad letter.  If they feel they cannot recommend you, they simply won't agree to do it. 

About your selected schools;  there is simply no way of knowing where you will get in.  With that, Scripps and Harvard are likely long shots for you.  I am from California and know a bit about the college systems there.  Mainly, because a ridiculously large portion of the State budget is dedicated to higher education, and because that money comes from taxpayers, California heavily favors California.  Having graduated from a CSU you stand a good chance of getting into a UC.  You are pretty much guaranteed admittance into a CSU if you are willing to do an MS first.  

Thanks for the feedback! Sadly, those scores are after I retook it, and there is not enough time to retake it. I have had my SOP reviewed by people here, and other MS and PIs at my university. Almost all of my grades improved in both Chem and Math after my 2nd year (my GPA was abysmal my first 2 years, then I brought it up). My only hope for the schools I'm applying to is, the research I did in my undergrad is very similar to everywhere and everyones lab I'm applying to (that I've reached out to), so I'm hoping maybe that will be enough, but I understand they are long shots. There weren't any UCs that really caught my interest, and I don't have the money nor want to go into debt for a MS. I'm hoping I can shoot straight for a PhD at the schools I'm applying to. 

However, that being said, I have had a professor tell me at Iowa State that he has already talked to the faculty about me, and he even told me specifically what program to apply to so he can get me in. At UConn, my previous PI is very close with the people I am interested in joining, so she told me she would talk to them about me so they would at least look at my application (so it won't go under the radar). So as far as I look at it, I have what I hope are 2 safe schools, and 3 long shots. Honestly, I will be happy with either school, all the schools in my list are schools/labs I am very interested in joining

[Crucial BBQ]

17 hours ago, samman1994 said:

Thanks for the feedback! Sadly, those scores are after I retook it, and there is not enough time to retake it. I have had my SOP reviewed by people here, and other MS and PIs at my university. Almost all of my grades improved in both Chem and Math after my 2nd year (my GPA was abysmal my first 2 years, then I brought it up). My only hope for the schools I'm applying to is, the research I did in my undergrad is very similar to everywhere and everyones lab I'm applying to (that I've reached out to), so I'm hoping maybe that will be enough, but I understand they are long shots. There weren't any UCs that really caught my interest, and I don't have the money nor want to go into debt for a MS. I'm hoping I can shoot straight for a PhD at the schools I'm applying to. 

However, that being said, I have had a professor tell me at Iowa State that he has already talked to the faculty about me, and he even told me specifically what program to apply to so he can get me in. At UConn, my previous PI is very close with the people I am interested in joining, so she told me she would talk to them about me so they would at least look at my application (so it won't go under the radar). So as far as I look at it, I have what I hope are 2 safe schools, and 3 long shots. Honestly, I will be happy with either school, all the schools in my list are schools/labs I am very interested in joining

I was in a similar situation with a PI and had wrote about here at Grad Cafe in the past.  Frankly, I thought that my acceptance into this lab/program was all but guaranteed so you can imagine my surprise when I saw the rejection letter.  As it had turned out, the PI simply had not seen all of the applications yet and I can only assume that a better application had come across his desk after we had spoke.  Not suggesting the same fate for you and I truly hope you have a different outcome, I am only illustrating that these things happen.  I am not one to believe that  'everything happens for a reason' but I do believe that there are multiple future events that the future *you* may become a part of.  Yeah, I know, no duh, right?  I' just saying there are many paths towards the same end-goal, some of which might include time, money, and an MS program.  I am familiar with your postings around Grad Cafe; when I read them I often think to myself, 'this is something I may have written back in 2013/2014'.  In a way, my responses here are a sort of my future self giving my past self advice. Serendipity is a marvelous thing and I would not be where I am now without having failed hard, many times. Now, I am likely in one of the best positions for me to enter into a Ph.D. program;  certainly in a better position now than I was even a year ago.  The caveat of course is I must wait another year or two, but so what?  

 

I had read something somewhere on the Internet a few years ago; it was a post by a guy who in his forties was concerned that he would be too old by the time he [would] have earned his Ph.D.  Another poster responded to him by reminding him that, 'you can be 50 with a Ph.D., or you can be 50 without a Ph.D.  Either way, you will still be 50'.  As someone who is older than most around here, words to live by for sure.  

 

Anyways, you seem to be in a better position than I was before all of this.  I imagine you will also have better luck.  About UCs:  If you want Scripps, would it not be possible to attend UCSD and work in collaboration with Scripps, assuming we are discussing the same Scripps?  I also assumed that UCSF would have the BioChem you are looking for and if not then UCB or UCLA. Possibly Irvine, but Irvine might be more on the BioTech side of things. 

[samman1994]

3 minutes ago, Crucial BBQ said:

I was in a similar situation with a PI and had wrote about here at Grad Cafe in the past.  Frankly, I thought that my acceptance into this lab/program was all but guaranteed so you can imagine my surprise when I saw the rejection letter.  As it had turned out, the PI simply had not seen all of the applications yet and I can only assume that a better application had come across his desk after we had spoke.  Not suggesting the same fate for you and I truly hope you have a different outcome, I am only illustrating that these things happen.  I am not one to believe that  'everything happens for a reason' but I do believe that there are multiple future events that the future *you* may become a part of.  Yeah, I know, no duh, right?  I' just saying there are many paths towards the same end-goal, some of which might include time, money, and an MS program.  I am familiar with your postings around Grad Cafe; when I read them I often think to myself, 'this is something I may have written back in 2013/2014'.  In a way, my responses here are a sort of my future self giving my past self advice. Serendipity is a marvelous thing and I would not be where I am now without having failed hard, many times. Now, I am likely in one of the best positions for me to enter into a Ph.D. program;  certainly in a better position now than I was even a year ago.  The caveat of course is I must wait another year or two, but so what?  

 

I had read something somewhere on the Internet a few years ago; it was a post by a guy who in his forties was concerned that he would be too old by the time he [would] have earned his Ph.D.  Another poster responded to him by reminding him that, 'you can be 50 with a Ph.D., or you can be 50 without a Ph.D.  Either way, you will still be 50'.  As someone who is older than most around here, words to live by for sure.  

 

Anyways, you seem to be in a better position than I was before all of this.  I imagine you will also have better luck.  About UCs:  If you want Scripps, would it not be possible to attend UCSD and work in collaboration with Scripps, assuming we are discussing the same Scripps?  I also assumed that UCSF would have the BioChem you are looking for and if not then UCB or UCLA. Possibly Irvine, but Irvine might be more on the BioTech side of things. 

Well, I've already made back up plans for if I get rejected from all the schools. I've currently joined a small start up biotech company, and as far as they are concerned, I'm here to stay for at least a few years. My role in this company is quite diverse, and thus, there is a potential I may use a large variety of instrumentation, definitely boosting my "SOP/resume". If I don't get in this year, I'm planning to stay at my job, learn hopefully as much of the instrumentation as possible, and reapply with a more in-depth SOP. If anything, for me its not a matter of time, but rather just disappointment. I've already told everyone I'm applying (close family and friends), already told me previous PI and lab mates(that I still keep in touch with), and I've been designing everything in my life around it (money to save, places to possibly move, one final major vacation before I go, etc.). So getting news that I've been rejected from all the schools and basically can't go next year,  I wouldn't look at it as much as time wasted, but rather more of a feeling of failure and disappointment. 

To the UCSD, yes, but if I wanted to actually work at the Scripps labs (which are the ones whos research I'm interested in), I'd have to join scripps. I could join a UCSD research lab, and do a collaboration at scripps, but that would be it. In regards to UCSF, and the other schools, they didn't have enough researchers. My minimum was at least 3 researchers who I'd like to join, UCSF for some reasons has decided to give the entire NMR facility to only 2 people, and both UCLA, UCB, and Irvine didn't have enough researchers (at least compared to the programs I'm now applying to). Keep in mind, there may have been schools that had great programs, but the 5 schools I'm applying to simply have better programs than the rest. If I had more money, I definitely would apply to some UCs. 

[JacquelineY]

On 10/22/2017 at 9:36 PM, Bioenchilada said:

 

Thank you for the input! I've talked to my lab and they agreed to take me as a technician in case my application falls through. So I'm happy that part is settled. 

[CAWater13]

Feedback would be super welcome!

Undergrad Institution: Lower ranking Ivy
Major(s): Environmental Science (aquatic ecology/water management focus)
Minor(s):
GPA in Major: N/A
Overall GPA: 4.1 (out of 4.3)
Position in Class: summa cum laude, first in major
Type of Student: domestic asian female

GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q: 167
V: 170
W: 6
B: N/A


TOEFL Total: (if applicable, otherwise delete this)

Research Experience: 

Biofuels lab at undergraduate university, ~1.5 years

 

Aquatic invasive species project, summer internship -- 1st author publication and regional conference presentation

 

Bioremediation microbio lab, 1 semester

 

Aquatic ecology / microbiology senior honors thesis (evaluating disease regulation), ~1.5 years

Awards/Honors/Recognitions: 

Undergraduate research scholars program - 4 years of undergraduate funding

Two $1000 undergraduate research grant supplements 

Faculty nomination for senior class award (1% of class)
 

None outside of undergraduate university

Pertinent Activities or Jobs: 

EPA water division summer internship

 

1.5 years work experience at a groundwater management/engineering firm

 

2.5 years work experience at an academic non-profit conducting applied water quality science/research: 2nd author publication in prep; 2 national conference presentations; 2 regional conference presentations, but "research" is very applied 

Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:

Special Bonus Points: 

Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:
My research experiences have clearly jumped around, and some of my LORs will be from prior research advisors (one who supervised my paper, one my senior honors thesis advisor) in fields I am not directly applying to. (Third LOR is from a current non-academic program director and a statewide science program lead)  How much of a concern is this? How do you recommend discussing diverse research backgrounds / future research interests (i.e. completely ignore older experiences, mention everything you've learned, ensure future focus area is quite narrow?)?

Applying to Where:
Aquatic ecosystem ecology focus -- biogeochemistry or ecotoxicology bent depending on the program

Duke - Environmental Sciences/Ecology

 

University of Wisconsin - Freshwater & Marine Sciences

 

Harvard - Environmental Engineering & Public Health

 

Deciding:

 

University of Washington - School of Aquatic Fisheries Science or CEE (biogeochemistry focus)

 

Stanford - Earth Systems Science

 

UC Davis - Ecology or Toxicology

 

UC Berkeley - ESPM

 

University of Toronto - Ecology

 

I am concerned that my diverse/short-term research experiences will look more like a negative than a plus, and as a result I have not done a lot of truly independent research. Suggestions for addressing this? I am relatedly struggling to find the line between defining interdisciplinary interests and appearing unfocused -- and between applying specifically to one particular professor and leaving options open for multiple to potentially pick up my application. 

 

Also -- any suggestions for perhaps lower tier school options? Thanks!

[Bio_123]

Hi!

I will graduate this summer and I am nervous, since I am applying for the first time. Could you comment on the possibility of being accepted into the programs I'm interested in? Also I would be grateful if you could recommend other programs. I am interested in Cancer Biology.

Undergrad Institution: One of the top universities in Turkey

Major(s): Molecular Biology and Genetics / Double Major: Chemistry

Minor(s):

GPA in Major:

Overall GPA: 3.74

Position in Class: one of the top students

Type of Student: International, female

 GRE Scores:

Q: 164

V: 153

W: 3

B:

TOEFL Total: 106

 Research Experience:

-          2 months research experience at Cambridge University, UK. The project was about cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer. I did protein purification, used chromatography techniques and performed protein interaction assays. Model organism: E.Coli

-          1 year research experience in my home university on protein modifications. I worked with HEK and HeLa cell lines. I did Western Blot, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and some in vitro assays.

 Awards/Honors/Recognitions:

High Honor Student

Erasmus Scholarship

The Scientific and Technological Research Council Scholarship

Pertinent Activities or Jobs: 

 Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:

I will make an oral presentation at the end of the semester to committee made up faculty members about my research project.

Special Bonus Points:

I have graduate level courses on Cancer Biology and pass with the highest grade

I believe I will have strong recommendations. One of my recommender did his PhD at one of the universities that I apply.

Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:

 Applying to Where:

Weill Cornell

The Rockefeller University, Graduate Program in Bioscience

Columbia University, Biological Science

Brown, Molecular Biology,Cell Biology and Biochemistry Program

NYU

Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Edited November 12, 2017 by Bio_123

[Bioenchilada]

53 minutes ago, Bio_123 said:

Hi!

I will graduate this summer and I am nervous, since I am applying for the first time. Could you comment on the possibility of being accepted into the programs I'm interested in? Also I would be grateful if you could recommend other programs. I am interested in Cancer Biology.

Undergrad Institution: One of the top universities in Turkey

Major(s): Molecular Biology and Genetics / Double Major: Chemistry

Minor(s):

GPA in Major:

Overall GPA: 3.74

Position in Class: one of the top students

Type of Student: International, female

 GRE Scores:

Q: 164

V: 153

W: 3

B:

TOEFL Total: 106

 Research Experience:

-          2 months research experience at Cambridge University, UK. The project was about cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer. I did protein purification, used chromatography techniques and performed protein interaction assays. Model organism: E.Coli

-          1 year research experience in my home university on protein modifications. I worked with HEK and HeLa cell lines. I did Western Blot, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and some in vitro assays.

 Awards/Honors/Recognitions:

High Honor Student

Erasmus Scholarship

The Scientific and Technological Research Council Scholarship

Pertinent Activities or Jobs: 

 Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:

I will make an oral presentation at the end of the semester to committee made up faculty members about my research project.

Special Bonus Points:

I have graduate level courses on Cancer Biology and pass with the highest grade

I believe I will have strong recommendations. One of my recommender did his PhD at one of the universities that I apply.

Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:

 Applying to Where:

Weill Cornell

The Rockefeller University, Graduate Program in Bioscience

Columbia University, Biological Science

Brown, Molecular Biology,Cell Biology and Biochemistry Program

NYU

Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Your numbers are good and the amount of research experience is okay, though a bit on the lower side for the schools you’re applying to. I don’t think your chances of getting in are particularly low. However, you should be aware that getting in as an international student is more competitive, so domestic applicants are not best suited to gauge your chances. 

I feel like a strong SOP that is well tailored to the schools you are applying to and good rec letters will boost your chances  

Some questions: Why are you applying to those schools in particular? Do you have at least 5 people you are interested in in each? Who will write you third letter? 

For cancer biology, programs affiliated with medical schools might be your best bet.

[Bio_123]

1 hour ago, Bioenchilada said:

Your numbers are good and the amount of research experience is okay, though a bit on the lower side for the schools you’re applying to. I don’t think your chances of getting in are particularly low. However, you should be aware that getting in as an international student is more competitive, so domestic applicants are not best suited to gauge your chances. 

I feel like a strong SOP that is well tailored to the schools you are applying to and good rec letters will boost your chances  

Some questions: Why are you applying to those schools in particular? Do you have at least 5 people you are interested in in each? Who will write you third letter? 

For cancer biology, programs affiliated with medical schools might be your best bet.

Thank you so much for your reply! I have research groups that I am interested in these schools and diverse research opportunities specially attract me.  One of my referees is my current PI, other is from Cambridge and the third one is a Professor from my university who I took immunology classes.

I know that applications will be competitive. My GRE score isn’t very good and I will not be able to take GRE Subject test. Also, I don’t have any publication which is another disadvantage for me. I hope I can show my commitment in my SOP and everything goes well 

 

Edited November 12, 2017 by Bio_123

[ChallengerSwimmer23]

Undergrad Institution: Texas A&M University (Whoop!)

Graduate Institution (Masters): A well-respected graduate school of biomedical sciences in TX...can't say where. Don't want to reveal too much of myself. lol. 

Major(s): B.S. Biology, Finishing my M.S. in Immunology
Minor(s): N/A
GPA in Major: 3.2 (undergrad :/), ~3.5 (masters)
Overall GPA: ~3.3 when you average both undergrad and masters
Position in Class: N/A
Type of Student: Domestic Male Hispanic Graduate School Student

GRE Scores (revised/old version): Retook the GRE - scored around the same. Writing should go up though. Have other parts of my app that trumps GRE anyway and already have been tested in grad school as a master's student in my classes and research. 

Q: 155 (59%)
V: 150 (~48%)
W: 4.0 (60%)


Research Experience: 25 full-time months of research experience (it's because I am in grad school - that's why I have so many hours and months of lab and research time). Overall, very strong research experience in both undergrad and grad school. From undergrad, got 2 publications (1 co-author and 1 first-author submitted recently). 2 projects in undergrad in which one used bacteriophages and other was a phage genomics related project. Became interested in cancer immunology research in grad school. Major project in an immunotherapy lab, about to submit my first-author publication very soon, presented my project as an oral presentation at national SACNAS Conference, co-mentored an undergrad this summer on his project (he took 4th place among all summer undergrad students), and working on my thesis to be defended next semester. Pushing for another publication next year before I leave to a Ph.D. program. Also about to present another oral presentation of my project at an upcoming local conference and hoping to present at AAI Conference in Austin this upcoming May! 

Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Outstanding SACNAS Chapter Graduate Student Award, 2 Competitive Research Travel Scholarships in support of my trip to SACNAS Conference, Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, Invited to Present Oral Presentation at 2017 SACNAS, Elected as President of SACNAS Chapter on my campus back in March

Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Teaching Assistant for graduate-level biostatistics course, graduate student co-mentor of summer undergraduate research student from HBCU program, President of my SACNAS Chapter, Coordinator or among leaders of 3 major mentorship educational outreach programs geared towards increasing minority middle and high school students interested in biomedical sciences - gave a lot of presentations and coordinated mentorship activities in science outreach programs

Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Violinist in University Orchestra (4 years in undergrad), host of a classical music radio show, competitive chess player, competitive Masters Swimmer (compete in butterfly and freestyle for fun against other masters swim clubs), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (3 years), volunteer violinist at my church, Water Polo

Special Bonus Points: Both my undergrad PI and grad PI are very well-known researchers in their respective fields. I am a master's student already incorporated in a Ph.D. program - in other words, the Ph.D. admissions committee in my program already know me very well since I see them everyday - advantage for their Ph.D. program I applying to. Also connected with all Ph.D. programs at SACNAS Conference one by one to make sure they remember me on my application and learn more about specific faculty with openings (NETWORKING IS ESSENTIAL!). I am applying to Ph.D. as a Master's student, so Ph.D. programs are looking at someone who is well tested already in graduate school in both my classwork and my research. Hispanic URM from Texas. Lots of Graduate Level Classes - all A's and B's. 

Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: Well, GRE might be on the slightly low side for the programs I am applying to. However (the good news), from personally talking with these top Ph.D. programs at SACNAS Conference, there is a general consensus that GRE is the least important factor on the application (GRE should not be even a factor in applications to begin with - GRE doesn't predict anyone's success in grad school). Master's GPA is good, big overall trend. Struggled in undergrad because family member was being treated for cancer, so that very tough on my grades, but I worked hard and stayed focused on my goals. Rec Letters are very strong with all of them coming from all my research mentors. Strong research experience in both undergrad and grad school.

Applying to Where:

Crossing Fingers!!! Good Luck everyone!

Baylor College of Medicine

UT Southwestern

UT Health Houston - MD Anderson

University of Notre Dame

University of Michigan PIBS

University of Texas at Austin

Rice University 

University of Houston

University of North Texas Health Science Center

The Ohio State University

Vanderbilt University IGP

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill BBSP

University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston

[NeuroKat111]

So I've been snooping on this thread for a while now, and finally decided to post myself >_< 

Undergrad Institution: UCSD
Major(s): Physiology and Neuroscience, Minor: Computer Science
GPA in Major: 3.83
Overall GPA:3.78
Position in Class: Not sure
Type of Student: Female, domestic 

GRE Scores (revised):
Q:158
V:157
W: 4.0 
I'm retaking it tomorrow so hopefully I can get it higher..
 

Research Experience: 3 years with 3 different labs:

1. Research in genetics/protein interactions, studying genetic basis of autism and schizophrenia ~ 1.5 years. I worked on an independent project building a database of co-expressed de novo protein interactions that are associated with schizophrenia. I have done mostly experimental work with DNA and Yeast and did computational analysis with "big data".  It's been a while since I worked there, so I don't highlight this experienece in my applications. I presented at undergraduate research conference, acknowledged in a paper (I don't think this counts haha)

2. Research in computational neuro, studying memory consolidation during sleep ~ 1 year. I also worked independently in a project that applied a computational model of the hippocampal neural network. I simulated how memories are strengthened during sleep after learning a spatial task. I submitted paper as a 2nd author (under review currently)

3. Research in  cellular neuro, studying glial-neural interactions in Parkinson's disease ~  6 months. I am mostly helping with experimental techniques such as co-cultures, RNA and DNA preps, differentiating cells, and histology. I also help organize and plan experiments, as well as read up on current papers. I presented at institute's annual conference, preparing to submit a paper by the end of the year as 3rd author 

Awards/Honors/Recognitions:  I have been on Provost Honors for most quarters, and I've received 2 merit based scholarships. 

Pertinent Activities or Jobs:  I have been a TA for an undergraduate physiology class for 2 quarters and have worked as an assistant programmer for UCSD SuperComputer center. 

Special Bonus Points: My letters of rec are from my PIs in the last two labs I've been with. One is very well-known in the neuro community as is going to link with me with some professors I'm interested in. The other PI also referred to some labs that he collaborates with. My third letter of rec is from my professor in physiology who I've also TA'd for. All my recommenders know me very well, so I think I'll get strong letters.    

Applying to Where: I know my list is pretty top heavy but I've done my research and find these to fit my interests the most

1. USC, Neuroscience Graduate Program 

 

2. University of Washington, Graduate Program of Neuroscience

 

3. UCLA, Interdepartmental PhD Program in Neuroscience (NSIDP)

 

4. MIT, Brain and Cognitive Sciences Graduate Program

 

5. UCSD, Neuroscience Graduate Program
 

6. NYU, Neural Science Graduate Program

 

7. Boston University, Graduate Program for Neuroscience

 

8. University of Pennsylvania, Neuroscience Graduate Group Program

 

 

[ZAureus]

Hello everyone!

Would appreciate if someone could comment on whether I have a chance to be admetted to programs I'm applying to, since I have low GPA and my Q score isn't so hot as well (hope good subject compensates for that). And my research experience might not be so competitive too. Maybe I should consider some lower-ranked programs?

Undergrad Institution: some Medical University, top for medicine in Russia
Major(s): General Medicine (MD)
Minor(s): n/a
GPA in Major: 
Overall GPA: 3.21
Position in Class: n/a
Type of Student: International male

GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q: 155 (59%)
V: 161 (88%)
W: 3.0 (18%)
B: Biology 820 (90%)


TOEFL Total: 105

Research Experience: 4 years in neurobiological lab in Moscow, Russia, with focus on cellular basis of memory. Got my own little project, but no publications so far. Oral presentations and posters at several all-russian "international" conferences.

Awards/Honors/Recognitions: an award for the best oral presentation at local conference (don't know if it's worth mentioning though)

Pertinent Activities or Jobs: private tutor for high school students in biology and chemistry for 3 years, also did some toturing at college level in biochemistry, histology ans pharmacology

Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: 

Special Bonus Points: one of my recommenders is relatively well-known scientist (compared to other russians)

Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: would recieve MD degree (don't know if this is an advantage)

Applying to Where:
Applying to Neuroscience programs

UCSD

UCLA

UC Davis

UC Riverside

Baylor

Emory

UT Southwestern

Columbia

NYU

Edited November 14, 2017 by ZAureus

[NeuroKat111]

On 11/12/2017 at 5:41 PM, NeuroKat111 said:

So I've been snooping on this thread for a while now, and finally decided to post myself >_< 

Undergrad Institution: UCSD
Major(s): Physiology and Neuroscience, Minor: Computer Science
GPA in Major: 3.83
Overall GPA:3.78
Position in Class: Not sure
Type of Student: Female, domestic 

** new scores after retaking GRE
GRE Scores (revised):
Q:158 --> 162
V:157 --> 162
W: 4.0  --> n.a.
I'm retaking it tomorrow so hopefully I can get it higher..
 

Research Experience: 3 years with 3 different labs:

1. Research in genetics/protein interactions, studying genetic basis of autism and schizophrenia ~ 1.5 years. I worked on an independent project building a database of co-expressed de novo protein interactions that are associated with schizophrenia. I have done mostly experimental work with DNA and Yeast and did computational analysis with "big data".  It's been a while since I worked there, so I don't highlight this experienece in my applications. I presented at undergraduate research conference, acknowledged in a paper (I don't think this counts haha)

2. Research in computational neuro, studying memory consolidation during sleep ~ 1 year. I also worked independently in a project that applied a computational model of the hippocampal neural network. I simulated how memories are strengthened during sleep after learning a spatial task. I submitted paper as a 2nd author (under review currently)

3. Research in  cellular neuro, studying glial-neural interactions in Parkinson's disease ~  6 months. I am mostly helping with experimental techniques such as co-cultures, RNA and DNA preps, differentiating cells, and histology. I also help organize and plan experiments, as well as read up on current papers. I presented at institute's annual conference, preparing to submit a paper by the end of the year as 3rd author 

Awards/Honors/Recognitions:  I have been on Provost Honors for most quarters, and I've received 2 merit based scholarships. 

Pertinent Activities or Jobs:  I have been a TA for an undergraduate physiology class for 2 quarters and have worked as an assistant programmer for UCSD SuperComputer center. 

Special Bonus Points: My letters of rec are from my PIs in the last two labs I've been with. One is very well-known in the neuro community as is going to link with me with some professors I'm interested in. The other PI also referred to some labs that he collaborates with. My third letter of rec is from my professor in physiology who I've also TA'd for. All my recommenders know me very well, so I think I'll get strong letters.    

Applying to Where: I know my list is pretty top heavy but I've done my research and find these to fit my interests the most

1. USC, Neuroscience Graduate Program 

 

2. University of Washington, Graduate Program of Neuroscience

 

3. UCLA, Interdepartmental PhD Program in Neuroscience (NSIDP)

 

4. MIT, Brain and Cognitive Sciences Graduate Program

 

5. UCSD, Neuroscience Graduate Program
 

6. NYU, Neural Science Graduate Program

 

7. Boston University, Graduate Program for Neuroscience

 

8. University of Pennsylvania, Neuroscience Graduate Group Program

 

 

 

[hirosh]

Undergrad Institution: Tier-2 university in Japan.
Graduate Institution: Best school in Japan
Major(s): Mechanical Engineering
GPA(UG)-2.7/4.0(80-percentile), GPA(M)-4.0/4.0

GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Q:168/170
V:141/160
W:3.0/-
(I did not prepare at all, so I retry the GRE tmorrow.)
TOEFL Total: 99

Research Experience: (At your school or elsewhere? What field? How much time? Any publications (Mth author out of N?) or conference talks etc...)
I have 3 year research experience. undergraduate for single year and masters for 2 years. At master's course I executed 3 completely different research topics under different supervisors.
My publication as a first author are 1 journal publication that is currently under review and 4 conference papers (one of which is IEEE). 

Awards/Honors/Recognitions: (Within your school or outside?)
Graduated with best research presentation award (undergrad).
Passed the qualifying exam at the highest score in the class(undegrad institution)
 
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: (Such as tutor, TA, SPS officer etc...)
Research assistant (RA) at Japanese version of NASA.

Special Bonus Points: (Such as connections, grad classes, famous recommenders, female or minority status etc...)
My current supervisers are really famous. 

Applying to Where: 

MIT - EECS
Stanford - Aerospace engineering
CMU - mechanical engineering
Duke - mechanical engineering
Univ. of Tokyo - EECS
Georgia Tech - aerospace engineering
Kyoto university - mechanical engieneering
UCSB - mechanical engineering
Keio university - mechanical engineering

My undegraduate GPA was low. Probably, I will be rejected by all American Universities. Fortunately, Japanese university's admission didn't care GPAs to my knowledge. I will  go for Ph.D.  in Japan, and wiil apply american university as a Post-Doc student again! 

Anybody who has really low GPA like me but has confidece about your research ability, applying Japanese university is one choice.  I think foreign student can relatively easily get the fund in Japan. 

[hirosh]

Made a mistake. My GRE is Q: 168, V: 141, W: 3.0.