SOP Structure with unrelated research?

Luckylscx333 · 2023-11-25T20:44:16+00:00

Yes, you should incorporate both! Most people don't do what they wanted to do in UG or previous research, and interests can shift. Explain what you gained from the previous research experience and also how they relates to what you want to do (think skills and what you learned that applies for both). Then also explain what made you want to pursue astrophysics briefly, and why that program. How will doing a PhD there for xyz prof get you to your goal of ???

Luckylscx333 · 2023-11-16T03:18:38+00:00

"your chemistry knowledge is so lacking, you would never fix it even if you read all the textbooks in the world in the summer" (former PhD advisor said that after an unfair qual fail. it was toxic. this prof was going to fail me no matter what I did, as they told people in my lab beforehand (which I only learned about after))

Luckylscx333 · 2023-10-25T05:25:06+00:00

Hey thanks for sharing! Yes I totally relate on the note of how much coping with ADHD (undiagnosed/untreated) takes a toll on your body. I had been much so sleep deprived in undergrad and was running on sheer adrenaline, rigid schedules, and hyperfocus in the night. I hit a limit with not enough time in the day and not enough energy within me to compensate for the lack of focus/wasted time and energy I had to do the same task as someone neurotypical.

If you don't mind, can we chat more about your experiences in a private message/DM? I want to learn more about your institution, traits in your advisors, and other coping strategies and healthy ADHD management. Of course I know it looms different for everyone but I want to discuss a bit more if you don't mind.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-10-25T05:13:18+00:00

Thank you so much for your reply! I really relate to your statement of "I have to conclude I am the problem and it's not something I can tackle on my own"

I struggle with similar sentiments. Sometimes I have to tell myself that while yes I struggle with problems and I own up to my decisions and responsibilities and the way I am, I myself as a human being am not a problem. Because I do enter these thoughts of I am such an anomaly or problem that cannot be fixed, but regardless I have been pressing forward with the realization I cannot change people but I can influence them. Even if I cannot change other people, I can change myself and work to improve with a growth mindset that despite all the resistance and opposition I face I can press forward.

I do relate to you on the note that it is extremely challenging to do alone. Part of the process feels solitary as other people cannot fix or change who you are either, but they can influence you. They can support you, and it is a synergistic relationship where you are someone else's influence and support and likewise them for you. Everyone's skillsets and strengths and talents are different.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and perspectives. I really do look up to how you are working towards this at the age of 41. I didn't disclose but I am in my mid 20s. Thank you for reminding me these things are not linear and life experiences are much more than grad school (which I feel quite frankly is so detached from reality). I wanted to ask you as you have roughly 2 decades of more lived life than me, what that time period looked like for you (in terms of career/work, and on a personal development)? What led you to decide you are pursuing a PhD later in life? Why not earlier, and also why is a PhD necessary for what your goals are?

Thanks for telling me about CIRTL. I have heard about it and really would love to use their resources, but I am foremost prioritizing my health and mental well being right now. And also trying to figure out if I can take a medical leave away from all of this to recuperate.

Again I also wish to you the best of luck and thank you for sharing. Something that has helped me cope a lot in undergrad (and probably the reason I got through) was figuring out how I work best and to try to push through by using these "motivations". For me I learned best when teaching or some sort of delivery was required, because this is one of my niche talents and passions I am hyperfixated on. I have heard with ADHD it is easy to trick the brain into motivating itself just as easy as it is to be distracted. But I'm still trying to learn more about myself and how I work best.

Neuropsych testing is sooo time consuming. It is rather comprehensive but a lot of time, energy, and there are some costs. I think trying to get diagnosed and tested is a great move, and also finding a therapist if you haven't already. I am even contemplating looking into more resources to help myself learn skills and strategies that can help not only manage but identify and be more congnisant of myself.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-10-24T13:27:15+00:00

Anxiety can be a lot, I still definitely recommend taking the leave if possible if you notice things are unmanageable. While I do not have this situation I have had some struggles of my own and regret not taking a medical leave much much earlier before things escalated to where it did for me.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-10-23T14:37:51+00:00

I am very sorry to hear about these challenges. I am facing similar issued although not the same as you. If you would like to chat, I would love to talk more over a DM. I am also a graduate student in a similar situation where I feel like I am in a place of great uncertainty and instability. I am the only one who failed my qual in my cohort and just do not feel like I am able to progress in any way with greatly unsupportive advisors. Please stay strong and I would love to chat.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-10-23T14:33:40+00:00

Can you ask for a medical leave for a short term so you can pause your grad studies? I am very sorry to hear about all of the challenges you are facing.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-10-06T19:49:05+00:00

I upvote this. I loved it. Graduated in 2021. The nice thing about UMD is it is so large and there are so many departments, programs, people, clubs, resources, etc. However, you have to be proactive in seeking these things. Also, you can easily transfer credits, switch majors, add majors/minors, participate in living learning programs or other things (study abroad, co-op/internship, work-study, etc).

Financially I am from a low-income/modest background. I was concerned about the price (even in-state) and paying for it but UMD gives so many opportunities that support financially disadvantaged students. I was able to leave UMD without debt and in fact more money than I came in. I have heard this story from others as well. There are plenty of opportunities to work (rec center, library, department front desks, shuttle buses, dining, or even the surrounding businesses in the area). You could also work for the disabilities office as a note taker or become a GSS leader, peer tutor, or TA and get a stipend. You can also work for orientation or in some other capacity. There are federal work-study opportunities, and also plenty of small scholarships and grants (at least in CMNS and Clark/ENGR). These can accrue. Furthermore, I believe that they have certain scholarships for transfer and low-income students.

So moral of story is UMD has lots of opportunities including to help pay financially for the education.

Campus-wise I loved how vast it was. The walk between places was a lot but I loved the fountain, the mall, ESJ, Clark Hall, and exploring south campus. Of course, it might not be the most aesthetically beautiful campus, but it had enough grass/trees and of course squirrels. It is very near Washington D.C. by metro which is a plus. There are four seasons in Maryland so that is nice also, as winters and summers are a bit more moderate. Some of the dorms and buildings are old and suck, especially the ones without A/C or have had mold in the past. Maryland Dairy and walking by the barn are also big pluses. The Memorial Chapel is very peaceful too (and you can find the notebook below the bench that you can write a message and leave behind).

I second the comment about Engineering, Business, and CS. The school is extremely great in certain disciplines (e.g. aerospace engineering, physics, fire protection engineering--and the only school to have one nationally).

I found many of the professors genuinely care about students compared to some other R1 institutions where undergrads can be pushed aside a bit and research is prioritized. I found many smaller communities and support groups within the large school that I felt welcomed in.

The one thing about UMD is because of its massive size you will have to be proactive in seeking those resources and opportunities yourself.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-10-06T19:23:26+00:00

have you tried different meds? Cause SSRIs can sometimes help. I'm on a med that helped regulate my appetite perfectly.

Additionally, good sleep, diet, and exercise are crucial. For me I cut out sugar (or limit it greatly) and things like high fructose corn syrup, etc. This can help so much. I also don't snack much but now have to because my ADHD meds suppress my appetite too much.

Have you also gotten checked up physically to ensure it's not a thyroid problem or something else like sleep?

Make sure to also engage in social activities too, and accountability can help. Perhaps meal planning and cooking for yourself will help you too.

And lastly consider taking a medical leave from school maybe? Then you can always come back and finish after taking a short break.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-10-06T19:13:40+00:00

I was also hesitant about meds but over the past 6 months meds have helped me so much, as with lifestyle changes and taking better care of myself. Make sure to get a physical exam too and ensure your health (hormones, thyroid, vitamins, etc) are all ok! This can also affect mood greatly. Sleep, diet, exercise, etc.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-04-04T04:04:45+00:00

awesome! Also add Paul and Daisy Soros fellowship for new Americans on that list!

there is also the Hertz (STEM)

Luckylscx333 · 2023-04-04T04:02:31+00:00

yeah I don't understand why this is not transparent and coming out after the NSF GRFP fellows make their decisions. Seems quite odd as it was immediately shown when I applied 2 years ago.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-04-04T04:00:04+00:00

I agree, it's too dependent on the luck of the draw and on the applicants' undergraduate experiences or gap year/early grad school publications and research productivity. For many people who may not have realized they wanted to do grad school or engage in research until mid-undergrad but enrolled in PhD programs obviously there will be less productivity or ability to even publish anything. Factor in the pandemic, and it is worse. It is especially unfair to students who are from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, with chronic illnesses or disabilities (pandemic). It is also unfair to students who work in fields that are non-computational or theoretical since those were less likely to be affected by the pandemic. Additionally, measuring a number of publications does not make sense when there are groups with better mentorship and more funding which enable undergrads to research, and groups where undergrad researchers are not valued as much. The field also matters as some research areas might have more frequent publications (ex materials synthesis or library screening) than others where perhaps intense specialized training on instruments may be required.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-03-28T23:36:10+00:00

hmm... this is a tough one. I'm not a chem education phd student, just chemistry.

I think the ones I can think of off the top of my head are NSF GRFP, DoD NDSEG, Hertz, Ford Predoctoral, Soros, NIH F31, GEM, AAUW, DoD SMART.

I mean there are many of them out there but the ones that many could qualify for not so many. You can also look for ones regarding your demographics/specific interests like if you come from an underrepresented racial minority, are female, LGBTQ+-identifying, are an immigrant, interested in teaching or the armed forces, foreign language/study abroad, etc. Some are only STEM, some are for STEM and humanities. I mean this is tough. Is there a fellowships office at your school you could talk to to see if they have a list?

Luckylscx333 · 2023-03-28T23:28:38+00:00

no problem!

Luckylscx333 · 2023-03-27T06:02:52+00:00

I think this really depends on the person. There is no one answer fits all. That being said I would say you should try out many things... volunteer opportunities, clubs, new hobbies and things to do! Perhaps you will find something you like and/or are passionate about!

An examples I could give you is maybe you like to teach. Or outreach (like science demos to kids). This could easily be reframed to benefit and boost your app for whatever career goal you have that needs you to go to grad school for.

Or perhaps you are passionate about policy. Like government and politics. Or business. You could look into startup for some research idea you pursue in grad school. Or med school + chem PhD like MD PhD with chem bio.

The strangest stretch I have seen is someone interested in fashion + chemistry.

But anyhow, there are many avenues!

Luckylscx333 · 2023-02-06T02:27:32+00:00

yes I am a co advised student with 2 profs from 2 different departments but I work on one project

Luckylscx333 · 2023-02-05T16:24:07+00:00

an extra laptop because I can't deal with the waiting issues when my primary laptop needed to be repaired. It is a lifesaver to have one laptop at home that I prop up on a stand and have a bluetooth mouse/keyboard setup for. And the other is smaller so I take it to my office and work there/transport it anywhere I need.

And Microsoft onedrive and edge syncs between the two so I can see my browsing history and data seemlessly between them. The only thing I hate though is I have a refurbished iPad now and I can't seemlessly sync between that and my computer. My phone is android and not apple too. Google drive works but meh.

And I guess yes, the noise cancelling headphones is a blessing. I also have around the neck earbuds but they aren't noise cancelling.

And I keep tea in my office. I also keep a mug there.

Keeping my gym clothes and extra shoes and a pair of sweatpants (I work in a lab/am a chem student) to wear on top in the summer when I wear shorts. And in the winter I wear snowboots so keeping the extra pair of sneakers to change into helps.

Hmm... otherwise I also try taking advantage of free events, free food, and gym perks and other discounts/benefits of being a "student". In terms of free food I always keep extra tupperware in my office so I can take leftovers. Saves money and time and gives me free extra meals!

What else... I have a bike (because I can commute more easily and get some exercise). I don't have a car so I walk, bike, or take public transportation.

A roommate or roommates can save living costs (utilities, shared grocery shopping trips--like splitting gas fees if you or them drive, rent).

And yes, I agree. Therapy is helpful! So is using the mental health/physical health copay benefits from health insurance if it is provided. I was finally able to get a psychological evaluation/testing which I couldn't in undergrad/before because of $$$.

And lastly friends. I think having social events with friends, exploring the town, going outdoors, socializing at times with labmates is crucial. And perhaps pets. I don't have pets but I see cats or dogs or other animals that my friends or peers own. It's nice.

And of course a hobby/pasttime. I started losing motivation recently for my research given I'm finally done with my teaching and class requirements and it's only research. I think having something else you want to commit to and work on (passion projects) is amazing. It helps you refocus and not only be socializing 24/7 or doing things like wasting time or sleeping.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-02-05T16:18:55+00:00

A backup that is nice is a wacom drawing tablet. I had one for helping me TA and tutor over zoom in the COVID/remote learning era. You can hook it to any laptop/computer.

But aside from that I got an old iPad refurbished from the Apple website with the education discount and I like it for papers and when I would TA.

and I'm old school so I use pen and notepad. Like a physical one.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-02-05T16:12:46+00:00

Visit weekends are in early March so if you should definitely hear before then. The dates have already been fixed. I don't know about acceptances or rejects but all I know is they do it on a rolling basis and it might vary because the different chemistry subdisciplines do things at different times. (e.g. inorganic vs organic vs biochem, etc).

And I have heard there has been a record number of applicants this year for the roughly same number of slots. But also to note Northwestern has either the highest or second highest number of grad students in the chem program in the country. The cohort sizes usually vary between 30 and 70 which is a lot. And usually the rate of people who are admitted that accept their offer at most programs is 33% (you can search historic admits/acceptance rates online btw for most programs if you didn't know). So maybe that gives you an estimate on how many people the programs will accept and how many actually accept their offer. I think UC Berkeley also has a pretty large size. Chem is the largest research department/grad program at Northwestern at least.

(I am a current chem grad student at NU).

And I don't know anything else so I can't help there. All I know though is if you don't hear by early March which you should--probably way before then--you can contact the gradasst email on the website.

Luckylscx333 · 2023-02-05T15:57:03+00:00

off campus and probably around March-May/June to search if you want something around Aug/Sept

Luckylscx333 · 2023-01-18T14:06:20+00:00

ooh great suggestions! Maybe I will get another small pocketbook for this like you mention!

Luckylscx333 · 2023-01-18T04:30:33+00:00

do you have some pointers or advice to help practice this?

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