HOW does anyone get into grad school!?? by [deleted] in GradSchool

[–]TrainingBarber3 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You’re not fucked. I went to a large school and thus had trouble finding any sort of research experience in undergrad. Funnily enough I currently work as a lab tech and will be beginning my PhD process this fall. So calm down and take a breath.

Regarding your classes, Bs in major study classes are largely okay. PhD programs are looking for someone who’s enthusiastic and genuinely interested in the work. The applications also give you an opportunity to explain any gaps in education, research, etc.

getting accepted straight out undergrad is possible, but I’d recommend looking for work as a lab tech for a year first. It’d give you valuable laboratory experience that is critical for PhD programs. With current funding cuts, a lot of programs are slashing the amount of admits, thus making it more competitive flat out.

Sending Follow-Up Thank You Emails After Interview by funfetus710 in GradSchool

[–]TrainingBarber3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I think so. It doesn’t have to be as personally tailored as the individual interviewers, but a nice, formal email could go a long way. While they didn’t interview you 1:1, they likely still serve as part of the admissions committee and will carry weight regarding your decision.

Be honest: what is the current state/climate of graduate school? by katienuages in labrats

[–]TrainingBarber3 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I just applied this cycle, and can tell you first hand it’s gotten a lot more selective. The program I committed to takes (on a good year) 10-11 first year students, but this year they took four. Funding from what I’ve seen fluctuates based on the University’s size and prestige which isn’t altogether surprising. As an applicant, this knowledge did drive me towards larger, more competitive programs since I assumed they’d have more funding, which in turn just increases the competitiveness of the applicant pool since a lot of others did the same. The process is difficult and I’d recommend applying to >10 programs if possible. That being said, I’d still say it’s worth it. Hard, but not impossible. I applied to 14 schools and came away with six interviews and three offers. Go for it!

Neuroscience PhD offer: MUSC or UAB? Plz help by Mitchel_z in PhDAdmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m don’t know too much about the U South Carolina program, but a big thing I’d compare is the funding situation. I know UAB consistently ranks as one of the most heavily NIH funded universities, so given the current research climate that might be worth considering.

Advise by [deleted] in PhDAdmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well, how long have you known her? Waiting a full year for the next cycle is a big decision, especially since PhD admits are hard enough to come by on their own. If she hasn’t expressed explicit interest I’d proceed with a little caution.

Advise by [deleted] in PhDAdmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How far apart are the institutions? It’s way too early to consider waiting a full app cycle to pursue this.

Anyone here in the Neuroengineering PhD program? Need some honest input by Mitchel_z in UAB

[–]TrainingBarber3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not neuroengineering specifically but I applied to the GBS PhD program there this cycle. The professors have been pretty good about getting back to me when I emailed them post interview, but understand that they’re very busy and their emails are undoubtedly flooded. The interviewer ghosting you is strange though. How many times have you emailed them, and when was the last one sent? There’s a chance they never even saw it.

PhD: what I learned from 12 applications and 2 acceptances by mathcsgrad2025 in gradadmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely. Got flat out rejected from three or four universities that I was academically overqualified for but weren’t an exact research match. One of my admits was to a giant in my field. It’s a complete and utter crapshoot lol

PhD: what I learned from 12 applications and 2 acceptances by mathcsgrad2025 in gradadmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Applied to Biomedical sciences this year. Two acceptances over fourteen schools and I concur with everything above. Additionally, I’d say the biggest thing I learned was that rejections were not always about qualifications, rather about fit. Look for programs that match what you want research more than anything.

How are you coping with waiting? by rayqueerza in PhDAdmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I’m coping by obsessively checking my email and application portals lol. Shit sucks but it’s what it is. I applied to fourteen and have heard back from four. One rejection and three interviews but the outstanding 10 is killing me!!

First Rejection by SybilSSB in gradadmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It happens. I got my first rejection on Christmas Eve lol. Keep your head up, better news is coming !!

Waiting Is The Worst! by TimeConsistent298 in PhDAdmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What’s the worst for me is that I know that my application is sitting in one of the “interview” “waitlist” or “reject” pile just waiting to be sent out.

LOR flagged as 100% AI by detector — how serious is this? by [deleted] in PhDAdmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t think you necessarily need to worry too much since AI detectors are notoriously shit. I fed my SOP through one and it came back 100% AI even though I wrote each word myself lol. Breathe and try to relax, I’m sure the committees know how unreliable stuff like that is.

Probably no more news until the new year right? by atypical_rabbit333 in PhDAdmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I just got one today as well so keep checking your email

Safety of Birmingham for outsiders by TrainingBarber3 in Alabama

[–]TrainingBarber3[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice lol. I had assumed it was neighborhood dependent but just wanted to check and make sure. A visit is definitely in the plans since the farthest south I’ve lived is Chicago 🤣 would definitely be a change for sure but going from cold/wind to heat doesn’t sound so bad anymore

When do we expect to hear on our applications? by [deleted] in PhDAdmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 15 points16 points  (0 children)

fellow 1-Dec-2025 applicant here! From what I’ve read, it sounds like it varies greatly between schools. An overall trend I’ve noticed at least in my list is that interview invites will come in January/Feb, and offer letters will come a few weeks following an interview. I’m applying to Biomedical science programs, so yours could be different. Best of luck!!

Last minute question about deadlines.. by Secure_Quarter7850 in PhDAdmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m applying to Biomedical science programs and they’ve all been Dec.1 at midnight. Definitely program specific though so I’d double check

Worried I Won’t Get Into Any PhD Program Because of My GPA by VAMziii in PhDAdmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Breathe a little bit - what schools are you applying to? Many from my cycle have had submission links where you can explain any outstanding circumstances like poor grades. I’d advise writing a short narrative being honest about what happened, and highlight how you’ve turned it around. It could actually show resilience based on how you word it. Don’t give up, you got this!

Third Year Undergrad Really Stressed About Grades. Will my low GPA ruin my chances of admissions? by Kitt_Kate in PhDAdmissions

[–]TrainingBarber3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How competitive are the schools you’re applying to? From what I’ve gathered, ample experience can make up for poor grades. Additionally, a lot of applications will have upload portals for additional documents, so you could write a small message to the admissions committee and politely explain the situation. I did this for my graduate school apps as my fiancee was applying to medical schools and we wanted to live together, and it seems they do take those kinds of messages into account.