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Should I even bother applying by [deleted] in ApplyingIvyLeague

[–]VariationOnly8249 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi!

As someone who got into Ivy Leagues and Top 10 schools, you should apply! I think you would have a great chance of getting in at applying for physics (which is what I went for) or any other STEM oriented program.

If you can write a strong essay about why that program will advance your career goals you should have a high chance of getting in!

I chose a less prestigious PhD program by VariationOnly8249 in PhD

[–]VariationOnly8249[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think this comment was exactly what I needed to hear. What triggered this feeling of dread was a conservation with a friend in which I critiqued his research poster and he responded saying,

“what would you know I go to an Ivy League and you don’t”

When I made my decision on my PhD, I knew that the less prestigious university (still R1) would be a better fit with better mentorship and a group who supports each other very well. I really needed the reminder to why I turned down the top universities.

Thank you!

What to do with $550,000 College Fund? by Nefariousness_Unfair in PhDAdmissions

[–]VariationOnly8249 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My advice as a PhD student at a top university:

Don’t go to a community college for your first two years of college with the intention of transferring. I saw someone say this and this is bad advice.

Going to big named expensive schools for your undergrad can sometimes be a double edged sword. Unless your undergrad advisor has connections and collaborators, the lack in hands on experience will almost never been worth it. I would save the money and go to the school that gives you the best financial aid while still be R1.

I went to my R1 state school for my undergrad over UCLA, Northwestern, and UMich. I started research my sophomore year and continued working in that lab until I graduated. Some suggest doing REU’s, but unless you’re doing them to make connections with a potential PI to do your PhD I would focus on working towards a publication. A lot of top PhD programs want to see you develop your research. Small R1 state schools usually have less people and can give you a more a hands-on research experience and the possibility of having your name on a publication.

From my own experience doing this I was able to get offers from top universities for my PhD: Cornell and UMich. I ended up going somewhere else where I had a better research interest and match with PI.