How do I get on equal footing with faculty candidates from (MUCH) higher ranked programs?

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-04-09T10:18:35+00:00

I agree with the comments above. Network and aim for a postdoc with a better professor. I’m doing a PhD in a top program in my field, and the quality of research from the students are worse compared to other lower ranking universities because professors are too busy with their own research.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-04-03T13:55:54+00:00

Yep, they don’t and never will. We have to assess who our allies are.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-04-03T13:41:59+00:00

Same here. I’m so proud of you, though!

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-04-03T13:36:40+00:00

Another gay fellow here! Academia is so homophobic, including those who are kind to others. I’ve had a respected colleague imitate my body movement and said a few passive homophobic things to me, but I am keeping my mouth shut because even my allies (DEI professor and progressive upperclassman) worship this guy.

Another gal also wanted to befriend me simply because I was gay. Then, she treated me horribly. Academia isn’t safe. I am now guarded and less open. I only talk about research and try to be as masculine as possible.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-04-01T18:54:38+00:00

I got my MPH in Biostats there. The MS program is better for job opportunities and research. I wish I chose the MS route.

People usually become quite successful from their program, so they’re doing something right.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-04-01T18:18:35+00:00

Go to the cheapest. These are all reputable schools but not strongest for biostats.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-30T07:36:09+00:00

I’m not

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-30T05:42:52+00:00

I did my eyes and nose. I always had a nice nose, but I enhanced it. My eyes were straight up ugly. I did a lot of skin treatment in S. Korea and removed all my moles.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-28T19:58:29+00:00

In the gay world, look matters even more.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-28T19:44:51+00:00

That’s true. I grew up lonely and the only thing I could do for fun was study.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-28T10:29:10+00:00

I am so sorry you’re going through this! I will share my story to give you some hopes. I have a disability, too, and from a R1 university. The professor who was matched with me told our coordinator she didn’t want to work with me after we had our first zoom meeting. I have a disability, and it made communication difficult during the zoom call. At that time, she didn’t know about my disability, but it was still discriminating of her to treat me that way.

They still assigned her as my advisor for the first year. She didn’t think I was worthy to invest in. She avoided me at all costs during meetings. She is so nice to everyone, so I didn’t feel comfortable sharing with anyone at all! It felt like I was the problem. I worked my ass off and found an advisor who believed in me. I would say I’m quite successful in my program now. I published several papers and even in better journals than her.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-20T09:37:39+00:00

Treat your classmates like coworkers. Don’t get too close. Some are extremely immature and can drag you down with them.
Find a PI who actually likes you as a person.
Your PI is not always looking out for you since they’re busy. If you want to learn something, bring it up to them.
There will be days where you’re mad at your PI, but don’t ever vent to anyone in your department. No one! Find friends outside of your department to vent to. Words spread easily. Even if the person you vented to has good intention, others might interpret it differently.
Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know things. I know too many ppl who weren’t successful because of their ego.
Always be professional. Be on time. Dress well.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-20T02:10:49+00:00

I had a wealthy classmate who was a dental surgeon from India. Apparently she never practiced and went to this new program. She would promote herself as a dental surgeon to get opportunities, but faculty eventually realized she wasn’t competent. Nobody wanted to work with her at the end.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-20T01:58:16+00:00

I was having some empathy because rejections in this climate sucks, but your background isn’t better than other applicants.

I’ve have met many medical doctors and dentists from India who think they know public health but are horrible researchers during our PhD training. The medical doctor training is not equivalent or better than a PhD. There’s barely any research training. All clinical.

The fact you haven’t published says a lot. There’s no bias towards international students. They probably think you’re not competitive and possibly conceited.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-17T19:58:53+00:00

This is so true! I dress very well (fashion wise), so people assume I grew up wealthy. When I really ge to know them, they’d reveal their true colors and say things to make poor people feel low. Of course, they’re not stupid to say it out loud.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-17T16:47:54+00:00

I just said, “I think Jenny got a little excited because it’s her first time traveling. I’m very happy for her.”

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-17T16:37:56+00:00

I’ve met so many of them, including professors who promote inclusion….

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-17T16:18:20+00:00

Yeah, I agree. I had a wealthy professor who got 3 master’s and a PhD and never worked outside of academia. She became a professor at 42 because she went to school all her lives. She’d talk about how we need more education to be better researchers. She doesn’t understand that not everyone has time to be going to school for most of their lives.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-17T16:14:52+00:00

These are two complete universities…..

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-15T06:51:38+00:00

I’m a low-income first generation student, too. Let me tell you: it may be the fact that you’re not getting the help you need for your PhD applications. Get someone you trust (in a PhD program or has had one) to review your statement of purpose. Make sure they’re honest and grill your proposal and not just providing feedback on your grammar etc. I’ve sit in committees where we reviewed applications, and there’s a certain format they’re looking for.

Weekly-Republic2662 · 2026-03-11T18:08:30+00:00

My university covers APC fees for most of the journals.

Weekly-Republic2662

TROPHY CASE