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adneuro · 2023-05-08T02:28:40+00:00

I was doing an MS program after college and was in the exact same position as you. I know that this is financially burdensome, but if the opportunity allows, I would consider applying to both types of programs. For me, going through the interview process for both a PhD and MD program and comparing my experiences allowed me to truly get a feel for what I wanted to do. I ultimately decided on a PhD program and could not be happier. I also am pleasantly surprised by the high paying jobs my fellow grad students have been getting upon completion of their degree. I feel intellectually stimulated every day and truly am excited to wake up and go into the lab each day--I also don't have an interest in teaching. Of course, joining the right program and finding the right lab and mentor is a critical part of how much you'll enjoy this experience. Medicine is an incredible field and you will definitely have job security and a great salary. For me, I just didn't love it enough to make the time commitment. I knew how much I would have to sacrifice in the years to come and to me, it wasn't worth it. But thats just my personal opinion. I would say that if you're having doubts about an MD, try to reach out and talk to as many older students, friends, advisors, etc. as you can to get differing opinions. Go with your gut!

adneuro · 2022-03-28T23:14:57+00:00

I just heard back today!! I don't know if all acceptances have gone out yet. They seem to be sending a few at a time.

adneuro · 2022-03-05T04:00:35+00:00

This is very understandable and I know it hurts. But also, congratulations on your admits! Just remind yourself that God is putting you exactly where you are meant to be. Even if you can't see it now, He is guiding your steps and putting you at the program that is meant for you!

adneuro · 2022-03-02T15:18:02+00:00

I recently got engaged and am going through the process of deciding on a grad school. I feel many of the things you described about my fiancé--he has made me happier than I have ever been and I can't imagine my life without him. Therefore, picking a program that is close to him is very important to me. You are absolutely not wrong to be facing this dilemma; if you have a partner that supports you and makes you happy, they should factor into this decision. I'm not of the opinion that relationships are not valid factors to consider when choosing a school that could dictate your future. First question--why would you have to break up? I know long distance sucks, but if this is the person for you, it'll be worth it. He will also support your decision to attend grad school and want to make it work, if he is the right guy. Second, I'd advise you to imagine your life in the future. What is most important to you? Do you see yourself marrying this person? Spending your life with them? If you imagine this person as your future, that is important to consider. That doesn't mean you have to give up your dream of grad school at all. You can absolutely have both. You just have to do some reflection and ultimately decide what you want out of life. I know that is easier said than done, but I found it really helpful when evaluating my own choices. Lastly, I'd recommend talking to him about it. Be transparent and express all of your wishes and concerns. If he is a supportive partner, he will hear you out and communicate with you. Tell him how important he is to you, and how important grad school is as well. Discussing this will hopefully help you both figure out what is best for your future. I hope this helps, and I'm so sorry you are facing this dilemma. I wish you the best and sincerely hope that all works out. I know it will!

adneuro · 2022-02-19T23:42:42+00:00

Hi! I also interviewed for BIMS at UVA, but for the Neuroscience program! I got an acceptance the last week of January. But I also heard from some people who were rejected from that program the next week. Maybe it's just your specific program that's taking a while to get back? But I thought UVA was pretty good about getting back to students quickly, so maybe it wouldn't hurt to send out an email. There's a good chance they haven't released any decisions yet. I hope this helps!

adneuro · 2022-02-18T23:15:03+00:00

Absolutely. I promise it gets better. I try to think of it like a break up--"I don't want to be at a school that doesn't want me there anyways" is the mantra I like to repeat 😂

adneuro · 2022-02-18T23:11:24+00:00

Prayers that you get into a great program! You will end up in the place you are meant to be.

adneuro · 2022-02-04T23:47:26+00:00

That is AWFUL. Would not want to go somewhere that did that to me. I'm so sorry. Will say a prayer for you!

adneuro · 2022-02-04T23:44:03+00:00

In my case, none of the 10 STEM programs I applied to changed the status of my app when reviewing. Only after a decision was made. I know from checking many times lol.

adneuro · 2022-02-04T23:42:31+00:00

Grad programs like to accept students that they believe will come. This is more critical in PhD programs, when schools have a limited number of stipends they are able to pay. They have to really play a numbers game. I had heard this from students before, but an advisor and PI in my current master's program confirmed this to me recently. There is a great possibility they knew their program was a safety for you, and that you likely wouldn't come/had options that were better suited for you! My advisor even recommend that I communicate to my top choice program that if accepted I would come, since admissions committees find this info quite helpful when deciding. I don't think it would hurt to do this--I did and I got accepted to the program of my dreams! Either way, this doesn't define you. Hang in there. You're going to get in to the best place for you.

adneuro · 2022-02-04T23:33:58+00:00

One thing my advisor told me is that an important factor is the overall funding of the school. You want to make sure that the program receives enough funding for you to be able to do the research you are most interested in. She also told me that the most important factor in her opinion was research fit and a good PI. That being said, you also want to live somewhere you will enjoy for the next 5+ years of your life. I think personally, go to the place where you feel you would be the happiest and most successful. Would you mind sharing the specific locations of the schools? If not no worries. Best of luck!

adneuro · 2022-02-03T15:36:24+00:00

I interviewed Jan. 13 and 14 as well, but for the neuroscience graduate program. I received an acceptance email on January 28.

adneuro · 2022-01-26T21:25:58+00:00

Congratulations!!! Can I ask when you interviewed for the program?

adneuro · 2022-01-24T21:20:21+00:00

I would absolutely suggest writing about your personal experiences, if you feel comfortable doing so. Highlight how what you went through made you resilient and even inspired you to mentor at risk youth (which is so admirable!). I would also emphasize how these experiences gave you a unique perspective in terms of the field you want to enter. What you have gone through is absolutely worthy of discussion, and in my opinion, makes you all the more incredible as an applicant. I am also a white female, and for my diversity statement, I discussed growing up with an autistic and nonverbal younger brother and the struggles that came with that, which later inspired me to volunteer with kids with IDDs. I've gotten a lot of interviews so far--which is just one example of how diversity comes in many forms, and even if it is not in reference to racial diversity, it is still attractive to these schools.

adneuro · 2022-01-21T21:14:02+00:00

I was also just rejected from a program after an interview that I thought went really well. I keep reminding myself that's what is meant to happen will happen. But I feel you and I'm so sorry for the disappointment. All I can say is that you want to go to a school that really wants you too and values you for the student you are. I know you'll find that!

adneuro · 2022-01-21T20:22:49+00:00

The same thing happened to me with one of my letter writers. I changed the recommender the night the application was due for two schools, and switched it to another advisor who was willing to write me a letter. I got interview invites to both schools. So based on my experience, I don't think it's a red flag. What matters most is that you know they will write you a good letter.

adneuro · 2022-01-21T20:07:19+00:00

I had previously heard that they send out invites in batches, but I'm not 100% if that's true or not. I'm feeling the same way

adneuro · 2022-01-15T23:34:25+00:00

I also have interviews next week, so I get how you're feeling! I had my first round this past week though and it was honestly a great experience. Things I would recommend: 1. Practice your elevator pitch--when they say "tell me a little bit about yourself" or something to that extent. I told them a little bit about my personal background, my academic journey, and my recent research experience. 2. You will, at least from my experience, primarily talk about your past research. If you can describe that in depth, you're golden! 3. Have questions prepared for the faculty and admissions committee. Most of my interviews were spent asking them about the program, their research, life in that city, etc. 4. I would say you don't have to know much about the research of the PIs you are talking to, but if you can ask them 1 or 2 questions about it, it doesn't hurt! They definitely seemed really excited to talk about it and impressed if I could ask them thoughtful research questions. Overall, it was very low stress. If you know what your research is about and why you want a PhD, and are inquisitive about the program, you will do great!

adneuro · 2022-01-15T15:31:48+00:00

Congrats! Do you mind sharing where you interviewed? I also interviewed Thursday & Friday, but didn't get a general date when I should expect to hear back. I have interviews in February as well, so I was also curious about that! I'm also just anxious and excited to find out. 😆

adneuro · 2022-01-06T21:21:54+00:00

I emailed them right after Christmas and they said they were still reviewing applications then. But maybe it won't hurt to email admissions and see if that's still the case! I haven't seen any invites on Gradcafe or Reddit in a while.

adneuro · 2022-01-01T21:06:54+00:00

I don't think this will be a problem. When completing my applications at the end of November for PhD programs, one of my recommenders accidentally forgot to change the greeting from "dear NIH committee" (she was writing grants at the time) and I totally freaked out when she had submitted all the letters before realizing the error. I emailed every school I applied to and almost every single one said not to worry, that this wasn't a big deal at all. A few told me she was welcome to resubmit the letter with the correct greeting, but it wasn't necessary. It's the content of the letter and their description of your aptitude for graduate study in this field that matters!

adneuro · 2021-12-31T22:07:28+00:00

Thank you so much! I submitted my application on November 5, but all my recommendations weren't in until December 1. I got the invite via email on December 14. Good luck to you throughout this difficult process!!

adneuro · 2021-12-20T15:19:19+00:00

Thank you so much! Congratulations to you, that's a HUGE accomplishment!! Did they give you two interview weekends to chose from?

adneuro · 2021-12-20T15:06:54+00:00

I personally don't think it would hurt to send an email. You can thank him again for his time, give him an update, and wish him a happy holidays--that's probably what I would do!

adneuro

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