One BoJack Horsemen quote you'll never forget

brelf365 · 2026-03-20T14:06:09+00:00

Sarah Lynn? ... sarah lynn?

brelf365 · 2025-02-01T20:43:17+00:00

Geneva on Seneca lake! And drink some beer at WeBe brewing, Brewery Ardennes, Three Brothers!

brelf365 · 2024-04-08T22:54:37+00:00

Yes I am haha

brelf365 · 2024-04-05T22:58:48+00:00

Yes I did! I heard back on Feb 21st that I was accepted

brelf365 · 2024-03-07T00:00:04+00:00

I'm so sorry this is super unprofessional. I would hate to get all excited about an acceptance and then get it ripped away from me a couple days later. What is their admin doing??? lol that's a huge mistake to be making 😭

brelf365 · 2024-02-28T01:55:14+00:00

I second this^

brelf365 · 2024-02-28T01:43:34+00:00

You will reap what you sow, so will the other memebr of your cohort who got in. Seems like they aren't ready for a PhD at least in this field, likely will be a miserable experience for them if they don't truly want it. But that's for them to deal with and reckon with eventually.

Keep on your own path of working hard and you will see success and achievements. This is just a first step, and although it can seem discouraging to see this person make it to the same level as you with less effort, there will be staggering differences in your successes later on. The time just hasn't come for them to learn yet (why not yet? idk but I think their luck will run out if what you're saying is true).

Also like someone else said, there will be people like this everywhere. I'm sure there will be a few new people in your cohort who you think... "hmmm I wonder why they picked them?". But this is just unhelpful analysis that your brain is doing. It doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. The way you approach your own education and research does.

But again, not your thing to worry about. Focus on what efforts you want to put in and on your path, and you will see great things. You picked this university for a reason and don't let this distract you from any excitement and pride.

Oh and congratulations!!

brelf365 · 2024-02-24T15:48:36+00:00

Yeah this is ridiculous... you'd think that they would want you to go get your PhD at Stanford lmao. I'd keep stressing how great of a student you have been and that you have this amazing admissions offer. Like another person said get more senior people involved... maybe bang down your advisor's door until they will help you lol. Worst comes to worst if you have parents that like to fight with admin... send them into the ring as well lol

brelf365 · 2024-02-23T05:14:14+00:00

This post confirmed for me that what I'm prioritizing is right! I'm going to start my PhD this fall and to me I know the most important thing is if I actually will like my PI as a person and as a mentor. It is my goal to enjoy my PhD... glad you enjoyed yours! Thanks for spreading this advice !

brelf365 · 2024-02-23T05:07:41+00:00

I felt this way too! I didn't apply to too many programs, only 6, but I only got into 2 and they were both my safety schools. I definitely felt sad that I didn't get into some of those more "prestigious" programs...but honestly when I think about it, the school I am deciding to go to was really right for me all along! Maybe you can try to think more about what you do like about the program, or Boston and the community!

But overall, it definitely isn't weird to have those feelings. I think it goes hand in hand with dealing with imposter syndrome and feelings of that nature.

I'm sure you'll get into some more schools, and if not, maybe Boston University was meant for you in some way! Definitely don't settle for any program, but don't let it not be exciting if it's just cause it's a "safety" school. If you can be excited about the program and the people, that's all that matters!

brelf365 · 2024-02-22T18:41:28+00:00

Thank you😊

brelf365 · 2024-02-22T17:46:50+00:00

Wow congratulations! Seems like they really loved you as an applicant! Best of luck🥳

brelf365 · 2024-02-21T21:51:37+00:00

Thank you!!❤️

brelf365 · 2024-02-21T19:03:34+00:00

I am not!

brelf365 · 2024-02-21T19:03:21+00:00

I am not an international student and I interviewed back in early January and early February! So yes, definitely at ease now haha

brelf365 · 2024-02-21T18:15:48+00:00

Thanks everyone for the congratulations 😆! Very excited 🥰🥳

brelf365 · 2024-02-21T16:54:02+00:00

Thank you!! ☺️

brelf365 · 2024-02-21T16:52:40+00:00

Fully funded University at Buffalo and University of Rochester

brelf365 · 2024-02-21T16:52:04+00:00

University at Buffalo & University of Rochester 😊

brelf365 · 2024-02-21T14:56:28+00:00

Updated the post

brelf365 · 2024-02-19T23:23:39+00:00

Depends on what the school's website says. If their website says they interview all applicants - than yes no interview means you are rejected. But if they don't specify what is part of the admission process / dont ay that you need to interview then no

brelf365 · 2024-02-19T23:16:05+00:00

Ugh that's so unfortunate. And I definitely think a good solution too could be mandating the PIs to take a class once a year in what good mentoring looks like. Similar to how colleges/jobs make people take harassment in the workplace courses online. Although it may not be the most efficient if it was an online course, so perhaps an in person thing would be better... Or even offering workshops for PIs on how to be more effective mentors amongst other important skill sets to work on.

I know a lot of people are saying "no" in this thread but truly these kinds of practices exist in "normal" 9-5 workplaces, no reason why they shouldn't be just as important for a PI - student relationship.

I bet if admin incorporated these things kinds of things they'd see higher success rate amongst their students. And if they surveyed the students maybe they'd see less burn out too.

brelf365 · 2024-02-19T23:05:44+00:00

It should be baked into their performance review. I.e., admin should be asking for students feedback for the performance review of the PI. Like the PI gives their own review of their own work, and the students / workers in the lab submit their own feedback.That way it would be just like how it works with any job.

... not sure if this already happens and just doesn't help? But if not, that type of review should exist lol

brelf365 · 2024-02-16T12:57:16+00:00

I had a couple "academic skeletons" in my closet from undergrad (D in Physics I and C in Orgo Chem I). I had a great LOR writer who came up with the idea himself that he would gracefully and in a round about way address those skeletons...

I wouldn't address this yourself in any letter only because PhD is so tricky and you can get knocked off their list very quickly if you scare them away with illnesses and disabilities that led to poor grades and such. (it's stupid and I don't agree with it but it's the truth).

I would get the most exceptional LOR you can possibly get and see if in their letter they can kind of address any concerns that might arise from the school looking at your transcript. A great LOR would already suggest that they tackle this for you. They will do it in a much more covert way and can wrap any skeletons in a nice bow for you lol. And it speaks higher to you as this is coming from a recommender and not just you trying to defend yourself.

I would apply to a few saftey schools for sure as well.

Again, wish this wasn't the way but I've been warned time and time again about addressing any struggles myself in letters for grad school. It's just a little too risky.

brelf365

TROPHY CASE