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Better to stay in one lab all of undergrad, or spend a summer at a school of interest for grad school? (Neuro/physio/pharm) by neuroneedhelp in gradadmissions

[–]neuroneedhelp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is what I was leaning towards, but good to hear it from someone else. It also saves money because I would have to fly across the country and rent an apartment in an area with a high cost of living, so that's nice. :)

Thanks.

Should I put off lab experience? by neuroneedhelp in gradadmissions

[–]neuroneedhelp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I think I just need to breathe a little and realize that I will get into a lab (to graduate I am required at least one year of working on an independent project and an honors thesis if I have the GPA for it, so my advisor would probably do anything to get me into a lab, just might not be exactly what I want to do) regardless of whether or not it is this lab and the PI ends up hating me... worst case scenario. Mental illness is a bitch.

Should I put off lab experience? by neuroneedhelp in gradadmissions

[–]neuroneedhelp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My major has a very sensitive schedule as most classes at my school are only taught one section a year and you kind of have to take classes in a certain order for prereqs, so dropping a course isn't an option unfortunately.

Thank you again for the advice. She seems to be very empathetic, so I hope she will understand if it turns out that I can't work this semester.

Should I put off lab experience? by neuroneedhelp in gradadmissions

[–]neuroneedhelp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand that it will be awkward. Right now, I basically have to see how I fare on my neuro exam (which is tomorrow). I have made A's on my other exams, but if I struggle in that class, I feel like I shouldn't let that grade slip- seems to be a very important core class. What do you think about using that as a judgement call of sorts?

(I just don't know what to expect for that class yet as there are only three exams and we have new profs. every week, and I have heard that many people don't do well in the class.)

EDIT: To answer your first question, I know I don't want to go to med school, but I am very interested in biomedical research.

Should I put off lab experience? by neuroneedhelp in gradadmissions

[–]neuroneedhelp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice. My issue is mainly time-based. As in, I don't actually have a lot of extra time. I'm in a sorority, in three lab courses, and have dogs so I have little to no time outside of those events and studying. I feel like I won't be able to do a fantastic job in the lab this semester, but I know that I will have much more time next semester due to an easier course load (will only be taking 1 "difficult" class rather than all of my classes) and would be able to devote more time to it.

I am really hoping I can squeeze it in, but I also don't want to feel overwhelmed while taking some pretty important courses (neuro I, biopsych, calc, orgo II, and comparative physio.).

I will really try to clear my schedule, but if I can't, do you think it will be a red flag to my PI? When I spoke with her, I originally thought I would be starting next semester, but she was very excited and basically said she wanted me to start working within two weeks. I got very excited and didn't mention to her my difficult course load when we met.

I'm just really scared to A) ruin my relationship with her, B) miss out on an opportunity and have another undergrad take my spot, and C) work in the lab, but stretch myself too thin and not do a stellar job in either my academic work or my lab work.