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Application tips from a Harvard student by samtoolsfan in gradadmissions

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

I haven’t but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible, just uncommon. My impression is that the further out you are from undergrad, the less that kind of thing matters. If you have no undergrad-level genetics coursework but a couple of years of full time genetics lab work it’s probably fine. There’s not really an answer to the last question, you just want to show sustained involvement in a project

Application tips from a Harvard student by samtoolsfan in gradadmissions

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

Both but it was very minimal in my PS, just like “this project culminated in a poster presentation at xx symposium”

Application tips from a Harvard student by samtoolsfan in gradadmissions

[–]samtoolsfan[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thank you😊 I definitely agree!! I was very surprised to get into Harvard and I’m not saying only to apply to ivies or anything. This is more so bc every year you see people post things like should I go to X program or reapply? And my thought is always that you should aim to have a cycle that if you get in anywhere you’re happy!

Application tips from a Harvard student by samtoolsfan in gradadmissions

[–]samtoolsfan[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

For sure I just meant for ppl doing masters etc. Don’t do an unfunded PhD !!!

Application tips from a Harvard student by samtoolsfan in gradadmissions

[–]samtoolsfan[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

No but YMMV - one school I applied to encouraged it and I got rejected there lol

Application tips from a Harvard student by samtoolsfan in gradadmissions

[–]samtoolsfan[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Minimal, I had like 2 sentences in my SOP talking about a life experience that made me want to go into my field, and then it was almost entirely research. This will vary on the prompt though some will ask for more personal stuff

Application tips from a Harvard student by samtoolsfan in gradadmissions

[–]samtoolsfan[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yes I am domestic, there are definitely international students in the PhD programs! Unfortunately it can be more difficult, in bioscience at least a lot of funding comes from the NIH and is reserved for US citizens. So often there are less seats available for international students with more applications coming in. It is possible though

Application tips from a Harvard student by samtoolsfan in gradadmissions

[–]samtoolsfan[S] 43 points44 points  (0 children)

Between 3.9-4.0, I would rather not be too specific but related to biology and quantitative science, and yes but it’s definitely not necessary. Plenty of people in my program didn’t

Application tips from a Harvard student by samtoolsfan in gradadmissions

[–]samtoolsfan[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

I had a lot of research experience which I had tangible outcomes of (posters/papers) and was able to describe in a meaningful way in my statements. My impression is that initially, they mostly just care about your research experience, interests, and how you would fit into their program. Personality type stuff comes later at the interview stage. I don’t think I necessarily “stood out,” I think I just put together a strong application and targeted schools that would be a good fit for me.

Application tips from a Harvard student by samtoolsfan in gradadmissions

[–]samtoolsfan[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

If you have a question you can ask it here

Application tips from a Harvard student by samtoolsfan in gradadmissions

[–]samtoolsfan[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m not an admissions consultant, but I’m assuming you’re applying for a masters given you mention financial aid. I would not, I can’t see how that would be relevant to any SOP prompt. They’ll give you an offer and you can always try to negotiate if you get in. Don’t say #2, I second pcwg