OT: I am watching Gangland...

[Forty_Sixand2]

...and this episode is focusng on MS-13 in my lovely hometown.

I feel very suburban and caucasian right now.....

 

[Forty_Sixand2]

...and this episode is focusng on MS-13 in my lovely hometown.

I feel very suburban and caucasian right now.....

(he says while posting on an internet hockey board)

 

[BostonAJ]

 

[Darkstone42]

Because this question totally fits in here, do you have any advice on searching for PhD programs 46&2? I'm using the Directory of Graduate Research to find out what research is being done at different institutions and looking at some well-regarded and good-value schools to see if they have the programs that most interest me. So far, the University of Colorado at Boulder seems to be the best fit for me (if I can get in), with Purdue an intriguing option as well, but, as you can see, I haven't gotten very far in my search yet.

I guess I'm just asking about what kind of information to which I should be paying close attention that perhaps a lot of graduates overlook.

 

[Forty_Sixand2]

Because this question totally fits in here, do you have any advice on searching for PhD programs 46&2? I'm using the Directory of Graduate Research to find out what research is being done at different institutions and looking at some well-regarded and good-value schools to see if they have the programs that most interest me. So far, the University of Colorado at Boulder seems to be the best fit for me (if I can get in), with Purdue an intriguing option as well, but, as you can see, I haven't gotten very far in my search yet.

I guess I'm just asking about what kind of information to which I should be paying close attention that perhaps a lot of graduates overlook.

I would first look at the literature that interests you. Take a look at authors who you see coming up a lot in your own literature reviews and research projects. Look online to see where they are and whether or not the have a lab where they work with students.

After that, consider the places that you want to go and look at the programs and what they offer in terms of assistantships and grants. See how well funded they are and how they select their students. Name recognition is not as important in post doctoral work. Look and see what schools are the most successful at publiching in high impact journals and getting federal (NIH) funding. I turned down two ivy league schools because the programs were not as well developed as the ones at Pitt for the area of research that interested me.

The key thing is to find a researcher that works well with you. Meet the person, have lunch with them and try and figure out how they work and how they interact with their students. They are going to be the key to your success. You need someone that you feel comfortable learning from but also feel comfortable being able to question. You will be going through an akward transition from student to colleague right in front of them and the relationship is key.

If you want someone to talk to through the process, let me know. I will send you my email and you can contact me with questions and stuff if you want as you go through it or if you need input on stuff like applications and personal statements and the such.

I know this is brief but I hope it helps.

-m

 

[Darkstone42]

I would first look at the literature that interests you. Take a look at authors who you see coming up a lot in your own literature reviews and research projects. Look online to see where they are and whether or not the have a lab where they work with students.

After that, consider the places that you want to go and look at the programs and what they offer in terms of assistantships and grants. See how well funded they are and how they select their students. Name recognition is not as important in post doctoral work. Look and see what schools are the most successful at publiching in high impact journals and getting federal (NIH) funding. I turned down two ivy league schools because the programs were not as well developed as the ones at Pitt for the area of research that interested me.

The key thing is to find a researcher that works well with you. Meet the person, have lunch with them and try and figure out how they work and how they interact with their students. They are going to be the key to your success. You need someone that you feel comfortable learning from but also feel comfortable being able to question. You will be going through an akward transition from student to colleague right in front of them and the relationship is key.

If you want someone to talk to through the process, let me know. I will send you my email and you can contact me with questions and stuff if you want as you go through it or if you need input on stuff like applications and personal statements and the such.

I know this is brief but I hope it helps.

-m

Very much, thank you. I was planning, at the very least, on asking to meet with the professor I would be most interested in working with at each school that offered me an interview. And I will definitely take your advice on looking at the authors of papers I've read. I'm sure I'll be in touch with you and asking more questions as time goes on.

In the meanwhile, I should likely at least get myself registered to take the GRE.

 

[IPostedWhat]

Oh!....um.....I was here to talk about Gangland.

Looks like you guys are busier than the many hands of Vishnu.

 

[Darkstone42]

Oh!....um.....I was here to talk about Gangland.

Looks like you guys are busier than the many hands of Vishnu.

Please, do talk about Gangland. My topic diversion is over. =P

 

[Forty_Sixand2]

Oh!....um.....I was here to talk about Gangland.

Looks like you guys are busier than the many hands of Vishnu.