Two years into a Ph.D. program in the biological science (in the US) and I am in a lab doing research. The lab I'm in takes a hand-off approach to our research, so much of the motivation to do projects must come from me. Unfortunately I'm the kind of person who needs deadlines and strong guidance, and without these two things I've begun to drift a little. Any tips for keeping my eyes on the prize and staying immersed in my field?
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posted by Archibald Edmund Binns
on Feb 1, 2013 -
8 answers
I need some advice about career plans, graduate studies and whether to rent or to own. Mostly in the financial context but also, of the bigger picture view -- am I being overly optimistic, am I too focused on career?
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posted by table
on Dec 31, 2012 -
8 answers
Applying for graduate school (PhD) in applied maths. Questions about personal statement. Relevant details within.
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posted by dragonfruit
on Jun 16, 2012 -
4 answers
My girlfriend has been going through undergrad half-time. Adviser keeps telling her that grad schools will not look upon this favorably. True?
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posted by wires
on Apr 8, 2012 -
17 answers
Should I go to Yale or Columbia to get my MPH? I'm already in NYC, but I'm hearing unhappy rumblings from students at Columbia.
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posted by reren
on Apr 10, 2011 -
10 answers
Lifestyle of a Linguistics Graduate Student? I am starting a Ph.D. Program next fall, and I want to have an idea of how much time I will be spending on campus, working, studying, etc. Will I have time to sleep? Will I be burnt out and hating myself after one semester? What about money?
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posted by lettuchi
on Feb 23, 2011 -
15 answers
My graduate school orientation is Wednesday and I'm getting nervous. Overeducated Mefites, I'd love any advice you have to offer!
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posted by honeydew
on Aug 16, 2010 -
25 answers
QuarterLifeCrisisFilter: I've been thinking about my future career and considering going to grad school. I only have a vague idea of what I might like to study, but I know I want an advanced degree (preferably sooner rather than later). Is this a bad idea?
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posted by funfetti
on Jul 13, 2010 -
25 answers
How do I balance my waitlisting to a wonderful PhD program with not messing up my acceptance to a great PhD program?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 31, 2010 -
13 answers
Graduate funding: I got it but don't want to accept it yet because I'm waiting on word from better graduate funding. How do I deal with this?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 6, 2009 -
4 answers
Hi, I only have 1 1/2 years till I'm completely done my undergraduate nutrition degree in Canada. I've already established that I want to pursue a masters, however, the only school I have been checking online is Columbia's Department of Nutrition because it is the only school I can think of which offers a decent program. Is it true? If not, does anyone have any good suggestions (NA, Europe, Asia)?
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posted by pixxie
on Dec 29, 2008 -
11 answers
I always knew I'd go back to grad school to get my PhD in English, but have I shot myself in the foot by picking 2009, aka the year of financial armageddon and joblessness, to apply to top-notch programs?
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posted by zoomorphic
on Nov 25, 2008 -
8 answers
At the very last minute, I'm applying to grad school to get my PhD in English. Hooray! Except that I'm
abysmal at math. How much will that hurt my chance at top PhD programs in English? Because I've got two weeks to A) teach myself basic algebra for the GRE, and B) stop psyching myself out to the point of panic attacks.
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posted by zoomorphic
on Oct 28, 2008 -
42 answers
American Studies scholars, please help me compare 2 programs in New England and American Studies and get some general advice.
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posted by Miko
on Jun 23, 2008 -
10 answers
Is the university wrong about my right to view graduate application recommendation letters?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 30, 2008 -
17 answers
Grad School Filter: How technical and specific should my statement of purpose for my Computer Science PhD application be?
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posted by christy
on Dec 13, 2007 -
10 answers
I'm finishing a master's program in the next few weeks and I'm feeling horrible about my experience acquiring it. I did a 2 and a half year accelerated nursing program that led into a master's to become a
nurse practitioner. I am really excited about the field and looking forward to where the degree can take me, but the last year and a half (the master's portion) of the process was so emotionally damaging I'm not sure how to move on!
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posted by hurricanemag
on Nov 28, 2007 -
21 answers
I am applying to grad school. The deadline is approaching. Where can I go to get my letter of intent (personal statement) read and critiqued?
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posted by iamkimiam
on Oct 24, 2007 -
16 answers
What can you tell me about the Monterey Institute of International Studies?
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posted by dead_
on Oct 3, 2007 -
4 answers
Is it weird to ask a university professor if you can audit his/her class without officially enrolling in the university as an auditor ... and, as part of the arrangement, asking the professor if you can submit papers and have them graded and evaluated?
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posted by jayder
on Aug 8, 2007 -
43 answers
I'm 26 years old and already making a good living. Should I consider going to grad school for international relations or international affairs?
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posted by anonymous
on May 7, 2007 -
19 answers
Should I introduce myself to potential graduate school advisors at the earliest opportunity, or wait until I'm better prepared and less indecisive?
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posted by fermion
on Feb 1, 2007 -
11 answers
I
will begin an academic program for an MS in Computer Science starting Fall, 2007. The upside is that I have a year to prepare, while the downside is that I clearly have some obstacles to overcome, which are that
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 30, 2006 -
15 answers
I'm going to pursue a Masters/PhD in Cognitive Visual Neuroscience. I now know
how to ask for letters of recommendation - thanks - but how do I write a killer letter of intent/application essay? Alternately, what are the major mistakes/pitfalls new students make when writing such a letter? Answers need not be Psych specific.
posted by fake
on Aug 16, 2006 -
13 answers
I have been asked to write recommendation letters for an undergrad who is applying to grad schools. Should I just automatically use a separate sheet, or should I use their form if they provide a lot of space? Any general tips for the structure of the letter?
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posted by 445supermag
on Dec 28, 2005 -
11 answers
I'm a little worried about applying to grad school. I've read an awful lot about it, and I'm looking for some advice from actual people.
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posted by Netzapper
on May 13, 2005 -
16 answers