Graduate school at UF ?

Graduate School
1

<p>I'm currently a junior wanting to get into University of Florida's Immunology phD program. I'll be applying in around 5 months. I'm wondering what my chances would be (or if I shouldn't even try for UF). UF is my dream school---I LOVE their curriculum for immuno, the research topics in their labs, and the location. </p>

<p>My stats:</p>

<p>Undergrad university: Mississippi State</p>

<p>Major: Biochemistry and Microbiology (double major)</p>

<p>GPA: 3.96</p>

<p>GRE: Will take next month, but all my practice tests have been around 1200 (700 Q, 500 V)</p>

<p>Personal Statement: In the process of writing. I know it won't be a huge standout, because I don't really have any special circumstances that give me that "WOW" factor, but I generally can write a decent essay.</p>

<p>Research experience: At the time I apply, I will have 2.5 years of research experience in a plant pathology lab. I will keep this research job until I graduate (so 3.5 years total. I will mention this in personal statement). During my time at this lab, I conducted a directed individual study for one of my professors on the cleaning of contaminated PCR products, but no publication or poster presentation. Also, within the last month, I have starting working along side a phD student in this lab on a project pertaining to toxigenic strains of aspergillus flavus. She has agreed to put my name on the publication (but the publication won't come about until AFTER I have finished my undergrad studies, so it's no help in getting into grad school). I'm not sure if having research in a plant pathology lab is relevant enough for an immunology program. </p>

<p>Letters of recommendation: One from my boss at the research lab, one from my biochemistry advisor, and one from my microbiology advisor (who also taught me several upper level science courses)</p>

<p>I'm also applying to University of Alabama at Birmingham and possibly Baylor or Emory. However, UF is my REAL goal. I would love your input. Should I even get my hopes up? What are my chances? Will being from out of state help or hurt my chances?</p>

<p>Also, If you have any tips for getting accepted, let me know. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>That publication certainly can help you. You can list it on your c.v. as “in progress” or “in review” or whatever, depending on what stage it’s at by the time you apply.</p>

3

<p>Basically, I can’t count on the publication because if the research doesn’t go as planned, it won’t even happen.</p>

4

<p>Don’t sweat it. I would bet you will be accepted to the immunology departments at each of these schools. I am a little surprised that you’re so in love with UF in part because of its coursework and it’s the only umbrella program you mentioned. If you like the idea of a comprehensive curriculum, many graduate schools can offer it, however Emory IMP and BCM’s Immunology and UAB’s Micro/Immunology are standalone departments.</p>

5

<p>Florida’s curriculum, in my opinion, is much more flexible than the others schools. After the first semester, they allow you to choose your classes (so I could take all Immunology courses if I want—not necessarily a comprehensive curriculum). Also, they only require fall and spring classes in the first year, and then 2 additional classes that can be taken at any point after the first year.</p>

<p>Baylor, however, shoves in an abundance of classes all in the first year by making students attend class for a twelve month period, not just fall and spring semesters. I have a feeling this might be a little overwhelming for me on top fo 4 laboratory rotations that take place in the first year, and I don’t want to get burnt our or intimidated too fast.</p>

<p>Emory requires 2 years (fall and spring) of classes. They also require you to be a teaching assistance for a semester. </p>

<p>Basically, I feel like I have a better chance of choosing the classes I want AND focusing more on my research if I attend UF. If you know I’m incorrect about any of the facts I just stated, please point it out because I’d hate to make the wrong decision because of being under the wrong impression. </p>

<p>Would attending an “umbrella” program be disadvantageous? I don’t prefer a comprehensive curriculum. I would rather take classes on the intricate details of immunology, with maybe a little virology and pathogen interactions intertwined. Let me know if I misunderstood something in UF’s curriculum.</p>

6

<p>Anyone else have any advice?</p>