Graduate School Bound

[NYEric]

Good luck. Send me some plants before you get too busy!

 

[ehanes7612]

As I look back at mine, recently finished, definitely make sure you go funded. In the sciences this is no problem, plenty available. For me the most important thing is the time needed. Four years is a long time, if you get to the point when you think its time, really look at the group you will work in, the departments aims and ambitions, your supervisors publication history, and your interest in the topic. I see students quit for this or that, it is unfortunate. It is maybe masochistic, but PhD can be the best choice to make.

I was in a Biology Phd program years ago and quit after two months because the funding wasn't readily available until the second year. I also wasn't mentally prepared. I think of the Phd as a job ...I don't have a qualified resume in physics as I did in Biology..but I am going to take this opportunity to develop a strong resume..who knows..maybe I will apply to a Phd program eventually..I just want to be sure of what I want to research before I do.

 

[abax]

National Science Foundation Hanes!!! The NSF gives grants not loans.

 

[ehanes7612]

I know what the NSF is...my sister is a grant reviewer for NSF...we talk a lot about her involvement, she is well respected in the NSF and a recipient of multi million dollar grants herself..and I am in academia and have been on a research team as an undergraduate...applied for grants ..I am very aware of what is available. I also received a grant and a tuition remission in my second year for my MA in Holocaust Studies. I wont be competitive for any grants until I secure a lab position , which wont happen until I finish my core courses..so that would be in the second year. I appreciate the advice but I know how all this works

 

[abax]

Excellent Hanes! A lot of prospective grad students don't know that grant
money is available, especially in the sciences.

 

[SlipperFan]

Congrats, Ed! Happy studying!