Here is a list of tips for applying to graduate programs in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences
This list was compiled with the help of faculty members from Stony Brook University. Each faculty member was asked what advice they had for students and what they are looking for in applications
Good practices for applications:
Make sure to read the application carefully and comply with all instructions. If you’re not sure what’s wanted, reach out to the program for clarification.
Ask lab-mates and direct mentors for feedback on your research statement and your personal statement - give them plenty of time to read it - ideally you should have a draft ready for feedback in October for end of November deadlines so there is plenty of time for several cycles of review. After you have feedback from your friends/in-lab mentor, get feedback from your PI (if you are in a lab).
Be honest and briefly explain any rough patches in your record. If you had a bad semester because of illness or personal problems or immaturity let the reviewers know what happened.
Get letters from well established faculty. These individuals typically know how to write letters and can compare you to a large pool of their past students. A lab TA may know you well but they won’t pull as much weight with the admissions committee.
Well-established faculty are used to being asked for letters of recommendation for grad school. You don’t need to have had a ton of previous one-on-one meetings with a faculty member to request a recommendation, although it certainly helps if you came to an office hour or spoke a few times in class.
In your personal statement:
Discuss why the specific program appeals to you.
Name some potential faculty mentors.
Be sure to describe any research experience, but keep it at a level that a researcher who is not necessarily an expert in your field can easily understand
What to avoid in applications:
Avoid an informal tone in your personal statement. Keep it polished and professional.
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