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Specialty Chemistry Forums => Chemical Education and Careers => Topic started by: Jorriss on January 07, 2012, 10:24:50 PM

Title: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: Jorriss on January 07, 2012, 10:24:50 PM
So where did everyone apply and where did you guys get accepted?

I applied to Cornell, Rice, UIUC, MIT, caltech, northwestern, U. of Chicago, Columbia, U. of Washington (I applied to a lot because I didn't feel my application was quite as strong as the schools I was applying to).

But 3/3 so far, accepted to Cornell, Rice and UIUC.

Lets hear it!

**I completely ripped this thread off from Berettagtz
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: UG on January 07, 2012, 11:58:11 PM
Congratulations!!! :)
Job well done, where will you go if they all accept you?  :D
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: fledarmus on January 08, 2012, 10:59:11 AM
Fantastic! All good schools! What program?
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: Jorriss on January 08, 2012, 06:44:13 PM
Fantastic! All good schools! What program?
I picked schools with strong theoretical chemistry and chemical physics programs.

Congratulations!!! :)
Job well done, where will you go if they all accept you?  :D
Either U. of Chicago, Northwestern or Columbia. Good schools and I'd love to live in New York or Chicago.
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: scpinion on January 12, 2012, 07:33:55 PM
I applied to Harvard, MIT, UNC Chapel-Hill, Northwestern, Colorado Boulder, Washington and Notre Dame for p-chem or chemical physics. I've got accepted @ Notre Dame, UNC (w/ a dept. fellowship) and Washington thus far.

-scpinion
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: Jorriss on January 12, 2012, 10:40:28 PM
I applied to Harvard, MIT, UNC Chapel-Hill, Northwestern, Colorado Boulder, Washington and Notre Dame for p-chem or chemical physics. I've got accepted @ Notre Dame, UNC (w/ a dept. fellowship) and Washington thus far.

-scpinion
Awesome, are you visiting Washington the weekend of the 9th?

I was accepted to Washington, Caltech and U. of Chicago since my last post.
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: scpinion on January 12, 2012, 11:42:27 PM
I'm planning on it as long as visitation weekends for the better schools aren't the same weekend. You?
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: scpinion on January 13, 2012, 12:07:25 AM
Jorriss, I'm curious what your credentials looked like (research experience, gpa, Ugrad institution, gre, etc.)? I understand if you don't want to share as well. You mentioned you were worried about how strong your application was but you have obviously gotten into some of the top schools in the nation. I felt the same way about mine but got into chapel-hill w/ a fellowship (although its not Cal Tech), so I was curious what someone else's application looked like who got into top ten schools.
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: Jorriss on January 13, 2012, 02:34:33 AM
Jorriss, I'm curious what your credentials looked like (research experience, gpa, Ugrad institution, gre, etc.)? I understand if you don't want to share as well. You mentioned you were worried about how strong your application was but you have obviously gotten into some of the top schools in the nation. I felt the same way about mine but got into chapel-hill w/ a fellowship (although its not Cal Tech), so I was curious what someone else's application looked like who got into top ten schools.
I've been at UCSD for a year, before that I was at community college. Overall GPA was 3.7 on my application, 82% chemistry gre, 1 summer research experience (Which frankly, wasn't impressive. The project was theory based using some hardcore quantum mechanics. Some of it was bordering on quantum field theory and I hadn't even taken one quarter of quantum yet. The professor wrote me a LoR but it couldn't have been great). My research experience was a big black mark on my app.

I felt my personal statement was pretty good and I know at least two of my letters were very, very strong.

I know I had strong coursework though. I applied to do theory and I'd taken graduate mathematical methods (physics department) and statistical mechanics, UD classical mechanics, and a bunch of math classes - among the standard chemistry courses in physical chemistry

What were your credentials?

I'm planning on it as long as visitation weekends for the better schools aren't the same weekend. You?
Same, except for Washington. My brother goes there so I'll be at that weekend for sure.
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: scpinion on January 13, 2012, 02:56:32 AM
I'm a chemistry and physics double degree student (chem gpa=3.86 and phys gpa=3.91) at the University of South Carolina (overall gpa 3.87). I have a summer of physics research exp., which, like yours, wasn't really worth anything. I also have 1.5 years of chem research experience.

I have one VERY strong letter from my chem research advisor and another strong (although not as strong) letter from the physics research advisor. My other letter came from a professor who's class I did well in (probably worthless for the admissions committee).

My chem gre was 75% and I was >90% for both quant and verbal general gre. I'm fairly confident in my personal statement and I founded the ACS student chapter @ USC, so that is working in my favor.

The BIG thing against me is I have worked in a lab for 1.5 years and didn't publish anything prior to submitting applications. I spent the first half of my time in the lab setting it up and building the instruments required to actually perform the research (I joined a brand new lab and it was EMPTY when I started).  I explained this in my personal statement so hopefully it doesn't hurt me too bad. 
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: Jorriss on January 13, 2012, 03:05:05 AM
Your application is really strong.

Your lab experience is, as near as I can tell, great. It's a valuable trait to have experience in setting up a lab and learning how to use lab equipment. I actually think that will be viewed as a plus in addition to the direct research experience you gained (and in addition to showing your commitment) .

What type of chemistry do you want to go into? Theory? Experimental?
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: scpinion on January 13, 2012, 09:37:55 AM
Thanks, I hope the admissions committees agree with you.

I want to join an experimental group working on nanotechnology (semiconductor nanowires, quantum dots, etc.).
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: TheUnfocusedOne on January 18, 2012, 01:49:51 PM
Still no word for me.
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: scpinion on January 24, 2012, 11:58:36 PM
I was accepted at MIT today.

Still no word for me.

What schools did you apply to?
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: OrgoTutor on January 25, 2012, 02:20:19 AM
Congrats Jorriss and scipinion on your acceptances. Best of luck to everyone still waiting.

I got accepted to U of Kansas, U of Georgia at Athens, and Colorado State U---the only three schools I applied to. So I'm happy. I'm going for a PhD in Organic (total synth, and synth methods).
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: Jorriss on January 25, 2012, 02:35:10 AM
I was accepted at MIT today.
Not surprised, Grats!

What schools did you apply to?
[/quote]

Congrats Jorriss and scipinion on your acceptances. Best of luck to everyone still waiting.

I got accepted to U of Kansas, U of Georgia at Athens, and Colorado State U---the only three schools I applied to. So I'm happy. I'm going for a PhD in Organic (total synth, and synth methods).
Congrats!
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: TheUnfocusedOne on January 26, 2012, 04:01:10 PM
I was accepted at MIT today.

What schools did you apply to?

So jealous... What field are you interested in and who do you think you'll work for?

Johns Hopkins, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, UCSB and USC. I applied a bit late but before the deadlines for each school. It's been hard juggling apps and work, but I'm hope full I'll get into at least one of em. I think the only thing really working against me is the fact that I've been out of school for more than a year, though I did take a math course this past summer. I need to get out of industry, it's killing me.
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: zs3889 on January 27, 2012, 05:58:32 PM

So jealous... What field are you interested in and who do you think you'll work for?

Johns Hopkins, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, UCSB and USC. I applied a bit late but before the deadlines for each school. It's been hard juggling apps and work, but I'm hope full I'll get into at least one of em. I think the only thing really working against me is the fact that I've been out of school for more than a year, though I did take a math course this past summer. I need to get out of industry, it's killing me.

what is wrong with the industry? why do you think it is killing you? im doing my 4th year undergad and im just curious.
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: TheUnfocusedOne on January 27, 2012, 11:06:58 PM
It's personal preference really. I've held two different jobs since graduating and neither of them have really given me the same level of satisfaction as my undergrad. Don't get too worried if you're going into industry.

You can PM me if you really wanna know more.
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: nesst1 on January 30, 2012, 08:55:43 PM
Hello! I applied to Wayne State's and Notre Dame's chemistry programs. I also applied to biology and biochemistry and molecular biology programs at Wayne State, UIC, UChicago and Loyola U Chicago. I graduated with a 3.44, but a high 3.5 in my chemistry and biology courses. I have a year and a half of successful research experience, but no publications and it isn't related to what I plan to study in grad school. I also have work experience, as a lab assistant for the chemistry dept. and as a supplemental instruction leader for an introductory chemistry course for a year.

I haven't heard back from any schools yet  :-\ but I'm hoping to get accepted soon! I wrote a short summary of my credentials, there's other details I didn't include but what are your opinions? Are there any schools you haven't heard back from yet?
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: Jorriss on February 01, 2012, 01:09:32 AM
Hello! I applied to Wayne State's and Notre Dame's chemistry programs. I also applied to biology and biochemistry and molecular biology programs at Wayne State, UIC, UChicago and Loyola U Chicago. I graduated with a 3.44, but a high 3.5 in my chemistry and biology courses. I have a year and a half of successful research experience, but no publications and it isn't related to what I plan to study in grad school. I also have work experience, as a lab assistant for the chemistry dept. and as a supplemental instruction leader for an introductory chemistry course for a year.

I haven't heard back from any schools yet  :-\ but I'm hoping to get accepted soon! I wrote a short summary of my credentials, there's other details I didn't include but what are your opinions? Are there any schools you haven't heard back from yet?
I imagine you have a good shot at Wayne State, Loyola U Chicago or Notre Dame and a shot at the other ones. I haven't heard back from MIT or Northwestern yet myself.
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: TheUnfocusedOne on February 01, 2012, 08:41:07 PM
Got into Johns Hopkins today!
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: Borek on February 02, 2012, 04:51:59 AM
Congrats!

I just hope you will not forget about CF once you will start to study...
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: TheUnfocusedOne on February 23, 2012, 03:42:51 PM
Is anyone else still waiting to hear back from schools?

I've only heard back from one of the 5 I applied to. I was accepted to my top choice, so I'm not too concerned about the outcome, I just think it's odd that they haven't gotten back to me yet.

Some of my friends haven't heard back from any of their schools yet.


Is anyone else really excited? It really started hitting me lately. It might be different for me since I've been out of school for a bit, and I've been languishing away at my job.
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: HelpWithWriting on February 24, 2012, 08:51:14 AM
I know this is off topic, but you all seem very open, helpful and intelligent. I work in a writing center and have a student that needs help with a statement of research training. Unfortunately, I am not so familiar with that (I am much more familiar with SoP, Motivation Letters, etc.). I was wondering if you guys had ever written one and if you would mind sharing them with me so that I can better understand the document and maybe help this student out. My email is bilwrite@bilkent.edu.tr
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: Jorriss on March 06, 2012, 12:50:08 PM
Well, it was a good run. Got in everywhere but MIT. I'll be visiting Northwestern, caltech and I already visited U. of Chicago, which was great.
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: TheUnfocusedOne on March 09, 2012, 10:55:45 AM
Still a very impressive list. I'd trade any of my acceptances for your  ;D
Title: Re: Anyone heard back from schools yet? [2012 edition]
Post by: nesst1 on March 21, 2012, 11:59:02 PM
I'm going to Wayne State in the fall! Time to study for the proficiency exams...