how i got into an ivy school | let's get a neuroscience phd!!

Summary

In this engaging video, Bianca, a soon-to-be neuroscience PhD student at Columbia, shares her journey and offers invaluable advice for undergrads aspiring to enter competitive graduate programs. She emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities, such as joining labs and internships, and demonstrating independence and initiative. Bianca also discusses the significance of publications and research experience, while candidly addressing the challenges of the application process. Viewers are encouraged to ask questions about grad school applications, as Bianca promises to delve into her personal experiences, including her stats, rejections, and acceptances, in an upcoming video.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Bianca is moving to New York to start her neuroscience PhD at Columbia University in August.
• 🧳 She's currently dealing with the stress of moving, including finding an apartment and adjusting to New York life.
• 🎓 Bianca emphasizes that undergraduate institution ranking is less important than what you achieve there for grad school admissions.
• 🔬 As a STEM student, she advises finding labs to work in and creating your own opportunities if none are available.
• 💡 Networking and making connections are crucial for finding research opportunities and future career paths.
• 📚 She stresses the importance of independence and initiative, showing graduate admissions committees you're ready for a PhD.
• 📈 Bianca shares her own experiences, including publications, posters, and talks, to illustrate how to stand out in grad school applications.
• 🏢 She mentions the value of working in larger labs for increased publication opportunities.
• 🌐 For those not getting published, she suggests other ways to demonstrate independence and research excellence.
• 📅 Bianca will share more details about her grad school application process, including stats and experiences, in an upcoming video.

Q & A

What is the title of the video?

The title of the video is not explicitly mentioned in the script, but it seems to be related to Columbia University and the speaker's experiences.

What is Bianca's educational background and future plans?

Bianca is a neuroscience PhD student at Columbia University starting in the upcoming August.

What challenges is Bianca facing as she prepares to move to New York?

Bianca is facing challenges such as finding an apartment, buying new furniture, moving her entire life, and adjusting to life as a New Yorker.

What is Bianca's perspective on the weather in the northeast?

Bianca mentions that the weather in the northeast has been warm but suddenly turned cold.

Why does Bianca mention 'window ac drippings'?

Bianca mentions 'window ac drippings' as an example of something gross she expects to experience in New York.

What advice does Bianca give to undergraduates interested in pursuing a master's or PhD?

Bianca advises undergraduates to focus on making their own opportunities, gaining research experience, and not letting their undergraduate institution limit their ambitions.

What does Bianca suggest for finding a lab to work in as an undergraduate?

Bianca suggests emailing professors of interest, asking professors you have a good relationship with, and utilizing your network to find labs.

How does Bianca define a successful student or researcher?

Bianca defines a successful student or researcher as someone who seeks out opportunities, isn't afraid to fail, and is willing to put themselves out there.

What is the most important trait to show graduate admissions committees, according to Bianca?

The most important trait to show graduate admissions committees is independence.

What does Bianca suggest to demonstrate independence in research?

Bianca suggests understanding the purpose behind your research, the bigger picture, and the limitations of your project.

What does Bianca mean by 'make your own opportunities'?

Bianca means that one should actively seek out and create opportunities for themselves, such as finding labs, gaining experience, and networking.