I'm starting this June. I'll finish my PhD as soon as I publish my dissertation. It took me a year and a half of HARD work to do my research, take the required courses, and write my comps. I didn't chose the do/phd because I hope to polish and publish my dissertation while doing my 1st year so I can still graduate in 2018. If I can't find the time, I'll have to officially enter the do/phd program.
I either am missing something or should be really really impressed. I have worked in and studied cognitive neuroscience for seven years... and have never seen anyone deviate much beyond the master's in two years and PhD in five (except for perhaps taking a couple extra years in behavioral neuro). If you work really hard, I have known one grad student who pushed through in four (though this was in social neuro where the job market is pretty hot right now). Cognitive and behavioral neuroscience is almost always 5+ ...in my experience?
I either am missing something or should be really really impressed. I have worked in and studied cognitive neuroscience for seven years... and have never seen anyone deviate much beyond the master's in two years and PhD in five (except for perhaps taking a couple extra years in behavioral neuro). If you work really hard, I have known one grad student who pushed through in four (though this was in social neuro where the job market is pretty hot right now). Cognitive and behavioral neuroscience is almost always 5+ ...in my experience?
Haha, if so, I would have totally done it already. Finishing classwork in the first two years is likely, and finishing a major research project that could carry over to a dissertation is possible. Beyond that, most programs have a four to five year timeline that is relatively rigid with multiple checkpoints.
Dunno if this is helpful... but I was approved (in-state) for just under $14,000.00 Stafford for the summer semester and then $40,500.00 Stafford plus ~$3,600 Grad PLUS on top of that for Fall/Spring.
Naw, I declined the Grad PLUS for Fall 2014 + Spring 2015; I don't think those few thousand dollars are necessary (and can be reinstated in the future if so). However, I do think Summer 2015 (and 2016 and 2017) would be solely Grad PLUS since it's lumped with Fall 2014 + Spring 2015 as far as the academic year goes -- and the Stafford limits follow -- so if people are solely reliant on loans for everything (and borrowing Stafford to the limit for Fall + Spring), it might be impossible to go the whole time without Grad PLUS!
Sounds like Paradoc goes to show the season isn't over yet.
Sounds like Paradoc goes to show the season isn't over yet.
Haha, yeah, it sure does add up quicklyYeah, I was just about to decline them too, but thought I'd ask first. That is very interesting, though; I am definitely relying all on loans... Even with some saved up money I don't have tens of thousands lol. The only thing I have been worrying about is loans and paying for things. Now that's settling, I can get back to worrying about starting med school!
Thanks, and see you soon!
. I was just staring at that $40,500 in Stafford loans on my stuinfo page and thinking about how much money that is (for a small chunk of our education) ... But at least it seems like MSU makes it pretty easy to take action on and manage loans, so that's pretty nice 
!
Hello everyone! I was just accepted off the waitlist last Friday and accepted the offer on Saturday! Over the past few days I've been trying to get up to speed with getting all the forms and pre-matriculation things in.
How soon after your acceptance did you get your login information for StuInfo/ a student ID?
Has anyone been accepted off the waitlist after the April deadline to order orientation materials and had any problems?
I've done the fingerprints, filled out the immunization form, found an apartment, and switched my financial aid from another school to MSU already, so mostly everything is falling into place. Appreciate the responses
Hello everyone! I was just accepted off the waitlist last Friday and accepted the offer on Saturday! Over the past few days I've been trying to get up to speed with getting all the forms and pre-matriculation things in.
How soon after your acceptance did you get your login information for StuInfo/ a student ID?
Has anyone been accepted off the waitlist after the April deadline to order orientation materials and had any problems?
I've done the fingerprints, filled out the immunization form, found an apartment, and switched my financial aid from another school to MSU already, so mostly everything is falling into place. Appreciate the responses
Just got accepted off the waitlist!!! Hang in there guys!
Just got accepted off the waitlist!!! Hang in there guys!
Congrats! We get the coursepack during orientation. We don't have portal access until classes begin. You will get your login info and student number in the mail, takes a week or two. See you soon!
Congratulations!!!!
I've been on the waitlist since late March. Has anyone heard about acceptances for next year's class? When I was at the visit day in April, they were saying that some people would be offered spots in the next class. Still hoping to get in this year, though. The wait is killing me, lol! Any day could be THE day that changes my life.
but I wouldn't have it any other way. It is sort of amazing to think how a single phone call could change the direction of ones life. I was at the visit day in April as well (perhaps we met?) and haven't heard either way about the spots for next year. I think they are still taking folks off the wait list through next week...so it could still happen!
Congratulations!
Congratulations Indeed!
I know that a lot of us are in the same boat right now, and it's been a bit of a struggle at times to stay positive. I have developed a somewhat neurotic checking behavior, myself
Also, I just wanted to say that I am grateful for this forum and am thankful for those who have shared their stories of heartache, perseverance, and success. Witnessing someone's dream come to fruition, getting a sense of their joy and excitement is inspiring....perhaps more so when you have a sense of the sacrifices and dedication it took to get there. Thanks to all those who took the time to share, It is appreciated!
