Applying to graduate school -PhD

Hi Everyone,

I got my BA degree thanks to California's AB540. It's my dream to attend a molecular biology PhD program.

Do you know of any public or private schools that accept undocumented students for graduate programs? This can be tricky because the programs in this field normally pay for the student's tuition plus a stipend.

I would appreciate any information you have.

Thank you.

I can tell you from personal experience (Atomic physics) that getting into a grad program in a science field will be very very difficult while undocumented. Some schools might accept you but once you mention your status the chances of you seeing any stipend money is very very small. There are SSN , govt. and military stipend, and clearance issues that schools will simply rather reject you than have to jump through so many obstacles when PhD programs are extremely competitive already and the admission committees can simply pick and choose their candidates.

Also, state and public schools are even worse. These won't even accept you. I spoke to 3 in my state, and they flat out told me that I won't be matriculated, even when I told them that I am willing to pay the out-of-state graduate tuition.

sassyoh, you will have an easier time applying to masters rather than pHD programs for the reason gebodupa stated above. Many masters programs require that you pay out of pocket and I've found that schools that allow students to apply for terminal masters degrees in the biological sciences tend to be public schools. Some private schools (columbia, tulane, Boston U, georgetown) offer terminal biological masters, but these usually cater to pre-med students, and I'm not sure if any of them are for molecular biology. I'm in the same boat as you, PM me if you want more info/advice.

i started grad school 3 weeks ago in a science field (mech eng). could've gotten into the phd program but am looking at transfering once my masters is done. If things look unlikely here in the states, I'll be looking abroad.

1st day of classes, the chair asks to see me to pretty much offer me a job....I kinda of laughed and died a little on the inside. I'm paying out of pocket (well parents are, instate), but full time tuition is only slightly above undergrad tuition.

I'm kind of unwilling to work as a Professor slave (aka RA, TA) and was wanting to do my own research. I know of a student who did, but wasn't sure if he was paying for everything or getting proposals out there for sponsorships or government money. That is one route I am wanting to look into, but the Department has been doing land grabs of every lab area here so giving me some space to work on will be a challenge.

If push comes to shove, the thesis might end up being theoretical/simulation based as opposed to empirically based.

The education that I've gotten so far has made me realize how someone can actually have a shot of beign somebody and really have an impact in such a great society.

I have been studying how the economy is working and it has been a dissaster ever since Bush came into power. This may not of help to you all who want to get a doctors degree, but what I'm saying is that even with an associates degree, that much education can really open the eyes of an individul so that he/she can see that education can only make your life better.

I have to work doing what I know under the table so that I can pay for my tuition. Lucky me, my education gave me the ability to create a business for someone who would let me run it. Now, I can perform my business management skills and help the society by creating a couple of jobs that will impact those few individuals while helping my self.

"Use what you know to help your self and others, so that your knowledge doesn't become a waste but it becomes into a profit"-SonOf2Nations

How does it work at your school? I'm in a different field than you, but RA is what we all shoot for. By being an RA you get tuition comped, stipend, and maybe an insurance discount. I've never heard of a student being able to work without an adviser (prof.), doesn't someone have to apply and receive the grant money for the equipment, supplies, etc.?

Good luck on getting into PhD., have you done the GRE yet? It looks like its getting harder every year. Glad I took it when I did.

While we're on the topic, does anyone have any experience applying to masters programs at University of Washington, University of Minnesota, University of North Carolina, or UCLA in the sciences?

RA is the ideal position indeed. In my school (like 90+ % of schools out there), an RA does his thesis work on something assigned by a professor as part of a big research project he or the department may be undertaking (hence the slave reference). Usually it's not until you're getting a Phd, when the research performed is more ''original'' or ''yours'' to say it bluntly.

The guy that did his own thing was working as a TA and basically I think paid out of pocket for the research he was involved in (may have also received sponsorship from interested parties). He was assigned an advisor whom oversaw his work, but the research was not the professor's per say (may have aided in submitting proposals for grant requests). If i went this route, I would not be receiving a salary like an RA would (inelegible anyways), but would still be getting the work/research experience needed to set foot on a Phd program.

I took the GRE this summer, but only studied 2 hours the night prior (not recommended). Got a score that reflects such input, but enough to get into grad school. I'll more than take it again, but should devote a month to cover a whole study guide instead.

I took the Kaplan cram session and it helped, 2 days long. I reviewed the material ahead of time, but as you know the GRE is more a logic game than a test and the course helped with that.

My respect to all you guys. I was reading your posts and wow.. Goodluck on everything u do because you all deserve better and all the things you have worked hard for.