u/Ok_Reading_it

Which of the above two kinds of students do you think are better prepared for a PhD? Those who know exactly what they want, or those who are flexible?

Second, what reason do they have to want "exactly" what they want....I mean, for some, it's family history of disease that motivates them...but for the rest, there is no reason to have a burning desire to answer a specific type of question- is that right? Thank you to all for responding.

I am asking specifically for Bioscience PhD in USA. It would be nice if you mention if you are a PhD student/postdoc/professor. Thanks!

If one has only 1 research experience in Biosciences, how can they obtain 3 letters of recommendation from 3 research mentors for PhD admissions?

If someone with a family deliberately plans their experiments in a way that they work an average of 40 hours a week in a US Biology wet-lab PhD program, can a good PhD be completed in 5 - 6 years? I understand there will be weekend work and 60 hrs some weeks - but on an everage 40 hrs a week.

Is the first draft of their PhD thesis generated by AI? And apart from PhD thesis, are they (specifically STEM PhD Students) writing first drafts manuscripts for peer reviews using AI? And what about coursework-related papers and assignments - are they doing first drafts sing ChatGPT (or other similar LLM AIs)?

Those who showed depression-like symptoms during their PhD, had already been diagnosed with depression, or did the PhD environment cause depression?

Same, better, worse?

Or is having left a PhD once a blot on their life that can never be erased?

(I am talking about top-10 programs, or at least good R1 schools, Biological Science PhD)

What would need to change for the admission committee to trust them again?

Or is having left a PhD once a blot on their life that can never be erased?

(I am talking about top programs, or at least good R1 schools, Biological sciece PhD)

What are the main reasons for PhD students' attrition in your department? [Can you separate reasons for when PhD students leave on their own, they fail out, or they are removed]

(If possible, for context---can you mention the STEM field, approx program rank, the country, and whether you say that as a PI or a trainee?) Thanks

What are the main reasons for PhD students' attrition in your department? [Can you separate reasons for when PhD students leave on their own, they fail out, or they are removed]

(If possible, for context---can you mention the STEM field, approx program rank, the country, and whether you say that as a PI or a trainee?) Thanks

Can you list the main reasons for PhD students' attrition in your department? [Can you separate reasons for when PhD students leave on their own, they fail out, or they are removed]

(If possible, for context---can you mention the STEM field, approx program rank, the country, and whether you say that as a PI or a trainee?) Thanks

I know a balanced perspective is important, but it seems like every time I see something positive about a PhD, it's immediately followed by a "but" and a list of ten negatives - making the perspective overwhelmingly negative.

Today I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed and discouraged with the application preparation, so I’d really appreciate hearing the good (and only the good) about a PhD. I'm looking for a positive thread to bookmark for when things feel tough.

If you’re currently doing a PhD or have already finished one - especially in STEM/biology - can you share ONLY the good parts?

*What made the process meaningful, exciting, fulfilling, or worth it?*

and

*What changed in your life after graduating?* Thank you

Upvote1Downvote1Go to comments

I know a balanced perspective is important, but it seems like every time I see something positive about a PhD, it's immediately followed by a "but" and a list of ten negatives - making the perspective overwhelmingly negative.

Today I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed and discouraged with the application preparation, so I’d really appreciate hearing the good (and only the good) about a PhD. I'm looking for a positive thread to bookmark for when things feel tough.

If you’re currently doing a PhD or have already finished one - especially in STEM/biology - can you share ONLY the good parts?

*What made the process meaningful, exciting, fulfilling, or worth it?*

and

*What changed in your life after graduating?* Thank you