Preparing for EMJM application!
Hi!
I’ve been looking at the EMJM TCCM (theoretical chemistry and computational modeling) scholarship as a potential graduate path for me, and I would love to be prepared when I start applying to grad programs this upcoming Fall! I’ve been looking into this program for quite a while now, and I’m super passionate about potentially being able to participate!!
Some background:
I’m a mathematics and chemistry double major at a semi-major university in the United States. I do work in computational biophysics, though it’s not exactly what I want to specialize in, but it’s computational nonetheless. I have a decent gpa (3.76/4) and I expect it to increase a bit in my final year/semesters here. My math background lends itself heavily to computational research (numerical linear algebra, numerical analysis, and I will be taking a finite difference methods for solving PDEs course next semester) so I feel like that’s a plus. I’ve been doing research for a while in a few different topics, but I don’t have any publications to show for it (yet!!). I’ll be doing a study abroad research internship in solid state computational chem in the UK this summer which I’m very excited about, and I hope this lends itself to being viewed more favorably for this scholarship. Also, I’m a dual citizen with an EU and recently Schengen zone country. I also really want to do my PhD abroad, as the current situation in the states regarding science is quite grim right now…
Essentially my questions are as follows:
How much “life” experience should I have? I’ve noticed other people on this sub tend to do and experience more life, generally, before applying to these programs.
Also, is there anything I should generally start preparing for now? For instance, should I contact professors that are part of the program or perhaps ambassadors to show interest in their work/the program?
Am I in a good spot, academically? I feel like I’ve definitely been challenging myself academically, but I also feel like there’s more that I could have/can still do.
Finally, for those that have been part of the program/been through the application process, are there any tips you’d like to share!
Thanks so much in advance!!