Summer Rotations

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j-weezy

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I know this is NOT a new topic but since none of the threads in the search results were exactly what I wanted, I decided to start a new one...

1. Which schools REQUIRE a rotation the summer before MS1?

2. When do summer rotations generally start?
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University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date unknown)
University of Pittsburgh: Required; (start date unknown)
Washington University: Optional; (start date unknown)

I should know more considering how many I interviewed at...but I didn't really pay attention to the details :p
 
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date unknown)
University of Pittsburgh: Required; (start date unknown)
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown)
Washington University: Optional; (start date unknown)


I feel like I should know a lot more...they're all running together in my head!
 
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Northwestern: required
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date unknown)
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown)
Washington University: Optional; (start date unknown)
 
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date unknown)
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16
 
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date unknown)
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16

How many here plan to do it? I do, but last year no one at UCSF did a summer rotation before MS1. Perhaps it's a good sign--no gunners;)
 
Yeah but a July start date isn't so bad, most people get 1 - 2 months off still! It's just a tough decision if it's a June start date like all the others
 
Ariodant said:
How many here plan to do it? I do, but last year no one at UCSF did a summer rotation before MS1. Perhaps it's a good sign--no gunners;)
Click to expand...

I propose we add another criterion:

3. For those that have an optional rotation, what percentage of students typically partake.

Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date unknown)
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
 
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date unknown)
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%

I don't know what percentage do the optional rotation at Columbia. Also, I think I heard that one can also begin Wash U's optional rotation in July if a June start date will not be possible (for those of us with late graduation dates)...
 
It may depend heavily on the composition of the class that year. People who have to move across the country may be less inclined to do an optional rotation.
 
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date unknown)
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
 
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date unknown)
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
UW (Seattle): Required; start date ~July 1
 
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
MSSM: required, start date June 1
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date unknown)
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
UW (Seattle): Required; start date ~July 1
 
Members don't see this ad :)
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
MSSM: required, start date June 1
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date flexible, not sure about absolute latest); ~20%
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
UW (Seattle): Required; start date ~July 1
 
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Emory: optional, early June
MSSM: required, start date June 1
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date flexible, not sure about absolute latest); ~20%
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
UW (Seattle): Required; start date ~July 1
 
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Emory: optional, early June
MSSM: required, start date June 1
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Iowa: optional (but strongly encouraged); start date flexible, but definately before July 1; 50-80%
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date flexible, not sure about absolute latest); ~20%
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
UW (Seattle): Required; start date ~July 1[/quote]
 
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Emory: optional, early June
MSSM: required, start date June 1
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Iowa: optional (but strongly encouraged); start date flexible, but definately before July 1; 50-80%
University of Michigan: Optional; start date early June; ~10%
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date flexible, not sure about absolute latest); ~20%
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
UW (Seattle): Required; start date ~July 1
University of Wisconsin: Optional; (start date unknown); ~10-20%

I sort of liked the attitude of the Michigan director about the pre-M1 summer rotation...that if you do it, you'd probably just pick a lab doing similar stuff to what you have been studying (not what you will actually end up doing your PhD in). Thus, it wasn't really encouraged. I like having an excuse to take the summer off.
 
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Emory: optional, early June
MSSM: required, start date June 1
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
OHSU: optional but discouraged
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Iowa: optional (but strongly encouraged); start date flexible, but definately before July 1; 50-80%
University of Michigan: Optional; start date early June; ~10%
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date flexible, not sure about absolute latest); ~20%
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
UW (Seattle): Required; start date ~July 1
University of Wisconsin: Optional; (start date unknown); ~10-20%
 
iveshchmive said:
I sort of liked the attitude of the Michigan director about the pre-M1 summer rotation...that if you do it, you'd probably just pick a lab doing similar stuff to what you have been studying (not what you will actually end up doing your PhD in). Thus, it wasn't really encouraged. I like having an excuse to take the summer off.
Click to expand...

I would say, unless you're going to do something really cool during the summer (e.g., travel abroad), you should consider the summer rotation. Definitely do it if the alternative has anything to do with "work" or "research"--might as well contribute some time toward your PhD. Plus, on a recreational note, it's really fun exploring a new city, and meeting your classmates when there are only a few of you.

I'm not sure what the UofM director meant by doing similar stuff from your previous lab experience. Most people know what department they're going to join for their PhD portion. Those that are not sure might need to do more rotations. Your undergrad lab experience shapes your academic interests and influences your choice of departments and PIs--but that doesnt imply that you'll choose a similar lab. And even if you do, so what? You liked that field, so you're continuing with it.
 
It's a funny thing that first summer rotation. Being at a school where few people do it, the students always say "Who wouldn't enjoy their last free summer?" They always insist to the applicants/incomings you should only do the summer rotation beforehand if you really really want to.

But, when you hear from someone at a school where they all do summer rotations, the line is always "Oh it's totally great! You should totally come do one!" The directors there will tell you it's crucial for getting oriented to the program and city and it helps you graduate faster and blah blah blah.

So... Keep everyone's bias in mind. Everyone is trying to sell their program either thanks to cognitive dissonance, the desire to fit in with their program, or that's just the only way they really know. It's very rare you will hear someone give an opinion that they think their school should be the other way, yet I can't imagine that all the students at a "required" school wanted to that first summer rotation.

I actually did do the summer rotation and that was because I needed the money and I'd already had time off from school before coming in.

This is very similar to the teaching requirements at some schools. The schools that had teaching requirements always tried to sell me that teaching was a fundamental part of getting your PhD and a great experience. The schools that didn't would tell me it was a waste of time.
 
anyone know when UCLA summer rotations start?
 
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Emory: optional, early June
Harvard: required, start date July 7
MSSM: required, start date June 1
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
OHSU: optional but discouraged
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Iowa: optional (but strongly encouraged); start date flexible, but definately before July 1; 50-80%
University of Michigan: Optional; start date early June; ~10%
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date flexible, not sure about absolute latest); ~20%
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
UW (Seattle): Required; start date ~July 1
University of Wisconsin: Optional; (start date unknown); ~10-20%
 
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Emory: optional, early June
Harvard: required, start date July 7
Johns Hopkins: optional (and not encouraged), flexible start, ~30%
MSSM: required, start date June 1
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
OHSU: optional but discouraged
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Iowa: optional (but strongly encouraged); start date flexible, but definately before July 1; 50-80%
University of Michigan: Optional; start date early June; ~10%
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date flexible, not sure about absolute latest); ~20%
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
UW (Seattle): Required; start date ~July 1
University of Wisconsin: Optional; (start date unknown); ~10-20%
 
CCLCM: two summer rotations required (basic science rotation starts mid-July before first year, clinical science rotation starts in mid-July before second year)
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Emory: optional, early June
Harvard: required, start date July 7
Johns Hopkins: optional (and not encouraged), flexible start, ~30%
MSSM: required, start date June 1
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
OHSU: optional but discouraged
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Iowa: optional (but strongly encouraged); start date flexible, but definately before July 1; 50-80%
University of Michigan: Optional; start date early June; ~10%
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date flexible, not sure about absolute latest); ~20%
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
UW (Seattle): Required; start date ~July 1
University of Wisconsin: Optional; (start date unknown); ~10-20%
 
Any particular reason why some schools discourage summer rotations?
 
Kraazy said:
Any particular reason why some schools discourage summer rotations?
Click to expand...
I've heard these rationales:
1) If students take a year of medicine courses before selecting a lab, they'll be more likely to consider medical applications when picking a research focus
2) Students will just continue undergraduate research unless we give them a break--they might choose poorly. We want them to have more of an open mind.
3) We don't want students to burn out. Program completion rates may be higher if students relax for a summer before starting their training. (this could be tested)


edit: oh yeah, the money....a somewhat cynical 3rd year student made that comment at ohsu, where they "discouraged" summer rotations.
 
it probably couldn't be tested...unless mean statistically...
 
sirrileydog said:
I've heard these rationales:
1) If students take a year of medicine courses before selecting a lab, they'll be more likely to consider medical applications when picking a research focus
2) Students will just continue undergraduate research unless we give them a break--they might choose poorly. We want them to have more of an open mind.
3) We don't want students to burn out. Program completion rates may be higher if students relax for a summer before starting their training. (this could be tested)
Click to expand...
Y'all are a bunch of idealists, thinking that these schools are looking out for your careers and even your mental health. The truth is probably that they just don't want to have to pay you for the summer. :p
 
CCLCM: two summer rotations required (basic science rotation starts mid-July before first year, clinical science rotation starts in mid-July before second year)
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Emory: optional, early June
Harvard: required, start date July 7
Johns Hopkins: optional (and not encouraged), flexible start, ~30%
MSSM: required, start date June 1
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
OHSU: optional but discouraged
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Iowa: optional (but strongly encouraged); start date flexible, but definately before July 1; 50-80%
University of Michigan: Optional; start date June 2; ~10%
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date flexible, not sure about absolute latest); ~20%
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
UW (Seattle): Required; start date ~July 1
University of Wisconsin: Optional; (start date unknown); ~10-20%

Does anybody know when is the latest we can matriculate if we're planning on doing a summer rotation? (UMich revisit is SO late!) Thanks!
 
CCLCM: two summer rotations required (basic science rotation starts mid-July before first year, clinical science rotation starts in mid-July before second year)
Columbia: optional, start date June or July
Cornell Tri-I: required, start date July 7
Dartmouth: required, start date June 16
Emory: optional, early June
Harvard: required, start date July 7
Johns Hopkins: optional (and not encouraged), flexible start, ~30%
MSSM: required, start date June 1
Northwestern: required; start date July 1
OHSU: optional but discouraged
UCSD: Optional; (start date early June?)
UCSF: optional, start date July 1
University of Iowa: optional (but strongly encouraged); start date flexible, but definately before July 1; 50-80%
University of Michigan: Optional; start date June 2; ~10%
University of Minnesota: Required; start date July 1
University of Pennsylvania: Optional; (start date flexible, not sure about absolute latest); ~20%
University of Pittsburgh: Required; starts Jun 1
UTSW: Required; (start date unknown, some time in June)
Washington University: Optional; start date June 16; ~50%
UW (Seattle): Required; start date ~July 1
University of Wisconsin: Optional; (start date unknown); ~10-20%
Virginia Commonwealth: Required; starts ~3rd week of June

gstrub (if you read this), I'm 99% sure the summer rotation is required, right?
 
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