1. What can you do with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience? The Neuroscience Program at Michigan State University maintains a web page with several resources about career options for PhDs in Neuroscience. We summarize some of them but we encourage you to take a more in-depth look at the possibilities that are available here. Besides the traditional academic career paths, Neuroscientists can and have put their research and problem-solving skills to work in pharmaceutical companies, science journalism, grants administration, consulting, law, and policy-making in government.
2. I have never been away from my familiy and I do not know anybody in MSU. Most students that come to MSU go through the same experience, from those who live in other cities in the State of Michigan to students coming from the Far East in Asia. It is part of growing up as a person, making decisions on your own and becoming an adult. You will have the advantage of coming as part of a program designed to take care of you and most Puerto Rican students feel that the people from the lab and this program become their second family. Also, there is a Latin American Community, which organizes dinners once a month, and gatherings of different sort. People from different Latin American countries belong to this community, and it is a good place to meet people from different LA countries, and get some information about where to find Latin food, or music. e-mail: comunida@msu.edu
3. Will I be able to fulfill the expectations of the people in this program and other faculty? The idea is for you to learn new things. But you will be able to do it, it will require some effort, but it is worth it.
4. I have not taken any courses on Neuroscience. If a basic course in Neuroscience is being given at my home institution, it would be good to take it prior to coming here, but it is not mandatory. During the semester that you will spend here, you will learn about this and so much more.
5. I come from a small university, where we have a direct relationship with our professors. Will that change given that MSU is a big school? The contact between students and faculty will persist. Your professors and teaching assistants are there to help you with whatever it is you need.
6. Will the money be enough? The money will be enough for you to eat and to cover basic student living expenses. Housing and travel expenses are covered.
7. I've sent in all my required materials, how long until I find out if I've been admitted? Usually within one month.