[Kalibasa]

I am applying for research positions for next year, and I have already applied to my three favorite projects with formal cover letters and everything. But I really need to be doing *something* next year, and there are a ton more positions open (a few sound just as good as the ones I applied to, and about four or five others sound interesting).

I think the smart thing to do would of course be to apply to everything to increase my chances, but I want to make sure this wouldn't make me seem less committed to the ones I already applied to. I wouldn't imagine the professors would find out that I applied all over the map, but... these positions are also all in the same two departments. Should I just apply to everything?

And will I hear back from the professors if I'm rejected, or is this more like a job, where only the accepted people hear back?

[Mitch]

Are you an undergraduate student?

By the way, professors talk about where you apply; there are no secrets in chemistry.

[Kalibasa]

I'm postbacc premed, so technically I'm nondegree. I'm just hoping they don't count that against me, but my grades are excellent and I've done lengthy research projects before (admittedly, in English and the social sciences).

So if they're going to talk about where I apply... what does that mean? Again, does that mean I should not apply to very many, even at risk of not getting a position? 

[Mitch]

Since you are premed it should be fine, I would apply everywhere you possibly could. chemistry gossip is usually limited to chemistry majors and the lot.

[Kalibasa]

Thanks I think I'll apply to seven of them then, they all sound good- three biochem, two bio, and two chemistry.