International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) Jobs

International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML)

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Munich, Germany
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International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) Academic Calendar

International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) Employer Profile

2025 Academic Calendar

🎉
New Year's Day
1 January 2025
A national public holiday in Germany marking the start of the year, providing doctoral students and faculty at IMPRS-ML with a day off to reflect on research goals and spend time with family or recharge after holiday travels. It affects all university operations, closing labs and offices.
✝️
Good Friday
18 April 2025
Part of the Easter holidays, this Christian observance leads into a long weekend, allowing IMPRS-ML researchers a break from experiments to attend services or enjoy Munich's spring weather, impacting seminar schedules and lab access.
🐣
Easter Monday
21 April 2025
Extending the Easter break, this day off enables PhD candidates to travel or relax, significant for international students aligning with global holidays, while faculty use it for preliminary grading or planning upcoming rotations.
👷
Labor Day
1 May 2025
A federal holiday celebrating workers, it offers IMPRS-ML staff and students a mid-spring pause, often used for conferences or outdoor activities in Bavaria, closing administrative services and providing research downtime.
Ascension Day
29 May 2025
A religious and public holiday creating a long weekend, beneficial for IMPRS-ML doctoral students to advance thesis writing or attend workshops, affecting class schedules and encouraging community events in Munich.
🕊️
Whit Monday
9 June 2025
Following Pentecost, this holiday provides another break for reflection or travel, impacting IMPRS-ML's summer semester preparations and allowing time for lab maintenance or personal development activities.
🇩🇪
German Unity Day
3 October 2025
Commemorating reunification, this national holiday falls during the winter semester start, offering IMPRS-ML newcomers a celebratory pause to explore Munich's history, with closures affecting orientation events.
📝
Winter Semester Enrollment Period
15 October 2025approximate
Key administrative window for PhD candidates to formalize enrollment and select courses, crucial for international students handling paperwork, setting the tone for molecular research projects at IMPRS-ML.
🕯️
All Saints' Day
1 November 2025
A public holiday in Bavaria, providing a fall break for IMPRS-ML researchers to visit gravesites or enjoy autumn hikes, impacting lab schedules and offering a cultural tie-in for European students.
🎄
Christmas Day
25 December 2025
The highlight of the winter break, this holiday shuts down IMPRS-ML operations, allowing doctoral students to travel home or celebrate with Munich's Christmas markets, essential for work-life balance in research.
🎁
Second Christmas Day
26 December 2025
Extending the festive period, known as Boxing Day in some cultures, it gives faculty and staff additional time off, significant for planning next-year experiments amid the holiday season at IMPRS-ML.
🥂
New Year's Eve Preparation
31 December 2025
The eve of the new year, often a half-day or closure, enabling IMPRS-ML community to wrap up annual reports and celebrate achievements in molecular life sciences research.
📊
PhD Progress Review Meeting
14 February 2025approximate
Mid-winter checkpoint for thesis committees to evaluate advancements, affecting all IMPRS-ML students by providing feedback loops essential for timely degree completion.
🏕️
Annual IMPRS-ML Retreat
15 September 2025approximate
Pre-semester gathering for networking and presentations, building interdisciplinary ties among PhD candidates and faculty in Bavaria's research landscape.
🔬
Summer Semester Lab Rotation Start
1 April 2025approximate
Initiation of hands-on rotations in Max Planck labs, crucial for IMPRS-ML students to gain practical skills in structural biology and beyond.

2026 Admission Key Dates

Are you planning on applying to International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML). You can check them out below…

🚀
Application Portal Opens
1 September 2025
Start of the online application period for IMPRS-ML PhD positions entering in 2026, allowing candidates to prepare documents like CVs, transcripts, and research proposals for molecular life sciences.
📧
Recommendation Letters Deadline
1 November 2025approximate
Cutoff for submitting letters from referees, essential for evaluating applicant fit in IMPRS-ML's interdisciplinary program.
📄
PhD Application Submission Deadline
15 November 2025
Final date to submit full applications for 2026 entry, targeting top talent for research in biochemistry and cell biology at IMPRS-ML.
🔍
Initial Screening and Shortlisting
15 December 2025approximate
Committee review phase where applications are assessed for interviews, focusing on academic excellence and research potential for IMPRS-ML.
💬
Interview Invitations Sent
15 January 2026approximate
Notification to shortlisted candidates for virtual or in-person interviews in Munich, a critical step for IMPRS-ML admissions.
🗣️
Interview and Selection Weekend
20 February 2026approximate
On-site or online interviews, lab tours, and faculty meetings to select IMPRS-ML PhD cohort for 2026.
✉️
Admission Offers Released
1 March 2026
Official acceptance letters sent to successful applicants, including funding details for IMPRS-ML doctoral training.
Enrollment Confirmation Deadline
1 April 2026approximate
Final acceptance by candidates, securing spots in the IMPRS-ML program starting later in the year.
🛂
Visa and Orientation Preparation
1 June 2026approximate
Support period for international admits to handle visas and pre-arrival logistics for IMPRS-ML entry.
🎉
Program Start for New Cohort
1 October 2026
Official welcome and orientation for 2026 IMPRS-ML PhD students, launching their research journey in Munich.

International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) Academic Calendar: Key Dates for Doctoral Programs

The International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) stands as a premier graduate program nestled in the vibrant city of Munich, Bavaria, Germany. This collaborative initiative between the Max Planck Society, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) focuses on advanced doctoral research in the molecular life sciences, encompassing areas like biochemistry, structural biology, and cell biology. Unlike traditional undergraduate universities, IMPRS-ML operates on a research-intensive model tailored for PhD candidates, emphasizing interdisciplinary training, cutting-edge labs, and international collaboration.

The academic structure at IMPRS-ML aligns with the German higher education system, featuring two primary semesters: the winter semester, which typically spans from early autumn through late spring, and the summer semester, running from late spring into early autumn. This biannual rhythm allows students to immerse themselves in coursework, laboratory rotations, and thesis work without the rigid class schedules of bachelor's programs. Holidays and breaks are influenced by both national German observances and the international flavor of the school, accommodating students from around the globe. For instance, extended breaks around Christmas and Easter provide opportunities for rest, travel, or attending conferences, while public holidays like German Unity Day offer shorter pauses.

Historically, IMPRS-ML was established in the early 2000s as part of the Max Planck Society's effort to foster excellence in life sciences research. It draws on Munich's rich scientific heritage, home to Nobel laureates and world-class institutes. Compared to U.S. institutions with their quarter or trimester systems, the German semester model promotes deeper focus, with fewer but more intensive teaching blocks. This structure impacts students by balancing rigorous research with structured seminars and soft skills training, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, or biotech.

For admissions, the process is highly competitive, involving annual calls for applications, interviews, and selection committees. International applicants must navigate visa requirements and language proficiency, often in English as the primary medium. The calendar's alignment with European holidays means considerations for family travel during summer or winter breaks, and coordinating with rival institutions like other Max Planck schools for joint events. Faculty and staff follow similar timelines, with deadlines for grant proposals and evaluations syncing with semester ends. Overall, understanding the IMPRS-ML calendar empowers students, researchers, and administrators to optimize productivity, cultural integration, and personal well-being in one of Europe's top research hubs. Whether planning lab rotations, international conferences, or simply enjoying Bavarian festivals, this calendar serves as a vital tool for success.

Overview of International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) is designed to support the demanding schedule of doctoral candidates pursuing groundbreaking research in molecular life sciences. As a joint program of the Max Planck Institutes of Biochemistry and Structural and Molecular Biology, along with LMU and TUM, it integrates the structured German university system with flexible research timelines. The calendar revolves around two semesters, interspersed with holidays that reflect Germany's cultural and legal observances, ensuring a balance between intensive work periods and restorative breaks.

Traditions at IMPRS-ML include orientation weeks for new students, where they select thesis advisors and begin lab rotations, fostering a collaborative environment from day one. Holiday notes are crucial: national days off like those for religious and historical events provide university-wide closures, allowing time for reflection or travel. Unlike more rigid U.S. calendars with frequent short breaks, the IMPRS-ML structure emphasizes longer summer periods for fieldwork or publications, aligning with the European academic ethos of depth over breadth.

For students, this means planning around seminar series, journal clubs, and annual retreats, which punctuate the year and build community. Faculty timelines include teaching commitments in integrated MSc-PhD tracks, while administrative deadlines for progress reports coincide with semester transitions. The calendar's predictability aids in coordinating with international partners, such as exchange programs with global universities. To gain deeper insights into the student experience, consider exploring professor ratings on platforms like Rate My Professor, where alumni share feedback on advisors and courses. We invite you to contribute your own ratings to help future researchers choose the right mentors.

In Munich's dynamic setting, the calendar also syncs with local events, like Oktoberfest, which falls during the winter semester start, offering a cultural welcome. This blend of academic rigor and Bavarian charm makes IMPRS-ML unique. For those eyeing job opportunities post-PhD, the structured timeline prepares you for industry roles in biotech firms nearby. Check out research jobs on AcademicJobs.com to see how your training aligns with career paths. Overall, the IMPRS-ML calendar is more than dates—it's a framework for scientific discovery and personal growth, tailored for an international cohort in one of the world's leading research ecosystems.

Semester Dates and Class Planning

At the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML), semester dates form the backbone of the academic year, guiding PhD students through a blend of mandatory courses, electives, and independent research. The winter semester generally commences in early autumn, providing a fresh start after summer travels or internships, while the summer semester follows in late spring, allowing continuity in ongoing projects. This division enables strategic planning: winter for foundational seminars in molecular biology and biophysics, summer for advanced topics like bioinformatics or advanced imaging techniques.

Class planning tips are essential for success. New students should prioritize lab rotations during the initial months, rotating through different Max Planck groups to identify the best fit for their thesis. Use the calendar to block time for weekly journal clubs and ethics workshops, which are integral to the curriculum. International students, in particular, benefit from aligning their visa renewals with semester starts. Ratings from past participants highlight the value of early planning; many praise the organized structure that prevents overload, as seen in reviews on Rate My Professor. We encourage you to rate your experiences to assist peers.

Faculty often advise mapping out the year in advance, incorporating buffer weeks for unexpected experiments or conference attendance. The IMPRS-ML's emphasis on interdisciplinary work means classes draw from both LMU and TUM, requiring coordination across campuses in Munich. For work-life balance, leverage the calendar's built-in flexibility—PhD candidates have leeway to adjust schedules around personal deadlines. Explore higher ed career advice on our site for tips on balancing research with professional development. In essence, effective semester planning at IMPRS-ML transforms the calendar into a personalized roadmap for doctoral achievement.

Exam Schedules and Preparation

Exam schedules at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) are less about high-stakes finals and more about qualifying milestones that assess research progress and knowledge acquisition. These typically cluster toward the end of each semester, including oral exams, written qualifiers, and thesis proposals, ensuring students demonstrate mastery in molecular life sciences before advancing.

Preparation strategies are key: start by reviewing seminar notes and lab data early, forming study groups with peers from diverse backgrounds. The calendar's predictable windows allow for dedicated prep periods, often 4-6 weeks, where teaching duties pause. Tips from alumni include practicing presentations with mentors, utilizing IMPRS-ML's resources like mock exams and tutoring. High ratings for supportive faculty underscore this, as noted on Rate My Professor—share your story to inspire others.

International aspects add nuance; non-native English speakers might schedule extra language support. Post-exam, the calendar provides recovery time before resuming research. For faculty, grading aligns with these periods, syncing with administrative reviews. This thoughtful scheduling minimizes stress, fostering a conducive environment for innovation in Munich's research scene.

Holidays and Breaks

Holidays and breaks in the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) academic calendar reflect Germany's rich traditions, offering essential respites for doctoral students immersed in molecular research. Key observances include Christmas and New Year, marking a major winter break when labs wind down, allowing time for family gatherings or international travel back home. Easter brings a spring pause, with Good Friday and Easter Monday as public holidays, ideal for short trips within Europe or reflection on progress.

Other locale-specific days like Ascension Day, Whit Monday, and German Unity Day provide unexpected days off, perfect for attending Bavarian cultural events or networking at conferences. Unlike U.S. spring breaks focused on leisure, German breaks emphasize recharge, with many students using summer periods for fieldwork abroad. Travel tips: book early for Munich's busy airports, consider Eurail passes for continental exploration, and check visa extensions during longer holidays.

For international students, the calendar's alignment with EU norms eases coordination for family visits. Faculty use these times for their own research or grant writing. The IMPRS-ML community often organizes virtual check-ins during breaks to maintain momentum. To contextualize experiences, visit Rate My College for peer insights. These holidays not only comply with Bavarian law but enrich the doctoral journey, blending work with cultural immersion in Munich.

Work Schedule and Deadlines

The work schedule and deadlines at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) are calibrated for the rigors of PhD life, with key milestones like annual progress reports and publication submissions tied to semester ends. Students must plan around thesis committee meetings, often scheduled mid-semester, ensuring steady advancement in projects on molecular mechanisms.

Deadlines extend to funding applications for conferences or travel grants, which the Max Planck Society supports generously. Tips include using digital tools for tracking, prioritizing based on advisor feedback. For faculty, timelines involve supervising multiple students while pursuing their research, with deadlines for teaching evaluations. This structure promotes efficiency in Munich's collaborative environment. Explore lecturer jobs to see how these skills translate professionally. Proactive deadline management is crucial for success at IMPRS-ML.

Faculty and Staff Notes

Faculty and staff at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) navigate a calendar punctuated by meetings, grading periods, and professional development. Annual faculty retreats align with summer breaks, focusing on curriculum updates and interdisciplinary initiatives in life sciences.

Grading for integrated courses occurs post-semester, with notes emphasizing timely feedback to support student growth. Staff handle administrative deadlines like enrollment and visa processing. Job links abound in Munich's biotech hub; check higher ed jobs for opportunities. We invite employees to rate their employer on AcademicJobs.com, contributing to a supportive community narrative.

Historical and Future Calendars

Historical calendars at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) reveal a consistent pattern since its inception, adapting to evolving research needs while adhering to German standards. Past archives show expansions in program offerings, with future calendars likely maintaining semester symmetry amid potential shifts in international collaborations.

Patterns include stable holiday integrations, aiding long-term planning for multi-year PhDs. Access historical data via the official site for trend analysis. This continuity ensures predictability, vital for career planning in molecular biology. For more, see university rankings.

Events and Professor Ratings

Key events in the IMPRS-ML calendar include orientation for new cohorts, annual symposia, and commencement ceremonies, marking milestones in doctoral journeys. These gatherings in Munich foster networking and showcase research in molecules of life.

Professor ratings play a pivotal role; view or contribute on Rate My Professor to learn about teaching styles. Inviting students to rate helps build transparency. Tie-ins with research jobs highlight post-grad paths. These events enrich the academic experience profoundly.

2026 Academic Calendar

🎊
New Year's Day
1 January 2026
Kicking off the year with a public holiday, IMPRS-ML students use this to set research resolutions, with full closure of facilities for rest and renewal.
🌅
Good Friday
3 April 2026
Easter prelude holiday, offering a serene break for IMPRS-ML doctoral work, ideal for preliminary data analysis or Bavarian excursions.
🥚
Easter Monday
6 April 2026
Post-Easter extension, significant for international coordination and personal time, pausing IMPRS-ML's academic activities.
🛠️
Labor Day
1 May 2026
Honoring workers, this day off supports IMPRS-ML staff in professional recharge, often linked to spring research milestones.
🙏
Ascension Day
14 May 2026
Long weekend opportunity for IMPRS-ML faculty to attend symposia, enhancing collaborative efforts in molecular sciences.
💨
Whit Monday
25 May 2026
Pentecost holiday providing breathing room for PhD experiments, with IMPRS-ML labs typically closed.
🤝
German Unity Day
3 October 2026
Reunification celebration during semester onset, allowing IMPRS-ML students to engage in national pride events in Munich.
📚
Winter Semester Start
1 October 2026
Official launch of the academic term, welcoming new IMPRS-ML cohorts to intensive research in life molecules.
🌹
All Saints' Day
1 November 2026
Bavarian holiday for remembrance, offering IMPRS-ML researchers a quiet day amid fall semester demands.
❄️
Christmas Day
25 December 2026
Central winter holiday, halting IMPRS-ML operations for festive downtime and global travel.
🏠
Second Christmas Day
26 December 2026
Continued break for gift-giving and relaxation, vital for IMPRS-ML community well-being.
PhD Application Deadline
15 November 2026approximate
Cutoff for submissions to IMPRS-ML program, affecting prospective students worldwide in their pursuit of doctoral spots.
🏁
Summer Semester End
30 September 2026
Conclusion of term, with evaluations and planning for winter, marking progress in IMPRS-ML theses.
🎓
Thesis Defense Period
1 June 2026approximate
Window for final defenses, celebrating IMPRS-ML graduates in molecular life sciences.
🔬
Annual Symposium
15 March 2026approximate
Major event for presentations, networking, and awards within the IMPRS-ML framework.

Frequently Asked Questions

📅When does the winter semester typically start at International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML)?

The International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) follows the standard German academic calendar, with the winter semester generally beginning in early October. This timing allows new PhD students to settle into Munich after summer travels and begin lab rotations and seminars in molecular life sciences. Planning tips include coordinating arrivals with orientation events, checking visa requirements for internationals, and reviewing course offerings from partner institutions like LMU and TUM. For personalized advice, explore professor ratings on Rate My Professor to understand advisor expectations. This structure supports a smooth transition into intensive research.

🍁Does IMPRS-ML observe a fall break similar to US thanksgiving?

As a German-based program, the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) does not have a dedicated fall break like US Thanksgiving, but it incorporates national holidays such as All Saints' Day in November, providing short pauses. Alternatives include using the flexible PhD schedule for personal time around German Unity Day in October. For international students missing Thanksgiving traditions, many organize potlucks in Munich. This reflects Europe's emphasis on fewer but meaningful breaks. Learn more about work-life balance through higher ed career advice on our site.

🏖️What is the typical end of the academic year at IMPRS-ML?

The academic year at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) concludes with the summer semester around late September, followed by an extended break for research, conferences, or vacations. This end-of-term period involves wrapping up rotations, submitting progress reports, and preparing for the next winter start. Contextually, it aligns with Bavarian summer festivals, offering a celebratory close. Exams or qualifiers may precede this, emphasizing research milestones over traditional finals. Students often rate this flexibility highly on Rate My Professor; we invite you to share your insights.

🎅How does IMPRS-ML handle Christmas breaks for PhD students?

Christmas breaks at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) span from late December through early January, encompassing Christmas Day, Second Christmas Day, and New Year's, with full university closure. This period is vital for rest, family travel, or attending international meetings, accommodating the diverse IMPRS-ML community. Labs reopen post-holiday, refreshed for winter semester continuation. Travel tips include early bookings from Munich Airport. For holiday planning in a research context, check Rate My College reviews from past students.

🎯What are key admission deadlines for IMPRS-ML PhD programs?

Admissions to the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) feature an annual cycle, with applications typically opening in September and closing in mid-November for the following October start. This includes submitting research statements, references, and interviews in early year. For 2026 entry, monitor the official site for exacts. The process is competitive, prioritizing excellence in life sciences. International applicants should prepare for English proficiency tests. Gain edges from how Rate My Professor works to research potential advisors.

🌸Does IMPRS-ML have spring breaks, and how to plan them?

The International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) integrates spring breaks around Easter, including Good Friday and Easter Monday, plus Ascension and Whit Monday, creating multiple short holidays in April-May. These offer time for conferences, data analysis, or European travel from Munich. Unlike longer US spring breaks, they encourage balanced productivity. Planning involves syncing with lab schedules and using IMPRS-ML travel grants. Peer experiences on Rate My Professor highlight effective strategies; contribute yours today.

📝When are exam periods at IMPRS-ML for doctoral candidates?

Exam periods at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) occur toward semester ends, focusing on qualifiers, proposals, and orals rather than midterms. Winter exams wrap up in early spring, summer in late fall, allowing focused prep. This suits the research-oriented PhD model, with support from mentors. Tips: form study groups and use Max Planck resources. Ratings emphasize faculty guidance during these times on Rate My Professor.

🌍How does the IMPRS-ML calendar align with international holidays?

The International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) calendar primarily follows German holidays but accommodates its international students by offering flexibility around global events like Diwali or Lunar New Year through optional adjustments. Core breaks like Christmas and Easter provide universal rest. For coordination, advisors help tailor schedules. This inclusivity enhances the Munich experience. Explore higher ed jobs by country for global perspectives.

👥What role do faculty meetings play in the IMPRS-ML schedule?

Faculty meetings at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) are scheduled regularly, often mid-semester and during retreats, to discuss curriculum, student progress, and funding. These impact PhD timelines by influencing rotation assignments and resources. Students attend select sessions for input. The collaborative Max Planck ethos shines here. For insights into faculty dynamics, visit professor salaries and rate on Rate My Professor.

📜Are there historical calendar changes at IMPRS-ML?

Historically, the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) calendar has remained stable, mirroring German standards since its founding, with minor adjustments for program expansions like added bioinformatics tracks. Patterns show consistent semester lengths and holiday integrations. Future calendars may evolve with EU policies. Archives on the official website aid verification. This reliability supports long-term planning for doctoral success in Bavaria.

🏆How to track rival school events alongside IMPRS-ML calendar?

To track events from rival institutions like other Max Planck schools or Heidelberg University, use the IMPRS-ML calendar as a base and overlay digital tools for joint seminars or competitions. This coordination enhances networking in German life sciences. Munich's proximity facilitates attendance. For broader academic planning, check university rankings and invite ratings on Rate My College.

What deadlines should faculty note in IMPRS-ML calendar?

Faculty at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) should note deadlines for grant submissions, student evaluations, and teaching assignments, typically aligned with semester transitions. These ensure smooth operations in molecular research. Job seekers can explore employer profiles. Rate your workplace on our platform to aid peers.

✈️How does IMPRS-ML support family travel planning?

The International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) calendar's predictable breaks, like summer and Christmas, facilitate family travel, with resources for visa extensions and travel grants. Munich's central location aids European trips. International students find this supportive for balancing research and home life. Share tips via Rate My Professor ratings.

🆕When is orientation for new IMPRS-ML students?

Orientation at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) occurs at the winter semester start, introducing PhD candidates to labs, faculty, and Munich resources. It covers ethics, safety, and program expectations in life sciences. This event sets a collaborative tone. Prepare by reviewing research jobs for inspiration.

🎓What is the significance of graduation dates at IMPRS-ML?

Graduation at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) typically follows successful defenses, often in summer or winter ceremonies celebrating thesis completions in molecular biology. These mark career launches, with networking opportunities. The flexible timing suits individual paces. Celebrate by rating experiences on Rate My Professor.
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