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Are we there yet?

Posted by psychdork, 05 February 2010 · 105 views

When I signed up to write a blog, I figured that I would have a lot of things to write about.  So far though, except for the occasional "your application is complete" email, I have heard nothing from my grad schools.

However...

I know about four people from my undergrad who are also applying this year, 3 to PhD programs, and 1 to masters programs.  Of the PhD people: one has more interviews than I can count, one has a couple interviews with a possible acceptance, and one just got accepted yesterday.  And the masters person: she just got accepted to a top school in her field.

I am happy for them.

Really I am (no sarcasm font, I swear).  They are all great students and people, and truly deserve it.

But...

And I don't like to whine...and I hate feeling this way.

This is their first time applying.

And they all asked me for my advice last semester.

And yet, they all have acceptances (or at least on the verge of them), and I have nothing.

And I know it is still really early, I post that here at least once a day.

But when is it my turn?

I've been waiting a long time, where are my "good things"?

JerryLandis

Feb 05 2010 06:48 AM

Aw, you'll hear back soon! Just think about how long you have waited since you started submitting your applications (although really, I think the waiting process started way earlier than that). A lot of time has already passed - we're over the hump! You're right about it being way too early though - I didn't even know that any programs sent out decisions this early, so hearing about other people getting accepted lately has been slightly annoying for me. I guess this is payback for me getting into college with early decision! Now I know how my classmates felt about my gloating. If it makes you feel any better, one of the places I applied to has an application deadline of May 1st. So here we are in early February - definitely way too early to be nervous.

Venetia

Feb 05 2010 10:13 AM

I agree with JerryLandis- your pals may have the early gratification of a few acceptances, but it's still early days. I began checking my emails compulsively on February 1st, but then I realized that my programs won't start notifying until mid February (at least, if the results page from previous years is any indication). So take deep breaths, start a new hobby, and good news will start coming in before you know it

. That's my plan, anyway!

George

Feb 05 2010 05:51 PM

Just think about how long you have waited since you started submitting your applications.

That's such a wonderful thing to focus on, JerryLandis.

I haven't heard a thing either, but very few posts from people in my field have appeared on the results page at this point. I really can't take it anymore. I've resorted to crazy things in order to get my mind off things. I've been watching the X-Files. That thing will take your mind off anything, I swear! It's so spooky.

psychdork

Feb 05 2010 11:25 PM

I guess this is payback for me getting into college with early decision! Now I know how my classmates felt about my gloating.

I feel the same way. I got my acceptance letter for undergrad exactly one week after I sent in my application. And since that school was my #1 choice, I didn't even have to finish my other apps.

Tall Chai Latte

Feb 07 2010 06:27 AM

That's such a wonderful thing to focus on, JerryLandis.

I haven't heard a thing either, but very few posts from people in my field have appeared on the results page at this point. I really can't take it anymore. I've resorted to crazy things in order to get my mind off things. I've been watching the X-Files. That thing will take your mind off anything, I swear! It's so spooky.

X-Files used to be my favorite TV show! Nowadays I watch House M.D., only once a week tho and i can't wait to watch the next episode on Monday.

psychdork

Feb 07 2010 06:48 AM

X-Files used to be my favorite TV show! Nowadays I watch House M.D., only once a week tho and i can't wait to watch the next episode on Monday.

House is my favorite too!

mac_user

Feb 11 2010 05:09 AM

House is my fav too! That definitely takes your mind off the crazy grad-school-app-world and brings you back to the normal one

And I agree 100% on your take on the waiting. I applied to ~ 7 schools, and my last deadline was on December 31st. No contact from any. The wait is really driving me nuts!

PaperChaser

Feb 12 2010 09:35 PM

Well, if the people you're advising are getting into their programs of choice, you're probably on the right track if you're taking your own advice

I got totally shot down my first round of PhD apps (all poorly thought-out, though, so fair enough), took a lengthy detour through law school (useful but ever so boring), and got great results when I applied this time. If you don't get in, it's not the end of the world. Take a year or two and have an experience (related to your field of interest) that just totally jumps off the page. If all other factors are comparable, interesting usually wins!

psychdork

Feb 15 2010 06:34 AM

Well, if the people you're advising are getting into their programs of choice, you're probably on the right track if you're taking your own advice I got totally shot down my first round of PhD apps (all poorly thought-out, though, so fair enough), took a lengthy detour through law school (useful but ever so boring), and got great results when I applied this time. If you don't get in, it's not the end of the world. Take a year or two and have an experience (related to your field of interest) that just totally jumps off the page. If all other factors are comparable, interesting usually wins!

Thanks! It's not that I'm worried about not getting in this year (it happened last year, so been there, done that) but I just want to know if I got in or if I have to resort to plan b again.

iigorayn

Feb 24 2010 03:14 PM

I haven't heard a PEEP from any of my programs, either. I'm seeing a lot of rejections on the results page for one of my schools/disciplines, but also a couple acceptances. Me? Nothing. I can't STAND the waiting. In my scholarship program, most everyone has at least one rejection (lol)...some even have amazing acceptances with great funding packages! Its driving me crazy seeing them get all these things (though they are totally worth it, like your friends!). Ugh! I'm going nuts...and my husband is very annoyed that I have been compulsively staring out the window waiting for the mailman...and jumping up any time my phone beeps (email on phone). We are waiting to make future plans (baby? work? moving?) until we know where/what I've been offered. Its important I hear something soon!

Well, I hope you've received some good news since this post!

Best wishes! Know you're not alone in this process!