LabRat2012

Just as an update: I had an interview and was accepted The wait on this was painful, but I guess I did just need to "wait and see". Thanks!

I wrote back with "I am so excited you are interested; [university] is my top choice school because ...[mentioned some reasons]. I would love to come visit, and I hope to hear from you soon!" He wrote back and is going to set up a day for me to come and meet him, the faculty, and grad students (and even pay for a hotel/gas! That's more than other schools have done for me!) I'm afraid to get my hopes up too much, though. What do you think my chances are??

Agreed on this point. Well, actually on all of it, but especially this point. A good relationship is of upmost importance, more than prestige. I have the same situation, and I am definitely picking relationship over prestige.

Does anyone know about when we will hear back from NSF GRFP?

"How much did it cost to apply to ALL those schools? Seems like a waste of money."

"You need to stop checking your e-mail so much. Seriously. It's just crazy."

"You applied to 12 schools?! It can't be that hard to get in."

"We are unable to make an official offer of admission at this time, but we are interested in your application and it is a great possibility we will invite you to visit soon. Please be thinking about our school and ask any questions about our lab/program." This is good....right? Good-ish?

Speaking of, Indiana University (for my program) doesn't do interviews at all. They do it old school.