jaspers

You really identified one key factor to grad school. Not only do you have to show that you have a focus on what you want to study but I tihnk you have to show a desire of why you want to go to XYZ school, research the program, research and read some of the work by the faculty. You will find something that interests you in the faculty. Talk to the faculty about their previous work with some paper they wrote etc. I might say that you have to clearly identify what your career goals are or research topics are for the program and how it fits perfectly with the school (good reason why to read about the faculty). I know this may seem daunting to do but if you start early enough reading about the program and faculty work and sending focused emails to the staff of your interest it will make you stand out when you finally apply to grad school. You mention that you struggled in undergrad school, but now your older and probably haver matured? If so, then in your application you can point this out by giving strong examples of successes professional or academic. Yu say you fucked up your life, but really your only 30. I am 36 and I am just applying for grad school. Late bloomer? No, I just chose to live my life the way I wanted by traveling and working in areas most people won't ever get to experience. So we all have different priorities. I would encourage you though on number 2 employability. Study something tht is employable that you can directly apply to what you are passionate about ( cliche I know but it's true) just don't get a degree home ec (just cause its easy), know what and how you are going to apply it when you graduate, better to line a job up before you even graduate!! Thoughts?

I like to read these articles, but then I realize that the program for which I want to get into is often mentioned or required in most job descriptions. Example do you really think a doctor can "gain"experience w/o schooling or a judge? I take most articles with a grain of salt. But of course, its dependent on the graduate program or area of study, you wish to apply to.

I guess that is a question a few are asking now. Only after finally hearing back from all the universities that they applied too. Do you plan to reapply next year, or are you actually looking at other options like online programs (if its offered online), or are you thinking of going after a certificate at a local community college? Yes, you might guess I didn't get accepted (no surprise) and your right I am looking at these other options I mention above. I think the validity of a online program is just as equal to a class structure though possible harder cause its on your own. I identified 3-4 online programs that I can start this fall, and even the comm college option I could start this fall. S what is everyone's ideas?

So after fretting all this month of waiting for the "letter", it simply came as a email. Gladly the "R" word was the very last sentence. I'm glad it's over. Not because the stress was to much, nor because prospects were to slim. Nope this now allows me to fall back on plan b, or even plan c. I knew there was a high probability that yet another university wouldn't want to accept me even though I was "highly qualified" and "very competitive" ( are those jargon words?). So thanks for allowing me to save 50k, I think I will either spend it elsewhere or save it and completely become competent in the skills I need without learning in some institution. Now it's time to move on and start learning elsewhere.

Yeah, I had to think about that today too. Maybe the reason why I hadn't heard back yet is just this instance. Heck I even scoured previous emails from the program to reread emails reminders of my program deadline. I found "we will let first admits know the first of the month" so maybe this crucial waiting is for the first admits to wake up and decide. .... So maybe you are a second draft pick, waiting for lazy first rounds, I have sent a very short polite email (no response). Now I think that email was ok saying "hey I'm really still interested". Now I will calmly wait, so there is no annoyance, I expect the worst but I will hope for the best. Just maybe some lazy first round pick will hear back from another "dream" school and choose the other over my pick.

That is really what I did after the first round., I guess I took an obligatory break from school. Which is good, I admit I wasted a year camping (no really). Now I am ready for school. Anyways I was thinking if I applied to a few schools the effort would show in my preparation and writing. Still haven't heard anything, I even called the program manager, still no answer. I won't be a thorn but I really would like any word.

I admit this isn't the first time I have applied to grad school. First time was to 8 schools, that were all rejections, thankfully they mailed or sent an email quicker than this. With this recent round of applications, I really applied to 1 school and have not heard back yet. I know why did I apply to 1 school? Well cause I know the program I want to get into and honestly I don't have a ton of money like the $800 (first round). So I emailed the program director about my status. Not really upbeat, I sort of plan it being a no. So I think I will simply complete my back up plans and move on. Who else is going with back plans and what are they? :/

I noticed you mention UW HCDE program. Although I did not apply to that program I did apply to the MHCID program , and I patiently wait. HCI really interests me

I appreciate the OP introspection. I am currently awaiting a response to the application I submitted a month ago. But it certainly is Not the only time I have applied to graduate school. I admit it hurts and difficult to adjust to. But, I am glad I was rejected my first round of applications (8 total). Why? It wasn't easy, even now, its not easy, but its a experience that made me think of my goals and what my desires are for studies. I applied 3 years ago. (First round). It took 3 years for me to develop what I really like and interests me for a "career". Which got me to apply for the program I am really interested in. But, I recognize that even with a strong statement, 4 recs (3 academics), and a strong gpa/cv, I could get rejected. Which is why I have already started the wheels to apply to 2 more programs (a secondary and even a third backup plan). If anything you get from this, remember a rejection is not personal, think about priorities/goals, grow and continue to explore new paths

hi everyone! Well the title states it all about my questions. I have decided to apply for gradute school at a local university. I am sort of non excited simply because the last time I applied for grad school 2 years ago I applied for 12 school around the nation in an art program (i am a art student....i know) anyways after applying to then all and even spending alot of money (lets see 12 x app fee and portfolio fee) I got NO postive results, yup not even one acceptance letter! So i may be jaded this time around. But I have found a program and a field I REALLLY want to study that is tech/design related. Anyways I really have no experience (professional or school) in this field other than working in a IT department years ago. I have to submit a design portfolio (i think I can do that) but the problem is the statement of purpose. I really dont know how to begin to write a SoP for a technical degree. I know let your light and experience shine. Well really i can and probavbly will do that but can anyone recomment anything that i should include in the SoP? I personally dont think ithis will get an acceptance letter, beucase the dept will want to accept a minor that has a undergrad in bioengineering or some off wall thing, and overlook a white kid that has a high GPA and previous experience with IT and design. Help?