memyselfandcoffee

different subjects publish different types of articles and the respective journals and editors look for different things. coming the background I come from I wouldn't have a clue about the criteria that journal editors in your field use when judging a submission. You really need to consider, as Fuzzy said, giving it to your supervisor or some one else in your faculty, even a fellow grad student in your own department is better than some anonymous science student on gradcafe.

I personally think paying an extra 840 a month to keep your cats with you is excessive. Lots of nice people want to adopt pets, could you not advertise and find them loving homes? then again its easy for me to say, I have wanted a dog for ages but have put off getting one as I will probably emigrate in a few years. I would have hard time adopting out my parents dog, but tbh I think if he were with the right people he would adjust.

i agree with other posters that if you got interviews, your application pack and stats were considered good enough. I also think you should definitely consider your interview skills and consider how good a fit these schools were and/or if you did a good enough job a) convincing the schools you were a good enough fit and B ) that not having research experience in your particular sub-field was not an issue. However while i do you think should consider this of course, I also think that being rejected from 3 schools may not necessarily mean you have poor interview skills. They most likely interview more than they admit and so you for all you know you were close just not close enough. I would say to give yourself a chance you need to apply to more schools, but also I would agree with fuzzy that you shouldn't apply to places you don't want to go to-what's the point? A Phd is long enough and challenging as it is--- being somewhere you don't want to be or that isn't good fit with research interests would make it unnecessarily hard

Hi Samsura, I am not expert, and rarely practise what i preach, But i.m.o, healthy eating and time for exercise/walks are even more important when you are under pressure and/or feeling a bit down as you are. Maybe you know this, but are have lost even the enthusiasm/motivation to do even these things, in that case you may slipping into a depression. I think you should force yourself to get out for walk/jog outside even if you don't feel like it. The fresh/ nature and exercise will help with what you are experiencing. In terms of your course, even if you were in Psyc, there may aspects you don't like. For example i know a lot of people studying psychology who hate statistics and research methods or find neurobiology really challenging, so far away hills are not always greener. If you are interested in mental health/counselling it seems to me that learning about public policy and social issue's affect this, should hold some interest for you. Maybe just try and think about how all this information will come in handy when your are practising. It does sound like counselling will help you and that's a great proactive step you have taken. and i don't blame you for being down if you have invested a lot into what you seem like is your last opportunity, only to now, question whether you made the right choice. I personally (and I am not an expert) think this is enough to get anyone down or lose motivation, so don't be too hard on yourself. Of course not having your usual support network around only compounds your situation. But if you are still interested in counselling psyc., social work could serve as good as a good stepping stone for a transition later down the line. (and no you are not too old) . and also if you are really interested in helping people with mental issues, I would imagine you will find social work rewarding. Just try and focus oh how everything you have opportunity to learn now, will help you be a better social worker. even things you may not like, like statistics... if you cant evaluate research, you will never be in a position to judge new techniques and therapies with your clients, ect. One think to think of, is how you would feel if you failed or got terrible grades.... if you don't want this happen you need to take some very proactive steps ( and I am not even sure what exactly they are, but counselling is a good first step). You don't need heaps of pressure, you need a balance between not giving yourself a hard time for finding things difficult right now, but also remembering to keep your eye on the prize. Right now you are questioning whether you want that prize, but how would you feel if was taken away from you? One final thought i had is, that I considered social work, but was advised against it by many people, as apparently it is very stressful being responsible for really vulnerable people's lives and the agencies that are supposed to help in terms of funding ect often don't help. so you know it is better to have second thoughts now, than later. You can always leave, get a job (i know that's not super easy these days) and save for counselling programme. You need to decide if you think you will enjoy and achieve success in a role of social worker. Thats the bottom line i.m.o. I hope you can think of at least one nurturing and relaxing thing you could do for yourself this weekend. You certainly deserve a bit comfort with all your going through. again * hugs* Elise P.S I just thought that in UK, we have plenty of conversion psychology degrees (typically one or two years), - most would be unfunded though . these 'conversion' courses are for people whose major is not psychology. But bear in mind you have to take statistics and research methods and neuropsyc. related courses. Also the vast majority are unfunded as far as I am aware. We do have counselling masters, most again are unfunded, and the more well recognised ones would require some psychology experience/courses/ though related courses like social work and sociology ect would be considered relevant. Again most of these are, as far I aware unfunded. But people do save up and do them. It delays your entry into the workforce, but it is possible. P.P.S Maybe your cold weather doesn't permit going oustside for long period right now, if so, I suppose you have muster up the enthusiasm to find a good replacement activity.

Grad school is hard and a massive commitment ( long hours, poor pay and 5-7 years is very long time at times), so make sure you know what you want, and what you are getting yourself in for before you leap. Also to consider it will be a large extra burden to carry around if you know you are putting your parents under financial pressure-- I am not saying you shouldn't do it if needs really be-- its part of being a parent to do these things, but just consider how you will cope this added pressure.

first off, *hugs* , it sounds like you are in a difficult position. I am glad you have taken the opportunity to get some counselling at this difficult transition. I really don't know if I can give any advice worth taking, but I will try to offer a few suggestions. Firstly if you still think you would like the career, 18 months isn't a too long of a time (i.m.o). In addition if you still like the area, even if the courses are not what you expected, there must be some way to make it interesting for yourself-- ex curricular reading that is more in line with your interests ect. If not, then I would wonder (and i could be wrong) if you are suited the job. As i said maybe I am way off base here, you will know this yourself. So I can only imagine how disappointing it is to invest yourself in this endeavour and then to find out it is not what you wanted or thought it would be, that is tough for you. I hope , with counselling, and chatting to friends you are able to come to a decision regarding staying or leaving that you are comfortable with. It wasn't clear to me, if you now feel the field of social work is not what you expected or that it is just the course is not really suited to your interests. if the former, then I suppose I would only stay if completing the course would give you other career options you are happy with (and an MA in any discipline can sometimes do this, but as alternative could you look into finding funded programmes in different area? or working for short period to fund (at least partially) a different masters?.... these are options). If the later, 18 months seems doable to me, but then again, I am not in your shoes. I wish you luck ! Elise P.S. just add I put off replying to your post for a long time because it really wasn't clear to me what you should do in this situation, so I hope anything I have said just gives you some food for thought and maybe if disagree with something I have written that will help nudge down a path. Also just to add, dips in motivation and questioning the purpose of it all seem to fairly common, so just be aware of that. and make sure your unhappiness and decision to leave isn't unduly influenced by loneliness at being separated from SO (18 months will fly by)

well this is rather late of a reply, but i think the best way out of a slump is go to your supervisor. If you need to refocus your energies a good chat with your super can really help I have found stressing about not working to be nearly more exhausting ( certainly more demoralising) than working hard. So be careful not get too wound up about having small slump period, perhaps make a plan for how you are going to get things moving, take a short break and then get stuck in---- if you find hard to get stuck in, break things down into small specific tasks and created detailed plans for the days where you have tasks assigned to yourself. now if only i could take my own advice! Good luck!

okay, I'm in hurry and dont have time right now to read everyone else's reponses so this may have been suggested-- but surely you have a right to get out of any lease since you are being now forced to live with an untrained dog ( i mean the actual dog), 2 issues-- he wasn't on the lease when you signed it- so does that not make the lease invalid and secondly even if it doesn't. surely you have rights when it comes to basic hygiene ect living with untrained dog is unsanitary and not an ideal when you have a dog ( who you did declare at outset) I would check this all with free legal advice in uni or citizens advice centre If not maybe you could try appealing to better nature of landlord, if they kick her out ( which they can for having undeclared & unhousetrained dog) sounds like its a nice place and you could easily find another room mate i feel your pain, though nothing worse than bad roomates Good luck P.S. so I got curious and read the other replies and agree wholeheartedly with Lola--- re getting legal advice and documenting with photographic evidence her dogs mess and her drug use in relation to whether you are ready for grad school, I would say you definitely are- you don't find the work too much, you get on with your supervisor and you are the only one in your group whose project on track. You are in bad living situation, there is nothing worse, because its your home, and your can't therefore get away from it or just forget about it. Your home should be your sanctuary and its very stressful when its toxic like yours is right now--- so don't be too hard on yourself because you find this situation stressful, anyone would. Check out your rights and then see from there what you can do. If you are doing well in grad school,like your subject area, and it fits well your career plans, don't for one second let this nutter take that away from you.

I agree with Sundevil, and I sincerely apologise to raimunda if I upset you.. I applaud your honesty and you bravery in accepting in your limitations ( If you do in fact have any). The only reason I posted as I did was I honestly thought you should consider that you may be over sensitive-- that's not to say other people aren't a-holes at times, or that life is fair- it isn't. I know plenty of obnoxious morans who either exude such confidence or power they are almost popular despite being idiots. And actually I am more likely to be one of those of people who is not super popular, mainly because I am also insecure. I just think you shouldnt throw away a potentially good educational opportunity just because the social side is off--- social life at any job may not be any better. I think gnome chomsky is a bit harsh-- everyones childhood is unique and every reactions depends on may factors.. being homeless sounds very tough, but sometimes emotional abuse form people who are supposed to be your guardians can be even more damaging and head wreaking. I think gnome is being really harsh and judgmental, he has never walked a mile in your shoes so he really can't comment. I wish you well, and tbh you sound like a really nice person with a lot of self-insight---- if this masters has the potential to further your career don't let social stress ruin that for you. Elise just saw your latest post, I think focus on getting good grades and excelling, and if there are few profs you get on well with, focus on building relationships with them---- if other profs are being discriminatory, they are not going to admit it (probably event o themselves) and they are unlikely to change--- you just risk making an enemy imo

if a PhD is your dream, then you should definitely at least try the test one last time. can you ask your advisor or other academics/students to discuss both your performance and approach to studying for the exam-- you got this far, so obviously you have the capability, perhaps with a bit of help and a lot of work you could pass. If you dont, at least you tried and as other poster said you will likely get an MS Dont let fear of failure hold you back, Muster up some courage and get determined to try all avenues before accepting defeat. Good luck

The only reason I would quit a masters is if a) i realised that I did not like the subject after all b- decided I would prefer a different career that a masters wouldn't be helpful for I wouldn't leave a masters due to personal problems with both fellow cohorts and staff-- even they are really sexist and out to get you, I'm sure you didn't do a masters to make new friends (it would be nice to make friends obviously but most people do a masters to further their career) And obviously no-one on this forum is in your shoes or knows for sure, but if you have problems with both staff and fellow cohorts and had problems before this, you owe to yourself to take an honest look at yourself an see if you are not somehow part of the problem,,, maybe you are just being a bit over sensitive and paranoid. I mean, one annoying fellow classmate, so what, everyone has that. what were the reasons you choose this masters? was it to further your career prospects, because you love your subject matter? if so, these reasons probably remain and they are still good reasons to finish the course. good luck Elise

I have finally quit smoking. I am off them about 3 weeks now . Finally I feel I have turned a corner and that I can imagine myself forgetting about them. However, last week I was working on a funding app. It was difficult as I have given up cigs during xmas break, so getting into work was really difficult, as I used to chain smoke while working. In the end I just forced myself to write, even though I wasn't really able to focus and give it my all. I knew it was sub par. My supervisor confirmed this today ( he wasn't annoyed or anything and I explained why) So basically my fear now is that i need cigarettes, that little nicotine/dopamine hit, to let me break through mental blocks and to give that boost of creativity and inspiration. I am telling myself this is nonsense, but I just really would love to hear from people who quit and if you felt it affected you academically? Thanks Elise

So I am considering going Vegan. I have been a vegetarian on off and since I was 10. Currently I eat meat only when I visit my parents house about 4 times a year, I have probably eaten meat maybe 4-5 times in my own house as well. So I dont love meat and I am happy to give up. Last night I watched Vegucated- which is documentary that goes intot how awfully animals used for food are treated- its pretty horrifying So I m trying to find info, like what supplements I need ie B12 and calcium ect. Can anyone point to some good books, where I might get some good info I think I can manage the transition, but if there are any vegans out there, some vegan living tips would be appreciated I also need to lose weight, and wouldnt say no to more energy-- so I am wondering if going vegan will help with this. I know this a grad school forum not a diet forum, but it would helpful to hear from other busy grads on how to make vegan lifestyle work? and what to expect ect. I am also interested in starting a discussion on the ethics of animal consumption, or if any of you have watched vegucated Many thanks, Elise

well i for one love crepes. I prefer them to pancakes actually, crepes are light, sweet and allow room for toppings to really shine. Pancakes are gloopy and bready and not near sweet enough. I think you just haven't had crepes from the right place.

well i know this getting off topic, but i think pinkster12 is jelly to OP,Congrats, people always say there is never a right time to have children. think in the future which decision you will regret more. only you and your girlfreind can honestly ( and be honest, not PC) answer that question. it will be hard work, my sister has two small kids and has demanding jjob (expected to work 12 hr/days) and while she is tired and run off her feet, I know she doesn't regret her kids for a second. good luck with your decision

Hi, There are a number of good conversion courses in both UK and Ireland. just check that they are accredited with BPS (British Psychological society) or the IPS (Irish psychological society) in Ireland. You can't practise as a psychologist in Ire or Uk unless your course is acreddited ( and only by those two organsiations)-- once its acredited you can also be assured of quality.In terms of content, acredited courses will be pretty simular, as there are certain courses they all have to cover to be accredited- there maybe some differences in a few courses, and so this is worth checking out, to find one you are most interested in. Most reputable MA in psychology won't accept you without having some prior credits in psychology from an acredited course. One or two will accept with a small number of credits, ie if you have taken some psych. courses in undergrad, or i know there is short course in Open uni that is acredited-- for getting credits to get onto some MA's. Most however, require BA/Bsc in psychology or conversion course. An conversion will be easier to get onto, though they probably will require decent grades, and it is a big advantage that you have work experience. Also you will need to get a 2.1 in your conversion to get onto most MA/Msc. If you ever do decide to persue the D.Clin practioner doctorate, it will be to your advantage to have 1.1 (From your MA/conversion).Like wise for Phd. In terms of work experience, its very difficult to assistant psychologist post, without having good grades from accredited course and some from of work experience involving care of others, or research assistant expereince. I would advise and highly recomend doing conversion course, if you like psychology, you will enjoy it and it will equip you with knowledge and skills ( remember psychology is a science so you need course on research design and statisitcs) You would really struggle in an MA without some instruction in these ( in the unlikely event you were accepted without them). And considering its almost nigh on impossible to get anwaywhere in psychology without a 2.1, you could be setting yourself up for failure and a waste of time if you jump straight into a masters (tbh, i'm not 100% sure you would get on without conversion course). having said that there are one or two accredited MA( that sort of double as conversion courses) which require few credits, but you will be thrown into advanced stats and research desing, and most struggle with stats at first. If you find MA/conversion you are interested in, why not email course director for requirements and accreditation details Good Luck!

i agree with above poster, now that you are half way there and have nothing else lined you may as well complete, especially given your clearly well able for the programme. While I wouldnt advise someone to a phd unless is was necessary thier career, given you half way through and can handle it an do well, I feel you should defnitely finish. A phd will be of benifit, its better than masters and a year in job you may not even like( if you do in fact land a job straight away). I cant see what you would have to gain by quiting at this stage. As for the idea of taking 10 months off, it seems like in ten months you would be a year/6 months from completion (depending on whether you are doing 3/4 year phd). and you probably wont find alot to do in those ten months and you will have anxiety of knowing you have to go back and finish hanging over you. How about a taking 3-4 weeks off over xmas and then getting stuck in and finishing? be gratefull you are doing so well in your programme, and the Phd will stand to you in future even if you dont go inot academia.

well, I am also struggling to get through these last few weeks.I don't have much advice, I can only empahasize really. For me, part of the problem is I have received bad feedback recently , and also I normally really look forward to xams break. But this year I have conference right after christmas and my super who is not too happy with me, wants a paper ready by mid january-- so guilt free xams lounging, the thought of which normally gives me an enery boost towards end of term, is not to be for me this year. I'm feeling very sorry for myself at the momnet, and pretty browned off. I am just going to try and carve out a few hours here and there of 'me time' and try and really appreciate and savour them. I just went for 40 minute walk, and i feel somewhat better already and I am now going to enjoy a large cup of coffee and an hours guilt free tv watching. Hopefully i will be somewhat more motivated and energized once i acknowledge the breaks and really savour them. I find what I often end up doing when I feel like is pretty much what you describe-- working, ploughing on, but really not being very efficient-- I am hoping the way to circumvent this-- is to take propoer guilt free decent breaks. I have shed loads to do with exams and presentations coming up too, but i think the only way I will be any way profductive is if i take the odd evening/morning off. I would be interested to hear what you think of my strategy, please feel free to respond. Elise

I am not in your field, and I didn't apply to US, but in my field (psychology) research experience is practically essential, so getting a job as a research assistant is really great for my field. Another thing that helps is having a publication, if you do an MSC or maybe even as research assistant you can perhaps be involved inot somthing that gets published and so get your name on a publication. as already metnioned good GRE scores and good letters of reccomendation are essential, and you can start on getting those now, Good luck Elise

other people have mentioned hyphenated and i know academics who have done this and it works, for example you new name is poco puffs-smith and you publish under poco puffs

you have no reason to feel like a shoddy human being. This girl is obviously under a lot of stress and not handling it well, well that how it looks to me.. the mood swings, the crying. I personally agree with poster who said you should not look at it as some kind of hierarchal relationship-- you are both researchers/coworkers. As a grad student myself i certainly don't think undergrads should take crap from me, and I don't think any of the faculty would think they should either. As far as where to go next, i would keep my distance but be friendly in a professional way not a friendship way. You don't have to be friends with someone who takes out there moods on you even if a) they are slightly senior to you and b- even if you feel sorry for them for being so stressed. I actually feel sorry for the girl, but really don't think its your job to make her feel better my letting her treat you like crap. Good luck

I think you are very young and shouldn't be in a panic to find a husband. Its great that you know what you want and are honest with yourself about that. But you do have a good few years within which to meet someone. You really can't predict the future, so while it is possible you may meet someone when you move you move for gradschool, you may not. You will have less time for socializing and that is factor. but then again at your age there are plenty of available potential partners on campus, so who knows. My sister when she was 27, got asked by her company to go work for a year in a middle eastern country. They were offering her big money to go, but she was reluctant b/c mainly she wanted to meet someone and get married and didnt want to arrive home at age 28/29 still single. I said to her, sure you could meet someone there'. she said i highly doubt it, there is too much of a culture difference.I remember saying to her, there is no guarentee you will meet someone if you stay at home, reading books on how to trap a man. Anyway she decided to go, for money and career and reasons. And guess what she met a lovely man, got married and now has two adorable kids. Her husband is a really lovely guy and is mad about her. and my sister also had bad luck with men, ie dated losers who treated her badly. so my advice is go to grad school, it doesnt rule out you chances of meeting someone and you will get qualifications for career you love, if and its only an if, you dont meet someone you will be 24 with a great career and plenty of time to meet someone special. But remember marry in haste, repent in leisure. If you want the dream of happy family life, dont jump at first availbale man- I know far too many people who made that mistake and now are miserable or divorced or very unhappy.

have you considered getting an Mphil-- it could help you fulfil some of your current obligations and really help down the line with teaching at community colleges ect one thing i find really hard to understand is how you ended up doing lit Phd when you don't like reading fiction, this point is really baffling to me. I wouldn't worry too much though about feeling you are letting everyone down, by leaving, there are plenty of very eager people willing to fill your place. You started in good faith, but realise its not for you. Infact if your 100% sure its not for you, which it sounds like you are, you are very lucky to find out at this early stage. I 've seen posts from people who are 3 years, with 3 years to go, regretting starting a Phd and realising academia is not for them, but feel they've waisted 3 years of their life. I think I even saw a post from someone who was 5 years in, who had come to same realisation you had. Good luck!

there is worse things than leaving with MPHIL, life goes on

that is definitely a large part of it at times, but what I'm talking about is fatigue and exhaustion from 12+ hours day and trying to do no sugar. But yes, when i am that exhausted and need fuel, I could tell myself i don't want to eat pizza and eat fruit and healthy stuff instead