Tolman's Rat

Feelin' good! Thanks! My strategy was to push down 'dream programs' that I felt were very unlikely whether due to prestige (UW-M) or POI uncertainties (UCSD), which left my third "top choice" my actual top choice. Previously, they were all tied. Sort of a pessimistic approach, but it's worked for me

1) Not all of my programs do interviews. Two do not, and I have already visited both. I had a Skype chat and a phone chat with two other programs (neither was called an interview). No other phone or Skype interviews/chats. 2) I've received 2 official interview invites (one was the Skype chat) and 1 that is "very likely" but not made official yet (had a phone chat with POI at this one). The first is not within driving distance, and they are covering $500 of travel costs (which will cover all of my flight and some accommodation). The second is within driving distance, and they are compensating me for all mileage, one night at a hotel, and all food costs. Obviously still awaiting info on the unofficial invite.

Official invite arrived from Binghamton! Yay!

Of course! Applied for the NSERC CGS-M as well.

Thanks! I may or may not have started hyperventilating upon reading the email.....

Received an email from UConn POI yesterday that I should "pencil [interview weekend] into my calendar" and that I will hear official word in the next couple of days. Hooray for top choices! For anyone else that applied to UConn Psych - Language and Cognition, you will know soon. The division met last week. Interviews will be held Feb 26-27.

Only applied to 2 Canadian programs of my 9 applications. Cognitive Neuroscience at Western and Cognitive Science at McMaster. I've visited both and regardless of whether I attend, I've built some long-lasting relationships and opened up dialogues on future research collaborations (one of which will be beginning this Spring). These are exciting times!!

Curious about UCSD CogSci. Is the poster willing to share POI via PM?

Possibly but it just seems a little vague to me. In my experiences, most communications are pretty upfront and avoid such vagaries when possible. There are substantial differences between programs in when they want your transcripts. Some want them to arrive before the application deadline. Some ask you to send them as soon as you submit your application. Some want them once they've processed the rest of your application. And some want them once you've been admitted. So I'm not trying to be a downer here, I'd probably be just as privy to overinterpretation in this case (especially for an awesome program like USC ). Just keep in mind these differences between programs. Best of luck, and hopefully you hear some good news soon!

From Canada as well...have heard about 2 US interviews at this point (one for a Dec 1 deadline, other for a Dec 31 deadline). Haven't heard back about funding yet (awaiting one response today, other was an "unofficial" interview invite that won't be made official until the department meets next week). The official interview invite indicated that I could interview via Skype or phone if unable to make the interview weekend, so I'd imagine that would similarly be the case for overseas applicants.

I know we all like to overanalyze, but this is a bit much, no? I think it means you're missing a transcript and should probably send it. So...I hope you sent it...

Second consecutive good day! Invited for an interview at Georgia State University, Cognitive Sciences division (PhD Psychology). Direct email from POI.

I've been panicking since June. If anything, it's too late to start panicking now

Hooray! Congrats to you, as well! That's really nice of them to keep you updated and indicate that you're on the short list--I think that would suggest that your POI is very high on you, and now needs to fight for you and convince the adcomm of the same.

Ahhhhhhhh I received such an exciting email today! One of the few POIs (at Binghamton University) that I didn't get in touch with prior to the application season (really can't remember why, she's awesome) "was excited about [my] application" and "plans to advocate inviting [me] for an interview." She then proceeded to describe all the ongoing projects, etc. I just submitted my application about a week ago, and the cognitive group will be meeting to schedule interviews on Jan 14.

Perhaps you received the same message, but I finally heard back from Prof. Poeppel today. He was very apologetic about having not responded sooner, but said that the last few months have been hectic with negotiations on a new position at the new Max Planck Institute in Frankfurt. So he's not taking new students this year or for the foreseeable future at NYU.

Got another one of those annoying Happy Holidays emails, this time from NYU. You want to give me a happy holidays? Well, then give me an interview invite!

Compulsively checking this forum, the results section, and refreshing my Outlook to make sure there are no send/receive errors. Yeah, I'd say I'm coping pretty well! That said, my work is based on the computer and I work from home, and I've been absolutely overloaded the last few weeks, so basically at my computer 24/7. Not exactly a formula for adaptive coping (though I think I'm going to go play some basketball tonight!)

I've got some collaborations set up around the area that will turn long distance if/when I get into grad school, so staying around here wouldn't be the end of the world. I also have a pretty great job, so I'm not too worried--I'd just spend another year paying down debts. Either way, I'm confident that I'll get in somewhere. Had a lot of very positive interactions, and I view two of my programs as extremely likely admissions, two as distinct possibilities, and the remaining five as true wildcards.

That line makes a lot more sense when you're actually in clinical. Unfortunately, you hear it just as often in research. "Sorry, I have no interest in helping people, and I definitely don't want to hear about your problems"

Ah good, someone else applying to NYU Cognition. We can keep each other updated!

I'd rather have my face shoved in a toilet and get thrown in a locker, if we're being honest in here...

If January passes without any interview invites, then get nervous.

So, one of my programs nearly gave me a heart attack TWICE today. First, they have the NERVE to send me an e-mail wishing me a happy holiday season and informing me that they will be closed over the break. Second, they send me ANOTHER e-mail with the subject line "YOUR APPLICATION STATUS..." and then the e-mail goes on to tell me that I'm part of a special testing group to use their new beta page for viewing application materials. Ugh. Cruel, cruel torture.

"I need to be careful about what I say, but I am optimistic about your chances." - from POI at tied-for-top-choice program "In trying to woo you here, I'd like to remind you that you would also be very competitive for the [insert Fellowship Name] Fellowship (stipend is $25k I believe)" - from POI at mid-level program but great fit When I first got these emails I thought... AH! I'm in!!! but no...that is just not the way grad admissions work. Too many factors. Though I don't think my overanalysis as bad as some of the others here