DontHate

according to that frequently circulated article about psych phd apps, you shouldn't tell adcoms about your personal history of mental illness -- KISS OF DEATH.

I didn't get anything either. Not like NYU, which sent me 5 follow-up emails.

Is Berkeley's program really not considered any good? I've heard it's one of the best.

A really unfocused SoP would probably be a kiss of death, since they want people who are motivated enough to complete the program. Even if you're a very good student, the SoP could reveal that you just don't want it enough for them to invest good fellowship money into you.

Of course! Do it! There's absolutely no reason not to

" he'd also fathered a child with a former grad student the previous year." Umm damn. How did he manage to do that with no career repercussions? That seems like pretty questionable behavior

Rems: It's "effect" because affect when used as a noun means an emotion. I admire everyone for being able to forgo the comforts of location. I personally can't do that without devastating psychological effects (affects would work here too). I'm only applying to programs in places where I would be able to enjoy spending 5-7 years of my youth. Places with good weather, beautiful diverse cities, places near family and friends, places on the coasts, in areas where I could see myself settling down long-term and perhaps raising a family. I even chose universities in which the campuses themselves gave me good vibes -- pretty and well-maintained architecture, a feeling of intellectual vibrance, a friendly studen body, enough women and minorities in each department, etc. I guess that makes me the outlier in this group of posters. I still feel as though I made the right choice for me, and I admire everyone who makes their own choices, ones that they can be satisfied with and proud of, no matter what anyone else tells them to do. My goal is to be both happy and productive for the duration of my doctoral program. I believe these two things are deeply intertwined with each other. I know that for me setting plays a big role.

It's good to have affection for less popular places. Fewer apply there, fewer accept their spots, so you have a greater chance of getting in. That could even be an entire admissions strategy. Apply to programs in the coldest climates, highest crime neighborhoods, most remote areas, etc.

Reviving this thread. Anyone applying for Fall '13?

In an effort to return to the topic: has anyone ever had a crush on a prof? If so, how did that play out? Anyone ever dated a prof or TA? Ever been a TA/lecturer/prof and had a crush on or dated a student?

I have one word for you: boredom

It was originally my discussion topic, and it's gotten kind of far from the point. I just don't feel like there's any need for more of this.

Oh man, I'm so jelly

Buffalo (+ 6 feet of snow in the winter)

oy gevalt.

I'm not trying to start an argument. Merely stating my opinion of Buffalo. Hopefully everyone will get the chance to visit and judge for themselves before decided whether or not to attend. Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo.

I don't know exactly how many of you are attending school/teaching at a school while you're going through the application process, but for those of you who are -- I've stumbled upon this curious dilemma: just as I've finished my applications, I've also finished my Fall quarter, and now I have a month of vacation. With nothing to do, I've got nothing to distract me from the painful anticipation of the possible acceptances & rejections that await in February. How are you guys dealing with this? I have a LOT of books to read, some personal projects, and a final paper I still need to work on. But I can't focus on anything right now, except that one thing we're all thinking about... So, what ELSE is on your mind during winter break?

You can look at it that way, or you can look at it as an extreme test of character... It will make you stronger! All the while slowly driving you insane.

Hey, no worries. I learned about this the hard way myself.

i feel like i'm in summer camp being lectured after a food fight

Just my opinion... from visiting my grandma there many times over the years. As always, there's no need to get mad at me for having an opinion that differs from yours. How is it any different than calling New Haven a "shit-hole"? I didn't see any downvotes on that comment. I guess it's just more acceptable to bash Yale...

Buffalo is a seriously ugly city to live in. Kind of Detroit-esque. My dad's from there.

It's been fairly thoroughly addressed at this point. I think we all hear you.

Perhaps at this point it would be more productive to stop talking about how hostile the forum has become and just move on?