YaBoyAR

Minor update from Berkeley: I called today to check on fee waiver stuff and asked how everything was progressing. Since (according to the results page) they haven't made any decisions since Jan 15, I was getting worried. She said the Chem department was still making decisions and they'll let the admissions department know their recommendations and they'll in turn begin contacting applicants. So it seems as if they make decisions in waves. Let's hope we're all in the next one!

Wisconsin' dates are February 28-March 2 & March 28-30

Congrats! We should plan to meet up with fellow GradCafe users during visitation. The stipend is ~$2750 a month and thank God because Cambridge is outrageously expensive. I thought Atlanta was bad but no comparison!

I don't mean to sound like a prick even though, looking back, that's how it seems. I just think people should do what they want. And if you want something you should work hard for it. If you haven't found that yet then just keep looking until you do.

You can pursue a second degree. Bachelor or masters in an unrelated field. Happens all the time. Although, all will require studying and taking classes. You could become a salesperson or a server or a bum. It's up to you to decide. I don't know what interests you.

Lol. What are we supposed to say? The OP doesn't like studying or doing research in their field of choice. Clearly, it's time they get out or pursue another field. Pretty cut and dry situation that doesn't require 325 responses. OP should find out what excites them and intrigues them, and then pursue it. Who cares what your family thinks? Join some clubs and make some friends or seek out a therapist for the depression. If you don't like the location, move. All of this is quite clear.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think you're all spot on. I went ahead and made some emails. Still feels a little sad though. It's surprisingly unnerving even though you know you don't want to go there. Hopefully someone who is waiting on Purdue, Washington, or Emory will get my spot!

Congrats! The first acceptance is one you will likely not soon forget.

To those still waiting to hear from schools, I mean no disrespect or insensitivity toward you with the following: So, there are some schools that I have been accepted to that I can say with certainty I will not be attending. There's no need to keep them in my pocket. Others might be on a wait list or awaiting acceptance, etc. I'd like to let those schools know as soon as I comfortably can. So what do we say? There's the obvious, "thank you. I love your school. I hate having to decline. It's not you - it's me" jargon. But even though I know I won't be attending their school, I'm not sure exactly which ones I will be. What should we say with regard to that information? Do we give them reasons? Do they care? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

A few technical tips: Skype someone else first. Eliminate technical difficulties. Make sure your microphone sounds good. The picture is solid. Wear a shirt that looks good on you in the camera. Make sure the lighting is good in the area you plan on holding the interview. I know you're not a movie star doing promo for Entertainment Tonight, but people get impressions based on weird things sometimes. You want to feel confident and a glitch in the program will eliminate the confidence very quickly. Interview Advice: Plan for everything. You should be able to talk about your research and lab skills in a cogent manner. Be knowledgable about the professors research as well, to some extent. Be ready to discuss why you would die to work in his/her lab. Who doesn't like to hear that they're awesome? Your gpa is kind of mediocre so perhaps you should be able to discuss why (without making excuses) and explain why you think you'll do much better academically in grad school. Good luck! You've almost won the battle!

I like it. Thanks for letting me know all of that. You da man/woman!

Fair enough. But if that's what is being implied, how do you, as an applicant, know that's what is being said in the letter? We waive our right to view them so theoretically should have no idea what's being said. Furthermore, as stated above, don't we all ask professors who we have impressed and assume would write us "great" letters? Maybe I'm being presumptuous, but I certainly only asked professors that I had a strong background with.

I see it all over this website. "I have 79 publications and 3 GREAT LORs!" What does that really mean though? Obviously, LOR = Letter of Rec. But it's the 'great' part that gets me. Are you saying 3 Nobel Prize winners wrote you a letter? So they're great? Or these 3 people really love you as a person and scientist and likely described you as the second coming of Jesus? Didn't we all ask professors who we knew would write us a "great" LOR though, if that's the case? And if so, doesn't that commonness diminish its 'great'ness? Or is your 'great' better than the next guys 'great'? Just something I've been thinking about that irks me. Maybe I'm just an asshole. Care to weigh in?

I feel for those without any acceptances. It's still early though everyone. Don't start panicking yet! Last year even MIT accepted someone in March/April (according to results page). Just hang in there!

I just got a phone call from a professor at MIT. 7:41 pm ET. Pretty late actually. One of the happiest days of my life actually. Good luck to everyone!

Great post. Thanks!

Congrats!! That's huge. I bet you're elated. Also, thanks for posting the visitation dates

Just got into Washington. Also, I spoke to Berkeley's Grad Admin Office today (for an unrelated matter. Not my app), and for those interested, here's part of the convo that proceeded: Me: "I'm not calling to check on the status of my app or anything..." Nice Lady: "If you were, that'd be fine. But honestly, I always tell applicants they probably find out before we do as the Chem program accepts you way before the actual school does. Anyway, what was your call about?" Just thought someone might appreciate the info. Good luck everyone!

Definitely too early. I doubt ANY school is completely finished making decisions. Domestic or otherwise

I believe your theory holds some weight. I've heard it is common for many schools to make decisions on domestic applicants first. An adcom member at my institution mentioned that often this is merely a result of the process being more tedious for international applicants. For example, international schools occasionally have different grading scales, course studies, etc. Don't worry too much. It's still very early in the game!

Congrats! It is a pretty good feeling. But as someone who is in a similar situation (in at great schools but not top choice) it's still nerve wracking awaiting those few schools.

Yeah. 5 is pretty exceptional. Although, so is 1-3.

Things have been quiet lately. A little too quiet. I need Berkeley and MIT to start making decisions soon before I lose my sanity.

I'm not sure what you mean but having any weightage. I think they're looking for you to be able to speak clearly and concisely about past research and why you're interested in Emory. Communicating science is a huge issue. Perhaps that's the motive. I did the video and got accepted.

Inorganic