Munashi

A bit. But given that they're international, they may not have access to professors and peers who really know how to help them. I am willing to bet they just have no idea where to start. lakshimprasanna - I agree with the suggestion that you should do some google searching to try and give yourself an idea of how to get started with applying to US schools. You might be able to find some resources specific to students from your country. DO check with your current professors and advisors - I could be wrong, maybe they know quite a bit about this process. As heartshapedcookie said, when you have more specific questions, come back here and ask. You may also consider reading/checking out the international student subforum here: http://forum.thegradcafe.com/forum/22-ihog-international-house-of-grads/

I'll be getting married while in grad school too, although it will be in my first year. I don't think you need to feel obligated to invite anyone. If people question it, your reasons for not doing so are perfectly valid - The wedding is far away and for financial reasons, you are keeping the guest list as minimal as possible. Most people are understanding when the financial aspect comes into play. If you did want to invite your advisor, I don't think it would be inappropriate. But if you would be inviting them hoping they don't actually take you up on it, I wouldn't extend the invitation at all. You never know - they might come! It's your wedding. Invite only those who you and your fiance(e) would truly want to be there. Others may disagree, but I don't think you're obligated to invite anyone from your program if you don't want to.

Way to go, dude! That's awesome. Akron is a well-regarded program. I don't think you'll regret making the move!

I mean, that WOULD be pretty weird. Why on earth would people expect spouses to support one another...? In addition, we can add a 3rd "never smoked or done drugs". Caffeine is about as exciting as it gets for me too. I am a boring person, and I am okay with this.

Hey Maziana! This is a really tough choice. I think it ultimately is up to you to determine which of these options will make you happier. Both sound like good choices. But it sounds like it comes down to this: What will make you happier? Less financial worry or a better program fit? I tend to lean toward the "follow the money" camp, but since you mentioned that surviving is technically possible both ways (even if B will make it easier), I think fit is a huge factor in "happiness". If you end up disliking the program culture at B, you will not be happy and that will make getting through the program that much tougher. Just my two cents. But again, as I'm sure you're painfully aware, it's entirely up to you. I think people tend to do better/thrive more when they are happy and in a good place mentally. You now have to decide which of these two programs will set you up better for that mindset. (And btw - Congratulations!!! You've done wonderfully.)

Check in with each department about their alumni placement record/what kinds of jobs alumni tend to get after completing their degrees at each place. This might help you figure out which program will be best suited to helping you reach your goals further down the road.

You raise a fair point. They will not know you did not do a thesis without requesting a transcript or asking you directly. I have seen this happen in hiring processes before, but I will confess these weren't for I/O positions - it was in other areas of psych. It is something worth considering, though.

Hopefully someone will come to correct me if I am wrong, but SIOP is definitely the most comprehensive/thorough source that I am aware of. I am not sure about Pearson, but I didn't find Princeton Review particularly helpful as they seem to be focusing mostly on MA programs and I was getting ready to apply for PhD programs. Still, it wouldn't hurt to look around somewhere else but I can't name another place (that I know of) with a larger database of schools than siop.org.

I think siop.org is a good starting point, but here is what you have to remember - that page is often out of date and I don't think they are actively updating the information. So make sure that you double-check the actual I/O program's website for a particular university to double check the information that siop.org gives you!

Just chiming to say that I think the fact that SJSU requires a thesis (and internship) is a huge plus. People in academia and industry alike tend to raise an eyebrow at a Masters degree awarded with no thesis.

Is cost a factor for you? How do the prices/cost of living for these schools compare? If you're interested in pursuing a PhD, it may be possible to ask these programs for information about their placement records in terms of both PhD programs and where alumni work. Current students may be a good resource for this too.

Thank you both for the input, I really appreciate the information!

TakeruK gave you some great advice. I would agree that it would probably be nice to acknowledge receipt of the offer, even if you aren't planning to make a decision immediately.

The soundtrack from the PS3 game Journey is beautiful. I like it for studying or writing because I find it both pleasant and unobtrusive. It was also the first video game soundtrack nominated for a Grammy! Whole thing on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3hFN8UrBPw

I'm sure you know this is pretty common among natives (of New York, that is). I will say that I think the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are places worth a visit, though. To add something I've never done - I'm an American, but I've never been to Mexico or Canada.

This may have been mentioned already, but it never hurts to just ask a program is they offer application fee waivers. Some places don't at all, some will want documentation or at least an explanation, aaaaaand others will just waive the fee then and there for you. Asking never hurts and you can save yourself some money! Most of us are not millionaires and the application process can be financially stressful. If you feel like a fee waiver could help you out, ask. Just make sure you read the department's website carefully - some places pre-empt inquires with a blanket "no".

I loved taking the time off in between. I was lucky and got a job immediately after graduation that was in my field and really allowed me to strengthen my application. It was also great - for me - to take some time off of school and learn how to live on my own. It's also let me get a small amount of savings together so that I could afford the application process and, now that I'm in, allow me to move without needing to borrow money.

Glad you thought so! It's one that I enjoy very much when it fits the situation at hand.

A "fully funded" program generally refers to the program providing you with a tuition waiver (meaning you pay no tuition for yourself) plus some kind of livable stipend through either part time TA work, RA (research assistant) work, or a fellowship.

I'm reluctant to say exactly where for fear of identifying myself, but essentially I put myself on a wait list at a particular property. Believe it or not, they only have ONE unit become available (all of their lease renewals happen around the same time). So I snagged it! But there aren't any other openings, unfortunately.. otherwise, I'd share where I'm going.

That's awesome! Way to go, dude. You must be very pleased.

Way to go! I'm so glad it worked out in your favor.

I think overall, this song is a good representation of how I felt getting accepted. Actually, I enjoy listening to this any time I make it through a difficult situation. But it was especially satisfying after this application season! I'm So Glad I'm Standing Here Today by Joe Cocker. There were times I remember had to fight just to hold my head up Those times when even my friends tried to make a fool of me there were things that my heart attacked that they just couldn't see Some said I was hopeless Tangled in the night Strong hearts just keep goin' That is why I'm still standing here today Come together raise up your voices This time my song of love and life won't go away I'll sing forever here in the sunshine I've lived to see the sun break through the storm I'm so glad I'm standing here today. If you're lost in your troubles And the world just seems to forget you If you remember sunshine even on your darkest day Just follow what your heart says And you will find a way Some said I was hopeless Tangled in the night Strong hearts just keep goin' That is why I'm still standing here today Come together raise up your voices This time my song of life and love, it won't go away I'll sing forever here in the sunshine I've lived to see the sun break through the storm I'm so glad I'm standing here today.... I've lived to see the sun break through the dawn And I'm so glad I'm standing here today. Youtube if anyone wants it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VsTl1B_kZs

Like many of you, I filled out a FAFSA form for myself this year. I was accepted into a fully funded program, and I am not anticipating needing any of the loans I have been offered. But I'm wondering how long I have to accept these loans in the event that some weird expense pops up and I end up needing the support. Today the school's financial aid office let me know that the loans are available to me if I want them. I'm not anticipating needing them, but do I have to decline them before the start of the semester? I will contact the FA office to ask, but I thought I'd check here too to see if any of you knew about this off of the top of your head. Thank you!