Munashi

Update: Pretty sure I did alright on that stats midterm! I guess we'll see once grades are in.. Happy Halloween, all!

Welp, I've got my first midterm tomorrow morning. Wish me luck, everyone! Hope you're all well.

Hey 2015 I/O applicants! Just stopping by to say I hope you're doing well. Keep pushing!

This is sort of how I view it. I attend as many events as I'm able to. Echoing others, it seems less common to see more advanced students at these types of things so it does seem more "expected" of first years. I'll also note that in addition to seeing it as a "duty", it's also an opportunity to develop connections - both with peers and professors - on more of a personal level. To me, it's worth the time investment. I feel you on being busy, but I figure we'll only have less time as we advance so we may as well make the most of the time we have now (if possible).

Ugh, I'm so sorry to hear about this. I am wishing you a speedy recovery. But as you said, your health is most important and I'm glad your husband is there to help!

For the PhD level, you won't find programs that are geared specifically toward industry - but you will find programs that are "balanced" between academia and industry, and that are made to prepare you for success in either area. Penn State and Colorado State come to mind off the top of my head.

Note: Undergrad rankings =/= graduate program rankings Edited to note that at the graduate level, rankings vary wildly by field. A somewhat extreme example - in my field, there are no ivies that even offer my area at the doctoral level. The brand name matters much less than the connections you make and the work you do.

As I understand it, the research statement is the most important piece anyway so I doubt you're missing much in that respect.

I'm finding it helpful so far. This course is specifically geared towards NSF, and the prof has been a reviewer before so they have some helpful insight. We get feedback from the prof and also from our peers. At this stage, we've gotten feedback on a first draft of the research statement and a first draft of the personal statement. Draft 2 is coming up soon. Essentially it's just a lot of refining, but again - the prof has some great insights. It's been worth the effort so far. When you say prospectus, how much detail do they want you to go into?

*Raises hand*

When I applied, I was in a similar situation to you - GPA was not perfect due to some high-level math (physics/math minor, yay for quant backgrounds). I had the exact same quant score you did. It ended up being fine in my case as I'm in a top program in my field, but as always, ymmv. Obviously we're in slightly different subareas, and social is really competitive (hell, what isn't these days). In the end, it's up to you if you want to retake. If you have the spare cash to retake it, I don't think it would hurt. Worst case, you do worse and just don't send out those scores. But on the other hand, if your score is already on-par/above averages for admitted students, you may be fine as you are.

For my stipend, I am paid through the school's payroll. State and federal taxes (US) are taken out, but social security and medicare are not for me. My grad insurance also comes out via payroll.

Excellent app. There is a copycat app for Android users as well.

I don't think trying to start a dialogue with a POI about their research is necessarily a bad idea, just don't be too put off if you don't hear back - profs are damn busy people. Be polite without sounding presumptuous/like you expect something.

Can research experience help do "damage control" for academic deficiencies? Sure. Will it enable you to avoid application requirements (such as a 3rd letter)? No.

This completely depends on the people involved. For what it's worth, my SO and I have a 9 year age gap. I've known my SO for 10 years, dated for 6, and we're getting married in less than a month. Is it going to work for everyone? No. As others have noted, it's less about age than it is about maturity. Honestly, I'd be more worried about the potential for an inappropriate power dynamic if the guy ends up TAing one of your classes (as someone else already noted). Otherwise, *shrugs*. Be careful as you would in any dating situation where you're putting yourself out there. Again, as has been noted, he may have just been being friendly.

There is a whole thread about the NSF GRFP application for this year here: See if your question has been answered there already. If not, I'd post your question there - it's more likely to get an answer.

I see. I actually wasn't aware. I typically never order delivery, but it's good to know that the delivery person does see some of that fee.

If I thought the driver saw any of the delivery fee, I wouldn't mind paying it. But a lot of these places put disclaimers like "hey, the driver doesn't get any of this and still uses their own car, so please tip too". If it DOES help reimburse the driver (as other suggested above), then I don't mind. But I see quite a few places claiming it isn't used for that, so make sure you still give a tip.. which always makes me wonder what the hell the fee is for.

Well, I've made it through 3 weeks without dying. It's going well so far, can't really complain. Very busy, but in a good way for sure.

GeoDUDE! gave you some very sound advice, and did touch on what I am about to say. But I'll reiterate it: No one expects you to be able to pass a licensure exam right now. It's true that when you enter grad school, not everyone is on an even playing field - some have more experience/knowledge than others. But the POINT of your program is to get you ready. You'll learn a lot in the next two years. And when it's actually time for the exam, at that point in your studies, you'll be ready to take that test.

Definitely do it. You can reach out to multiple people at each school if you aren't ready to decide on a primary mentor yet. But for sure reach out to people, mention that you're interested in their area, etc. and check if they are accepting new kids. Some people might not be, and it may help you narrow down your list of POIs.

I know some people had their first day today and/or are having their first week this week. Hope you're all doing well!