Munashi

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 am in the same boat as you - cross country move with an S.O. for my graduate education.  We've been together many years and have been through moves together before.
 
Although I can't yet speak to maintaining a relationship in grad school, I found that with moving the toughest part is just finding a new job (in this case, my SO will be the one looking since I have my stipend from school).  Once they get re-settled in terms of employment, the "on edge" feeling tends to disperse.  The rockiest part is always right at the beginning of a move, I think.  Moving is stressful, so is finding work!
 
But given that we've done it before, I think it's doable.  Good luck to you both!

This isn't so much about ranking as it is about department culture in a way, but I definitely see what you're getting at.  I have always felt that if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room.  It may be an adjustment if you are not used to being challenged, but I think people that genuinely enjoy learning thrive in environments where the material is challenging and you have the opportunity to learn from not only your professors, but also your peers.

You may need some time to adjust to being challenged, but I think if you're aware that challenges will come and you're open to taking them as a learning experience and not as a blow to your ego, you will be great.  Be excited!  You might look like a fool, but so does everyone at some point.  Your peers face the same risk.  Learning is hard, and that's why it's so damn rewarding.  Just anticipate the challenges/struggles, don't take them personally (easier said than done, I know), and do your best.  You will grow so much more when you are being pushed!  I think you'll do very well.

Mayonnaise

I slapped my CV onto every POI email I sent.  In my case, I figured it would be handy since I have a sizable number of publications to put on there.  I tried not to be presumptuous about it, and probably said something along the lines of "if you are interested in learning more about me, I have attached my CV" (phrasing would've been shinier, but you get the idea.. this was also included in addition to some brief tidbits about my research interest and how it lined up with theirs).  I suppose I didn't want POIs to think I was assuming they had time to comb through my CV, so I left it as kind of a "if you want it, it's there. if not, please disregard" kind of thing.
 
I'm not sure it matters.  In the end, do whatever suits you best.

I don't know much about OD, but if you plan to go applied, I/O is going to be a lot more friendly to you.  OB/Management programs are geared toward creating academics and often (not always, but PRETTY darn often) expressing an interest in an applied career is looked down upon.  It's not that it wouldn't be possible for you to do that work, but OB programs are geared toward producing academics (read: professors).  I/O programs tend to take a more balanced approach.  Some lean more heavily one way or the other, but there are several top-ranked I/O programs that try to prep you for either career path.

I saw this on a rejection post where the user was mentioning that they had dreamed of living in College Station, TX:
 
"Even my dreams are tame."

Aww, that was you?  Sorry to hear.  Your statement just made me smile (because I can sympathize over the tameness of dreams)!

I had to resurrect this board. This quote hasn't quite enraged me but certainly has motivated me to comment. Attitudes like this frequently put girls off weightlifting. My undergrad university was very sports focused as was top 2 in the country for most sports, and a Team GB training base, so we had a lot of pro athletes train in our gym. I'm a S&C coach, PT and am hoping to do my PhD in sports injury prevention and rehabilitation...and I'm female. I also have never competed as a weightlifter, but can hold my own in our gym. The first few times I went into the weights section, I went with the guy I was training. Yup. I was training this 6ft 250lb guy with olympic lifts, and showing him correct form  but the amount of guys there who made out like they had an issue with me was amazing. I told myself that they were just jealous I had good technique   I love the weights section, I deadlift double my bodyweight, bench my weight, squat my weight and a half and have encouraged all my friends who have shown an interest in the gym to accompany me and see that the guys who look, for the most part, are the ones with the problem!
 
With regards to the original theme of fitness - we put so much focus on what we should be doing with exercise these days. When we were kids, we'd run around, kick a ball, do cartwheels, play tag...all of this was exercise but it was PLAY. As adults, we lose this sense of fun and make exercise a chore. Find something you enjoy, go with friends, go by yourself, but most importantly - have fun! I frequently blast my music and have a dance around the kitchen. If I'm annoyed I'll run in circles in my garden if I can't get out on the road. If I've got a spare hour, I'll go for a swim. If my friends are here I'll go for a walk. Moving should be FUN, and should be something we look forward to, rather than "build into our schedule". If we can make playtime fit into the adult world (sex anyone?) we would be so much fitter as a nation. /end rant

sorry... couldn't help myself

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.

I prefer "advisor" personally, but I've been known to flip flop arbitrarily.

Ladygrey,
 
There is a lot of good information here. I disagree with some of it (if you want to go I/O do not stress verbal on GRE over quant), but most of it is really good. I was accepted into both top 10 I/O programs I applied to this past year (I only say this so you know it is possible) and want to add a couple things.
 
First, do research immediately. It doesn't matter if it is as an RA on a project that has nothing to do with your interests or your thesis. The more research you have done, the better. Also, ask yourself "why do I want a Ph.D."? You might find you absolutely hate doing research. In which case, you will find that out quickly and spare yourself a ton of time you can spend doing something you like.
 
Second, it is way more important that you find out what kind of research you want to be doing, and then find which professors do that kind of work. I/O psychologists are very familiar with the concept of person-job fit, and your graduate studies will essentially be a job working with and for your advisor. If you don't know what you want to do yet for research, there is no way you can tell where you should apply. If you want to apply to Michigan State and Minnesota because they are the top ranked universities, the selection committee will know that when you apply. If you want to work with Paul Sackett at Minnesota because you have experienced low diversity populations in all your part-time jobs and this led to several negative incidents; thus you now think that studying diversity in the workplace is something you are destined to do for the rest of your life, they'll probably be able to tell that too. You might have noticed I said both top 10 schools. I only applied to 2, because I spent at least a month researching every professor who did something similar to what I wanted to study. That knocked out 8 of the top 10 schools from my list (well 7, but one did not respond to my initial email inquiry so I axed that school because at some point, you are going to be chopping schools off so you don't spend $5000 on applications).
 
Lastly, study your ass off for the GRE. You typed "not to sound conceded". It's "conceited". Do not make these errors on the GRE or in any correspondence you have with potential schools. Many people blame bad GRE scores on many things. Don't be that person. Study now and study hard. My potential advisor made sure I was aware of what I would need for scores to get into a top school (90th percentile in both). So I studied, and got those scores. It might not get you in anywhere, but it can definitely keep you out. Also, I/O acceptance at top schools is as competitive as all the other disciplines including clinical psychology. It's likely if you are applying to a top I/O school that their selection is even more competitive than the other disciplines at that school, so if it is what you really want, start now and go hard.

This isn't so much about ranking as it is about department culture in a way, but I definitely see what you're getting at.  I have always felt that if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room.  It may be an adjustment if you are not used to being challenged, but I think people that genuinely enjoy learning thrive in environments where the material is challenging and you have the opportunity to learn from not only your professors, but also your peers.

You may need some time to adjust to being challenged, but I think if you're aware that challenges will come and you're open to taking them as a learning experience and not as a blow to your ego, you will be great.  Be excited!  You might look like a fool, but so does everyone at some point.  Your peers face the same risk.  Learning is hard, and that's why it's so damn rewarding.  Just anticipate the challenges/struggles, don't take them personally (easier said than done, I know), and do your best.  You will grow so much more when you are being pushed!  I think you'll do very well.

This isn't so much about ranking as it is about department culture in a way, but I definitely see what you're getting at.  I have always felt that if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room.  It may be an adjustment if you are not used to being challenged, but I think people that genuinely enjoy learning thrive in environments where the material is challenging and you have the opportunity to learn from not only your professors, but also your peers.

You may need some time to adjust to being challenged, but I think if you're aware that challenges will come and you're open to taking them as a learning experience and not as a blow to your ego, you will be great.  Be excited!  You might look like a fool, but so does everyone at some point.  Your peers face the same risk.  Learning is hard, and that's why it's so damn rewarding.  Just anticipate the challenges/struggles, don't take them personally (easier said than done, I know), and do your best.  You will grow so much more when you are being pushed!  I think you'll do very well.

This isn't so much about ranking as it is about department culture in a way, but I definitely see what you're getting at.  I have always felt that if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room.  It may be an adjustment if you are not used to being challenged, but I think people that genuinely enjoy learning thrive in environments where the material is challenging and you have the opportunity to learn from not only your professors, but also your peers.

You may need some time to adjust to being challenged, but I think if you're aware that challenges will come and you're open to taking them as a learning experience and not as a blow to your ego, you will be great.  Be excited!  You might look like a fool, but so does everyone at some point.  Your peers face the same risk.  Learning is hard, and that's why it's so damn rewarding.  Just anticipate the challenges/struggles, don't take them personally (easier said than done, I know), and do your best.  You will grow so much more when you are being pushed!  I think you'll do very well.

This isn't so much about ranking as it is about department culture in a way, but I definitely see what you're getting at.  I have always felt that if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room.  It may be an adjustment if you are not used to being challenged, but I think people that genuinely enjoy learning thrive in environments where the material is challenging and you have the opportunity to learn from not only your professors, but also your peers.

You may need some time to adjust to being challenged, but I think if you're aware that challenges will come and you're open to taking them as a learning experience and not as a blow to your ego, you will be great.  Be excited!  You might look like a fool, but so does everyone at some point.  Your peers face the same risk.  Learning is hard, and that's why it's so damn rewarding.  Just anticipate the challenges/struggles, don't take them personally (easier said than done, I know), and do your best.  You will grow so much more when you are being pushed!  I think you'll do very well.

Here is my advice:
 - Get 165+ on both sections of the GRE
 - See if you can network with people in the departments you are interested in. Basically, if they like you, the GPA won't matter that much as long as your other credentials looks good.
 - Maybe consider getting into a master's program and try to get a high GPA to offset the undergraduate gpa.
 
Out of curiosity, why did you get a low GPA? I mean, I know that may sound strange, but if the reason is understandable, then maybe you will have a better chance vs. a reason that isn't so great (decided not to study because reasons).
 
Grad schools have the pick of the litter when it comes to admissions. Since you are operating on a busted leg (low GPA), you have to make it up and (quite frankly) be better than your competition in other domains. Otherwise, you won't have much of a chance.
 
On a positive note, I like your optimism.
 
EDIT: Also, please don't take this the wrong way, but Cognitive Science ≠ Cognitive Psychology. While Cognitive Psychology is a ramification of the domain of psychology in general, cognitive science is the union of a bunch of different domains (Anthropology, Philosophy, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Psychology, Linguistics, etc).

Okay, I am not an expert, so please verify everything I say here.  If other users are more knowledgeable, please correct me if needed.
 
1.  Personally, I prefer to make as few stops as possible.  It minimizes the chance of missed flights, delays, and lost luggage.  I would do A --> JFK --> B, but it's ultimately up to you.  If you think you need a break in flying, maybe more stops will be better for you.  The longest flight I've been on was about 13 hours (USA to Japan).  It does suck, but it's doable.  Bring things to amuse yourself, as always.

2. If you do end up passing through a European city, don't worry about it.  Your visa should be fine as it is.  You are not actually "entering" that country if you stay in the airport terminal, so don't worry about that.  Similarly, you'll be asked to fill out a form on your flight to the US listing where you're coming from and if you're bringing any goods with you to sell.  If you stopped in London and were just in the airport to connect flights, you will NOT need to list "England" as a place you visited/came from - just your home country.
 
3. Baggage transfers will vary by airline.  Are you flying with one airline the whole way or is there a change?  If there is a change, call one of the airlines and ask if they have a "baggage agreement" with the other airline and confirm that they will transfer.  You could also travel light and just take a carry-on if you want to avoid this.
 
4. This is trickier.  I'm honestly not sure how much time you'd need for connections in Europe if you decide to make one.  I think the minimum amount of time an airline will sell you is 45 minutes, but I'd personally want at least 60-90 minutes (especially with checked bags).  You will need MORE time between your flight from JFK --> B if you connect within the US.  Even if it is not your final destination, when you first land in the United States, you must clear customs and re-do security screening.  This can take up a lot of time.  If you checked bags, you will have to collect them and re-check after customs (it's usually easy and you can re-check your baggage at a desk like 100 ft away from where you picked it up).  This is in case you are randomly selected for screening.  Check with the airline about how much time you need.  I'd say at least 120 minutes, but you need to check with them.  If you buy tickets online, don't assume the computer will automatically give you enough time to make the connection.  You need to be sure.

I hope this helps.  Basically, a call to your airline(s) should help clear up any questions you have.  You'll want to double-check everything I've said anyway. lol

Okay, I am not an expert, so please verify everything I say here.  If other users are more knowledgeable, please correct me if needed.
 
1.  Personally, I prefer to make as few stops as possible.  It minimizes the chance of missed flights, delays, and lost luggage.  I would do A --> JFK --> B, but it's ultimately up to you.  If you think you need a break in flying, maybe more stops will be better for you.  The longest flight I've been on was about 13 hours (USA to Japan).  It does suck, but it's doable.  Bring things to amuse yourself, as always.

2. If you do end up passing through a European city, don't worry about it.  Your visa should be fine as it is.  You are not actually "entering" that country if you stay in the airport terminal, so don't worry about that.  Similarly, you'll be asked to fill out a form on your flight to the US listing where you're coming from and if you're bringing any goods with you to sell.  If you stopped in London and were just in the airport to connect flights, you will NOT need to list "England" as a place you visited/came from - just your home country.
 
3. Baggage transfers will vary by airline.  Are you flying with one airline the whole way or is there a change?  If there is a change, call one of the airlines and ask if they have a "baggage agreement" with the other airline and confirm that they will transfer.  You could also travel light and just take a carry-on if you want to avoid this.
 
4. This is trickier.  I'm honestly not sure how much time you'd need for connections in Europe if you decide to make one.  I think the minimum amount of time an airline will sell you is 45 minutes, but I'd personally want at least 60-90 minutes (especially with checked bags).  You will need MORE time between your flight from JFK --> B if you connect within the US.  Even if it is not your final destination, when you first land in the United States, you must clear customs and re-do security screening.  This can take up a lot of time.  If you checked bags, you will have to collect them and re-check after customs (it's usually easy and you can re-check your baggage at a desk like 100 ft away from where you picked it up).  This is in case you are randomly selected for screening.  Check with the airline about how much time you need.  I'd say at least 120 minutes, but you need to check with them.  If you buy tickets online, don't assume the computer will automatically give you enough time to make the connection.  You need to be sure.

I hope this helps.  Basically, a call to your airline(s) should help clear up any questions you have.  You'll want to double-check everything I've said anyway. lol

I think a lot of this is very true.  Stats are one thing, but most people applying to programs in I/O like Michigan State and Penn State are going to have great stats.  In the end, it comes down to fit.  Research fit with the faculty (1-2 matches per program is fine), your career goals' fit with the program's orientation (academic?  practitioner?  A balanced approach?), who else is applying that year, some demonstration that you know what you're getting yourself involved with (both in terms of I/O and research in general.  Most programs know I/O experience and courses aren't available, but make sure you're letting them know that you're educating yourself with textbooks and some top I/O-OB-Management journals).  If you haven't finished your year of RA or your thesis, make sure you still mention that you're doing it.
 
It all depends and it varies widely by program.  You may not get into a "top program", not everyone does, but that may not matter.  I think as you begin thinking about applying, my advice would be to focus less on "get into top program!!1~1!" and spend more time figuring out which programs are a match with you and your goals.  Where are the faculty that match interests with you?  Do you want a program that's purely academic in focus or do you want more of a scientist/practitioner balance?  Is the program a match with your mentorship needs/what kind of mentoring model do they use (do you belong to one faculty or the whole department?  Some places won't allow you to work with more than one person, others require that you do so)?  Who would be able to offer you solid funding based on historical trends?  Once you're in, also ask: is the program a fit culturally?  If you are not hyper-competitive, stay away from a competitive environment and find one that is more collaborative/supportive.  And again, who is offering the best funding?  Funding maybe "shouldn't" be the end-all, be-all but it is a huge factor for most of us.
 
Also, just be aware - you may not get in the first time you apply.  Or maybe you'll only get into a program you realize you aren't as excited about as you thought.  That's okay.  Try again in another year, it's not the giant failure some people make it out to be.  Sometimes a small break is a blessing you didn't know you needed.  ALWAYS strive to success - but be cool with needing to try again.  I forget who said it, but seriously, the key to success is a high tolerance for failure.
 
If you want to apply to a top program?  GO FOR IT.  I'm an advocate of attempts.  My stats and background are quite different from yours, but I will say that the places I got accepted to were "better ranked" places than where I was rejected... and -surprise- the fit was better at the top places.  You never know how the dice are going to fall.  It truly is a crapshoot.
 
If you have more questions, feel free to PM me.  For what it's worth, your stats background will probably be attractive.  The biggest issue is lack of research experience, so learn as much as you can in the mean time and emphasize what you have already done/are doing in your personal statements.

I don't know about the academic world, but in the professional world, some companies see an online program and it automatically goes in the reject pile. My old job was one of those. It sifted out a lot of applicants. 

Denied.  Bust for this and NSF.  Maybe next year!  Congrats to any winners.  

Hi all,

I posted this as a reply in another thread, but I thought better of it as that thread hasn't been active for years, and this is an IMPORTANT, confusing topic that I'm sure a LOT of grad students need help with.  Accountants are expensive to use ONCE a year, let alone 4 times a year, and schools refuse to give tax advice.  Let's see if we can't help each other out.

If you're under a fellowship from which NO TAXES ARE WITHHELD, chances are that it is in your best interest to file and pay QUARTERLY ESTIMATED TAXES.   It's confusing and looks like a huge hassle.  

I've seen some people comment in these forums about having done it, or about knowing someone who has done it, so there is knowledge to benefit from here!       

Below are some questions I currently have regarding this process.
______________________________________________________________________________________

 
Can you use Turbo Tax to figure your estimated taxes and quarterly payments?  Has anyone successfully done this using Turbo Tax?  Would you recommend it?
 
I'm planning to make quarterly payments just to be safe, but I'm confused about how it works when you're just starting school.  The following publications make it sound like you figure/estimate your total taxes for the current year AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CURRENT YEAR, then pay them at 4 times during the year (April, June, September, January)...  But what if you don't start school and receive your fellowship/stipend until September?  Will you get dinged for not having made estimated payments in April and June?  

http://www.irs.gov/p...pdf/f1040es.pdf
http://www.irs.gov/B...Estimated-Taxes
Do you need to include deductions when you figure and make your quarterly payments, or can you simply wait and claim all the deductions when you file your annual return the next April?  (I assume you still need to file an annual return, right?...  Speaking of which, is making estimated payments anything like filing the annual tax return?)

Do you have to report the cost of the health insurance provided by the school?

Is there any penalty for overpaying estimated taxes, or for paying if you actually wouldn't have been required to?

And what about receiving extra funding in the middle of the year (i.e., a research or conference grant, summer support)?  Since it could be difficult to predict exactly what support you'll get, should you use the "annualized income installment method"?   From reading the description here   ->  http://www.irs.gov/p...blink1000194572     ...  it *sounds* like this method allows you to figure your estimated taxes at regular intervals throughout the year (based on earnings during the specified period, and, now that I look at it, I think this method does want you to calculate the deductions four times a year as well).   Is that right? 
^ This sounds like a HUGE pain, but - if you use the four-equal-payments method and end up getting an unexpected award - you could end up being penalized for underpaying.  

 

VG/E VG/E E/VG --> HM
 
Reviews all said I have an impressive educational background and a lot of outreach, but my research doesn't have enough broader impacts for society. Screw society. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge.