glm

sexy stranger

danger zone

Pure speculation, but I think the answer depends on the program, the area of research, and the professor. Some programs interview a lot of students with limited space, some don't. How did you connect with your POIs? Did you personally seek them out, or were they "assigned" in your interview? Does the interview process follow a rigid structure for applicants? Another thing: I think professors more involved in academia (i.e. current publications, active labs and funded projects) would be inclined to interview more students than a faculty advisor primarily working for a government agency.

fast friends

bitter root

quilt square

notation knife

moral majority

Just listened to a radio lab about this - a bit unsettling. However, this video is pretty darn adorable. I love the little girl who is in the process of eating the marshmallow while the adult is still telling her the rules!

I'm watching this chick grow: http://cams.allaboutbirds.org/channel/41/Laysan_Albatross/

Although I am of the opinion that presence/absence of fitness fanatics shouldn't affect your opinion of a school, here is a tip: NCAA division 1 schools (i.e. The Big 10, PAC 12 schools) pay waaay more attention to sports and have more athletes hanging about. But NCAA schools also tend to have very strong academic programs, so there is that to consider. I'd also add fitness-conscious people are more apparent in warm climate schools compared to other locations, if that is what you are getting at.

Ah, MST3K is one of my favorite shows. I think Twin Peaks is good material for MST3K's riff trax. Yep, I am not sure this is an official hobby trifecta, but it should be! I agree: They do overlap well, although birding and botanizing usually dwindle toward the end of a long backpacking trip

I second the whole Pilot G-2 pen thing. Maybe it's a trick to the eye, but my handwriting looks much better when scribbled from a G-2. When studying at home, I try not to look out the window. The outdoors is a strong distraction for me. My interest in it will overpower anything else, so I was never one to study on a grassy knoll in a wood. So, in a cave-like setting, I pick an NPR program for background noise. When I am working with stats, I'll put on Netflix. Maybe "Northern Exposure" or something. I also divide my tasks spanning the day. For example, I do my best stats and data analyses in the evening while early morning is the best time for me to study test material. I procrastinate most during the mid day (noon - 3 pm) After a while, I will get seriously moody. A long, contemplative walk on a trail (not a neighborhood or busy street!) helps.

I just had an interview where I was able to speak to the program director honestly about the significance of my significant other. My situation is a little different: I am applying to a masters program - my fiancé has a masters, works in his field of expertise, but is contemplating PhD work in a slightly different field from mine. I found the director to be really supportive. She told me if he wants to pursue a PhD, she "can help with that." I know not every adcom member is the same, but most people understand the importance of relationships. I don't really see this as a "leverage" situation. It is just a fact of life. If either (or both) of you get interviews, my advice is be honest about your desire to stay together. Who cares if some curmudgeon is put off by it.

The 3 b's: birding, botanizing, backpacking Also: "Twin Peaks" (anybody here like it?), slowly knitting things above my skill level

I went ahead and gave that an upvote

Richard Sherman "exposed" the racist heart of American football fans two weeks before the super bowl, and this commercial is a confirmation of the same kind. And, in the end, a super bowl commercial is just another marketing ploy by a giant corporation.

This just revived paranoia about what my references are REALLY saying about me…

In addition to the comments above: time management skills, possess adaptability in the face of failure and unexpected turns of events.

Who is that lady and why did she make a video about a Marimo? She doesn't seem to know much about it other than its status as a national treasure in Japan.

I think fit is (or should be…) more important than coming from a well-known institution. If a POI looks past you just because you came from a "no name" school, then that's their loss. If you are excited about a competitive program and see yourself succeeding there, don't let it bother you. Be confident in your potential. Great candidates can come from places other than the top tier.

I have the pleasure of dealing with a mysteriously stinky fridge at home (I live in a rental, the fridge is at least 30 years old). 3 boxes of baking soda helps. I am sorry that this is the only input I have.

I also think it's a good sign, and I don't think your interview is a courtesy due to your employment status. It would be a waste of everyone's time if they weren't genuinely interested. It sounds like you are in control of your destiny here! I wouldn't worry about low gre scores. It seems to me like your work experience is a great asset to your application. Much more valuable than gre scores.

All these options sound wonderful. What region in Costa Rica would you be doing field work?

I don't understand how your oral surgeon implying he wouldn't go into social work makes him an "uneducated tard."