alexis

All I have to do is literally THINK about getting that email etc (especially rejection), and my heart rate immediately increases. I want to know so badly and I can't stand the waiting...but once the end of January hits--and I know a couple of my programs will be contacting people for interviews--and then February--every day I will wake up with my heart pounding.

I agree, Macs are nice, but not worth it (in my opinion) if you're on a budget... I have a Sony Vaio, which I love, and take with me to my grad classes. It is a bit more on the pricey end though of PCs. (And I got a white one, so it looks "Mac-ish." I know, I'm such a poser.) To be honest most laptops are fine, assuming you don't need anything fancy (i.e. a graphics card for gaming or something). It can be overwhelming to search for them if you're not a picky computer geek (no offense if you or anyone is!). I found it easiest to prioritize what I was looking for--e.g., long battery life, price, memory, aesthetics, etc.--and go from there. I would also recommend not getting something with too big of a screen if that's not a priority for you. At least for me (I have a 14"), I find it easier to pack away and take from class to class, and it also fits better on those small desks.

I was thinking kind of the opposite...particularly if it's a lower-ranked school, perhaps having a free app encourages more people (and potentially good candidates, who otherwise would put their money towards top programs) to apply. And maybe that results in more applicants=lower acceptance rate to brag about? Free apps can add the "why not?" factor--although you do have to pay for GRE scores & transcripts. I wonder if it's a private school thing (or more common among those). I've noticed private schools tend to have more of those "perks..." i.e. you can order your transcripts for free from some. (Of course, they get their $$ from their really high tuition.) Who knows, it could be none of those reasons, I never get admissions offices and how they work!

Ditto, I've heard the same thing..also been wondering about this.

My take on east coast cities (what I know the most about, but sadly I don't know much about other parts of the country). Top cities for getting around without a car (i.e. very doable, extensive metro systems; if you're in the "city," you probably would be better off without a car anyway) 1. NYC 2. DC 3. Boston 4. London (ok not an east coast city but...the tube is awesomeness) Can get around relatively easily without a car (has plenty of bus routes and trains, has metro but not as extensive; I know plenty of people who fare great in Philly without a car) 1. Philadelphia Would not recommend- transportation is very spotty (Just the marta with very limited routes); city is quite spread out 1. Atlanta I would also have to add that in Virginia, Charlottesville & Williamsburg are more difficult to get around in without a car. You could make out in Charlottesville with no car--I did for a few years--but if you want to get off grounds and the immediate area of town, it's not the best. Williamsburg, the same, perhaps even more difficult there.

I love that you said that, I feel the exact same way. Studying: organizational behavior. Why: Everything came together after working in management, getting my master's in HR & taking an org psych class. I realized, "aha! this is what I want to do." I want to help people have happier, better lives & relationships at work. I had always loved school, but didn't know what I would want to study in a PhD. I majored in history in undergrad, and realized that while I really enjoyed my history courses, I didn't like research in it as much. Then once I started doing OB/psychology research, I realized how much I love it, and now want to do a PhD in it. That way, I can keep doing school forever, and I think I'll really enjoy teaching as well. Took a few years, but I finally figured out what I want to do with my life. It's a good feeling.

My late-to-the-party new favorites are Movie: (500) Days of Summer TV: Friday Night Lights

I did the same thing as you and applied to 2 different departments/colleges within the same school. I would be SUPER HAPPY studying both topics & devoting my research to them (generally similar, like yours; much of it will be the same, including methodology, but different enough topics). If this is seen as lack of focus...well, I don't know. I went for it anyway. Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone.

It could be...however, veteran status is a federally protected status- it's illegal to discriminate on the basis of it (though I assume that's just as a US vet, not sure). You see a lot of universities that post this as part of their anti-discrimination policy. Also, maybe it's my own limited experience, but most liberals I know (myself included, of course) aren't anti-military at all. I forgot to add: it makes total sense for you not to include it in your CV if it's not relevant to your field and those in your specialization advised against it. For me, it was relevant to my field, and I was asked to include a resume, not CV, so it's a bit different. Just saying that generally, I don't think it would necessarily hurt your application.

Wow you guys reading books related to your field are seriously dedicated...over break, I like to zone out a bit before I get back to it Sadly I'm not even reading a book at the moment. I'm behind on my Newsweeks. Hopefully I'll get some good books though on xmas day (probably fiction) that I can get into before delving back into my research...

Well...it can kind of be a sticky issue, at least for me. One of my professors--whose husband is also in the military--said that some academics are skeptical of those who've worked in government, i.e. the military, because while we may have maturity, leadership skills, & ability to commit, we aren't really encouraged to "think outside the box," if you will. So she suggested I try to make sure I get across that I am creative, and can think independently. This is not to say that all academics think this, and being a veteran may very well help in the process. Also, for me, I did realize during this time that my "questioning" nature didn't really fit into the military environment. But, I had to word this to get across that I wasn't dissing on my former employer, and still performed well, and learned a LOT of skills that I can apply in my research and field of study etc., but realized (in combination with my educational experiences) that my calling was academia. I don't worry too much about so-called "liberal bias." I'm a flaming liberal, but served in the military (and knew plenty of other Democrats in it too, even though we were the minority)...I don't see the two as mutually exclusive.

Lol...I always hated people calling me that...not a fan of the whole hierarchy thing...I am so not the military type, ironically. But based on what you've said, I'm fairly certain you were in the same branch as me, which means we are super awesome I did briefly mention it in my personal statement, but more so because my management experience is related to...well, getting a PhD in management But you're right, otherwise, there's no real need to...many more relevant stuff for us to talk about on our SoP since we've moved on!

I've been reading this thread and smiling to myself...I'm also a former military officer (and went through ROTC, etc). I don't have as many mad skills as Lauren, but I'm hoping it does help in the admissions process.

Many applications won't have the Fall 09 grades on there...I would just send what you have with your current GPA. I just listed my current GPA on my resume. I didn't say anything like "prior to Fall 09." If you want, you can send updated transcripts to the schools after January 4th.

I personally wouldn't worry about it. It probably is because it's close to the holidays etc, and/or he liked it. I doubt he hated it though. If he did, and is usually fussy, he would tell you. My one prof, who is quite critical about writings usually, didn't give any detailed feedback about my personal statement other than she liked the content. I took that as a good sign; however, I think in part it was because she is busy with other things. Anyway, I think you shouldn't take it as a bad sign at all.

I know what you're saying, but I think it's worth taking that risk--if you don't get the 3rd letter, your applications won't be looked at at ALL and you won't get any admissions. There's way more to lose if that's the case. I'd rather risk irritating a professor (where, if he/she usually does like me, probably won't write a bad letter anyway) than basically give up all hope of getting into a program.

I had to go to the settings and change my options to rich text--it won't let you in the basic/standard mode.

I posted mine, then got paranoid Thanks for the link though coyabean, that website is pretty cool.

I'm no expert, also applying to similar-ish programs to study OB. My take: your verbal is good, I would say your quant might be considered a little low, but your great GPA & research experience are going to help a lot. I can't say what your chances are at those particular schools though, I don't really know much about them. Here are some good admissions stats from PSU's psych department though (although you may have already seen this): http://psych.la.psu.edu/graduate/stats-IncomingClasses-AdmittedStudents.pdf

Side note: this is kinda why I love academia.

Can you contact the department to see what they think? They might be able to give you some guidance. Usually they'll say their preferences, or might leave it open for you to decide. I know what you're saying about the theatre world being different though (and MFA programs looking for you to "stand out" in an unique way). I have friends & a brother involved in it, and it's totally not the same thing that many of us are doing for our application to PhD programs. Also, I had a peer reference when I applied to master's programs. Maybe a bad idea, don't know, but my program was more professionally based, not looking for all academic references, and left the guidance pretty open. For letters, I had one professor, one supervisor (I was working at the time), and a peer, though her letter was written as a co-worker and could attest to my work ethic, extensive projects we worked on, etc. I was accepted to the school that required a 3rd letter (as well as the other 2 I applied to), and it's the one I currently attend. I wouldn't do this for a PhD program. But I guess my point is: I think (based on the information you've provided) it would be okay to use this as a reference. The MFA route is unique and different from the ones we know about and are pursuing, and the best way for you to know is to contact the department or maybe talk to people who've been through the process, etc. The program should be able to provide you with some sort of guidance on what kind of letters they look for. Good luck!

Ah okay, guess it just depends on the hair then. My hair is straight and boring, and the only time I go to the salon is to get a fancy style, so I forget that others can get more "normal" styling done

I REALLY don't think you should go to a salon the day of an interview. It depends on what type of hair you have, but if you go in for a cut or color, not usually a good idea to time those things right before an important event (in case they cut it wrong or something, etc.) And I mean, it's not like you'd want an updo like you were going to prom or something. I think the emphasis is to look polished, i.e. don't put your hair into a loose/messy ponytail. My take is to just look neat, same as you would if going to any job interview, etc.

I'm sure you're okay, I think the point they were making is that some people force quotes into it or use ones that are cliche or aren't really relevant. If yours was meaningful and related to your field of study etc, you'll be fine

I don't know the answer, but I've been wondering the same thing.