profound_g

I decided to only apply to a small number of schools. There were, I think, at least two I had in my final list I removed for that reason. I do not regret that. I think I'd get in, and this kept the fees (more) reasonable.

Umm, you could still be like nervous, and uhh, stuff. I would say that while you don't perceive yourself being nervous, all these physiological symptoms basically indicate that your body begs to differ. Especially the heart rate thing. Then again you're not the first, nor the last applicant who's going to be nervous on an interview, and the adcom knows that. Don't worry about it hurting your chances.

Dear schools, Go ahead, you know you want to. Yours truly *************************** Dear schools, You've got to ask yourselves one question: Do I feel lucky? The not yet yours

Right now it's websites that don't update status (to complete that is).

Well that's just how it goes. Sometimes they don't replay. In any case, now is not the time for this.

Mine was a general comment. I made very few applications, and do not have a "safety school". Still, I did not necessarily mean saying something as explicit as "I would definitely go". I stand by my comment that any school with this approach of putting too much pressure would be lowered in rank on my own list. In an actual conversation one potential adviser told me that although he wouldn't want it to happen, I should choose the best option for me, even if that meant choosing another school over them. Now that's a positive attitude. +10 points right there. And a whole lot of difference from the "Oh we know how much you put into it, we know that you're nervous, let's crank it up a bit more" thing described by other posters. Which is exactly why this question should not be asked. Then again this is not an ideal world we live in. I don't see how that would be any different from a simple hesitation if the schools asking this want to hear an immediate "yes". Now here's something I can connect to. Though this specific phrasing sounds a bit harsh.

Yes. And Yes. Ah. Finally. Someone who understands! But it's worse here, because a. apparently the discreditedation (what, I can make up a word) hasn't arrived here. b. In people's minds Psychology = Clinical Psychology = Psychoanalysis = Freud = Couch. (With every '=' being wrong).

I would probably perceive too much pressure as unfair, manipulative, etc. Once that happens I would not feel that I have a moral obligation to give very truthful answers, though it would probably significantly reduce the school's ranking on my own list anyway. This is all fairly hypothetical though, since I applied to a small number of schools, and I'd be happy to attend any one of them.

Ladies and gentlemen, applicants of '11, As you begin thinking about the process it may seem overwhelming. All the tests, forms, deadlines, recommendations, choices, and the list goes on. Relax. Just do the things you need to do one by one. Once you're finished you're going to look back and think: "That wasn't so complicated".

Ah. This thread is so brilliant on so many levels (look at how many people just have to qualify their positive lists even though this is just pure fun thread and the OP specifically said to avoid that. No I don't have approval for that study. )! I'm sure this brilliance is going to show in the OPs application as well! Hey the rules say you have to address some of the other people's posts! Not only is the adcom is going to take the grading policies of your undergrad institution into account, but the recs are going to make them offer you full funding. Link But don't worry, I'm sure that your serious nature make you a very serious student, a trait that would certainly be appreciated by the adcoms. So basically everything about your app is good? Awesome. 1400s gre, recs, and they know you already! You're so good they're offering to write your letters. Own their own. How cool is that. I could go into details, but just saying that I'm awesome and that the schools should be fighting for me would suffice. In fact, they should have an auction of sorts, doing their best trying to convince me to pick them.

Exactly. (Very) simply put I/O is applied social.

Yep. Both. That is unlike in some other case where one of the scores doesn't even get a glance, here there's no such strong preference. Oh and Nice rationalizing

This is interesting. The CV I sent in for an application was asking for relevant professional experience only, and plus I read some advice from in-field people about how CVs for grad school should focus on that. I don't mention my military service at all, and have been cautioned about the aforementioned "liberal bias". Then again this is all foreign experience so that could be a factor.

Awe, and I was going to suggest just putting in the last number you know and let them see if it gets updated when they get the transcripts. No point in doing that now...

I gave a general overview and suggested a few specific questions. It fit nicely in the whole statement.

Maybe you can try sending an e-mail. They helped me pretty quickly.

I too don't think it's up to you. The schools would receive both scores, and if you don't list the most recent one, that might work against you. On the other hand, since they will see both, they can use the higher Q if they want to.

1 GRE 1 TOEFL 4 Application fees 4 Score reports 4 Express mailing supporting materials ------ ~$1000 Not to mention all the time invested.

I took the GRE more than just a few months ago. Now I emailed one of the schools I originally selected as a recipient, and the response was that when I submit an application, they'll access the data. Basically, it looks like it's ok to have whatever you want, sent whenever you want.

In my email conversations I try not to flood them. It doesn't matter who has the last word. Reply when you have something substantial to add, whether it's right away, or a week later.

No special insight, they're all considered to be very good. You'd have to check how the specific programs fare though.

This is another one of those minuscule details the significance of which is blown out of proportion by our anxious applicant minds.

That's why I prefer hard copies. That way I can give my recommenders a complete package, with no surprises.

In an ideal world the standard practice would be not to waive this right. In the real world, however, you probably should. It is supposed to make the writers feel more free to write what they really think, but at the same time, everybody waiving the right nullifies it.

Your summary is perfect. This is just a list of fears. I'm sure that the specific combination is somewhat atypical, but this is true for anyone. Anyhow, here's a summary of the important/relevant things here: Great GRE, Less so GPA, need full funding, recs uknown, some basic research exp, no year off. Sounds like a normal application profile to me. I'm not sure what feedback you had in mind when you posted this, but just apply to some schools. Really.