Socially Awkward

You're right. Wake Forest's deadline was 1/15. And, in case anyone else is wondering: Villanova's is March 1st UT Dallas is Feb 15th William and Marry is Feb 15th And I could not find U of the Pacific, however their MA seems more behavioral. Thanks again!

Thank you all for your help! They all sound like great programs. I had been somewhat Googling my head off looking for these, but this list will help narrow down where I consider. More than likely I'll consider the ones with deadlines which haven't passed yet Anyway, thanks again for everyone's help. I know PhD is the ultimately the goal, but in case it doesn't happen this year, having an MA/MS definitely seems to help.

I know it's still early in the process, but I am beginning to consider Plan B options. With that said, can anyone recommend any MA/MS programs in either General Psych or Social Psych? I never considered having to apply for a masters, so I'm a little lost in terms of which programs are great and which are not. Thanks in advance for your help!

I applied to 4 top schools and wound up not getting in. This time around, similar to edg, I applied to schools where I would not mind ending up. Rather, I would love to attend either of the programs I applied to. I think I would definitely side on edg's decision to not accept the "less favorable" schools considering you would be essentially committed to that program for 5 to 6 years. Hopefully you get into one of your top programs, but in the case that you don't, really consider if you would want to spend 5 to 6 years in whatever program you do get into (the less favorable). And say you have to postpone for a year?Use it to your advantage and work on whatever it is you think your application was lacking. Research experience? Try to volunteer in at least one other lab. Low GRE? Study, study, study! Well.. you get the idea Good luck on your top school apps!

I completely agree. It is unfortunate that this "highly competitive" program is that way, but with that said there are many "highly competitive" programs that are genuinely more flexible (and some that are not, apparently). I'm sorry that they are not willing to accommodate you for the interview, but maybe you can take it as a sign that down the road they will continue to be so inflexible and cause you more issues? Maybe you're dodging a bullet! Best of luck to you on your other apps.

Thanks! Just PMed you back.

For those of you who applied to social at UCONN, would you mind telling me your POIs? Either through here or PM, whatever works! Thanks

Seeing as how I can't sleep due to anxiety before an exam tomorrow, I'll be proactive and try to answer your questions (sorry in advance that they will not be bullet points, instead an overall response) It is my understanding that many programs in psychology do admit the occasional student from a different field altogether. In your case I would say that all research experience is great experience. Limiting it to the field of psychology, of course (physics research, although helpful, may not be helpful for developmental ) Also, keep in mind that many programs are actually not only multidisciplinary, but they collaborate within the field of psych also. I know of a professor at Notre Dame who is pretty big in developmental, but she publishes social psych work, too. As for your honors thesis, I would say it doesn't matter to a great extent. Programs would mostly want to see that you can actually conduct your own research and that you can write. Writing is so important. In addition, consider that fit is really important. I'll use myself as an example. I love political psychology, but my school does not offer anything remotely associated with political psych apart from social psych. So in my case, I wrote to professors informing them of my research experience (not poli psych) and included what I really had a passion for studying. 4 out of 6 replied with very positive notes. In the end it really is what you want to do... which leads to your last question. Best advice I can give you on this is, it doesn't matter that you haven't had the opportunity to research this yourself first hand. What matters is that you do read up on this topic before considering even writing to that professor. I remember emailing a professor with what I thought was a great idea, only to have her email me back saying, read Blah & Blah, 2001, they did that. If it is someone you'd like to work with, be sure you have some knowledge of the specific things being tested All in all I would say you are in great shape. You have research experience in two labs, and you will extend that to a thesis and possible publications. I doubt that would be a deal breaker. "Oh darn, this kid is so great but he has a pub in social psych... DENIED!" Just keep engaging in research and be sure to remain focus on your goal. When it comes time to write your SOP, you'll bring a diverse view to a specific topic that is important to you regardless of your previous research. Hope my sleep deprived, delusional ranting helps somewhat.

I'm unsure as to what "everyone he is interviewing has already been contacted" means. If it means that you have a legitimate rejection, then I am sorry to hear that. If, on the other hand, it means that he has contacted everyone he is considering but has not made a selection, then I would think that you were still in the running. The main purpose of interviews is to get to know the person applying better, something that is not necessary in your case considering how long he has known you. I might try to be more optimistic still and consider that you have not been completely rejected.

I don't know the program, but maybe they have a page with current graduate students? I would try emailing them. If you'd like to remain anonymous, you could create another email But then again maybe not remaining anonymous is a good thing because it shows you are interested. I contacted a few graduate students at different programs I was interested in. They are busy, so not all responded, but I did get some replies with great information.

I completely agree. I applied to the social program, but geared my statement to political science professors who are also in the social psych program. Anyway, you seem much more optimistic than myself. I'm not sure I will hear from them Checking the Results Board, however, I noticed that Minnesota typically does not "interview" social or personality students. I mostly only see clinical, counseling, and school psychology; with acceptances for social, personality, etc. occurring in early Feb. Best of luck to you

Hello green90, Not applying to the Personality, Individual Differences, etc. program, but I did apply to the U of Minnesota Social/Political psychology program. And if you're wondering, I've not heard anything from them. Have you?

Well, because I have a psych background I applied to their psych department, however, I applied to a professor in the political science department haha I hope that makes sense. They have a couple of professors listed in both the psych and poli sci departments. And you're right. I had completely forgotten about Stony Brook! Political behavior is my general interest, though.

Hello, I'd like to add my name to the list of people who are saying it is an automated email. Upon seeing it in my inbox I was ecstatic, however I remember receiving one last month when I first applied, too I got this email for the second time two days ago. I hate that the email is from "University of Minnesota Graduate School" and that they start the email with "Welcome to the University of Minnesota!" As well as ending it with, "We look forward to working with you!" hahaha The nerve of these people! Anyway, best of luck to you who did apply to U of Minnesota.

I hadn't seen this, so I thought I would add it. It's from the Babel soundtrack, and if you haven't watched the movie, I highly recommend it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxfjtMFWtvE The second link is less "relaxing" but it definitely helps me de-stress, although it is much older than I Enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKTUAESacQM

Cool! I'm not the only one then I think apart from Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington, I really didn't see any other specific poli psych programs. I am really curious as to which programs you had in mind, though. Would you care to enlighten me, either through here or message me? I am also intrigued as to who your POI is! I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours

Hello, Out of curiosity, did anyone apply to the poli sci/poli psych program at the University of Minnesota? I've gone through this topic but have yet to see anyone applying to U of Minnesota, so I just wondered.

Hello all, I've seen plenty of people apply to the more popular programs, however I was wondering if anyone applied to U of Minnesota's social psych program? I feel so lonely being the only one! Anyway, if anyone did happen to apply it would be interesting to chat.