NsciApp

I got interviews at 7 programs, have been to 3, and frankly it's exhausting. I'm considering canceling 2 of the "lesser" programs on my list since I've already been to 2 I LOVED and have 2 others that are really top schools.

Is it ethical to cancel? One interview is in 1.5 wks, the other in 2.5 wks.

Also, I work, so having the extra time in lab would also be a perk of canceling.

I have been collecting info about each school in a spreadsheet, too. Here are my categories:

Stipend
Bonuses (e.g., for external funding)
Bio/Neuro Rank
World U Ranking
#students/incoming class
#faculty
avg time to degree
placement of grads
rotations
teaching requirements
# classes
required classes
location/to do/community
student attitude/ happiness
weather
Travel-ability to home
academic community
cost of living
Bootcamp/retreat
# ideal faculty
age of faculty
faciliies/funding
training emphasis
support staff (e.g. administrative, directors)
qualifying exams
my ranking
faculty of interest
Notes/extra

hope that helps somebody!

I have been collecting info about each school in a spreadsheet, too. Here are my categories:

Stipend
Bonuses (e.g., for external funding)
Bio/Neuro Rank
World U Ranking
#students/incoming class
#faculty
avg time to degree
placement of grads
rotations
teaching requirements
# classes
required classes
location/to do/community
student attitude/ happiness
weather
Travel-ability to home
academic community
cost of living
Bootcamp/retreat
# ideal faculty
age of faculty
faciliies/funding
training emphasis
support staff (e.g. administrative, directors)
qualifying exams
my ranking
faculty of interest
Notes/extra

hope that helps somebody!

I often feel the same way, but then I remind myself to trust the wise and all-knowing admissions committees. After all, they've looked through hundreds of apps and picked YOU. Chances are they even met you and liked you. Considering the fairly low attrition rates of top 10 schools (at least in my field) there is a high probability that they know you will succeed. It's going to be hard, it's going to suck, but you can do it!

...and then I eat some Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia to drown the fear

I have been collecting info about each school in a spreadsheet, too. Here are my categories:

Stipend
Bonuses (e.g., for external funding)
Bio/Neuro Rank
World U Ranking
#students/incoming class
#faculty
avg time to degree
placement of grads
rotations
teaching requirements
# classes
required classes
location/to do/community
student attitude/ happiness
weather
Travel-ability to home
academic community
cost of living
Bootcamp/retreat
# ideal faculty
age of faculty
faciliies/funding
training emphasis
support staff (e.g. administrative, directors)
qualifying exams
my ranking
faculty of interest
Notes/extra

hope that helps somebody!