TheGirlWhoLived

Whatever you do, I would wait at least week before saying anything.

Last year I was rejected from all my programs. This year, I was accepted and funded at all my programs but I completely changed programs to something that fit me better, got work experience, and did relevant research in the year in between. I think applying multiple times (even more than twice) can be common. For example, I know clinical psychology is incredibly competitive, and this can happen. Getting some kind of job in a research lab can really help. It also could help you get in a program if you are working with a lab you would like to join. I don't know if that is the same for a Psy. D. since they have a different focus.

Seriously considering

Really? Think it's worth the $150?

So, lately I have been searching online for gadgets I don't need. You know, being productive as usual. Has anyone used those livescribe pens for graduate school? It lets you write notes and record lectures and then sync the two. Although clearly not needed, it seems neat to have for class. Anyone have any gadgets, programs, whatever that you use for grad school and feel like helps you organize yourself?

I would say it's definitely not worth the debt. I imagine if you applied, NYU is still a good fit and it's name still carries prestige even if it's not an Ivy League. Anyway, my opinion would be always go where the funding is.

I don't know much about how employers view experience in the Peace Corps, but does it really matter? Even if it hurt your job prospects (which I don't think it would; it may even help), wouldn't you still want to go? If this is something you have always wanted to do, I would go for it. Do what you love and live with no regrets. I would ask yourself how important you career goals are compared to how important having the unique experiences the Peace Corps would offer you. Maybe you would get a little higher in your career by staying here, but I don't think it would make a huge difference. I seriously considered the Peace Corps, but after a couple years and traveling quite a bit, I decided it wasn't for me. It seems like you have been thinking about this for a long time and clearly want it. We are also in very different fields, so I can't really speak to that either.

That is with a masters, if I am correct.. Seems possible. Programs vary with how they take incoming masters students and what credits they will take.

Thanks! When I checked last, it just said it was complete. I have no idea about funding. I'm sure it will be in the letter, but I haven't receiced it yet. I was told "Oh... I was told they should have been received by now... I suppose I should call again early next week.."

Just got a call from Maryland! It was a little awkward because they thought I already received a letter when I haven't yet. But they mailed letters already and I guess they are calling people today

I don't know much about the program. I just know Alex Piquero is there, and he is known for being really productive. Congrats on the acceptance!

Anyone claiming Maryland?

The month pass is $838? There are also fees when booking (some trains need to be booked in advance). The fast trains and overnight trains cost an extra fee. I went back and forth on the whole eurorail pass. I found buses to be A LOT cheaper. We are just going to take the occasional train. Also, I got around Southeast Asia fine and I only speak English. In most places, you will find English speakers. Americans just kinda suck in the fact that a lot of us don't bother to learn any other language.

They have a chip in them. Bank of America's travels reward card has the chip. It also has no foreign fees, and the exchange rate is good. Someone mentioned Bank of America for withdrawing money. As far as their debit card, I have had a terrible experience (this was in SEA, so maybe it was because of location). There are so many fees associated with withdrawing money. I would take out enough to last me a while because of this. This isn't the best idea while traveling, but at the time I was living there for study abroad, so I had an apartment to keep it in.

Since it is February, it is really late, but I don't think it is all that uncommon for recommendations to be late. I have had it happen twice. The second time was from my current mentor, and although I was stressed about it, I don't think it hurt me at all. It was a beautiful letter. In the end, schools know professors do this, and you won't be the only one with a late recommendation letter. It also isn't in their job description to do letters of recommendation. Although, I do think if someone agrees to do it (or volunteers in this case), it is their professional duty to write the letter in a timely fashion. In the end, definitely not worth burning a bridge over. Especially in academia. And it looks like it will all work out for you

I think onestudent is talking about when a student declines a school's offer, which this site doesn't specifically do. Although, it would be nice if that were an option.

I've traveled alone. I definitely enjoyed myself, but it's always fun to have someone with you. You can look into travel forums such as Thorn Tree if you are interested in meeting other people who would like to travel. I did this for going to Europe. You can find someone to travel with, or you can meet up with people who are traveling at the same time as you. As with all things online, stay safe and know who you are talking to

I've heard professors say that criminology is a growing field, and there are a lot of schools adding and expanding criminology departments. So, there should be a good job market (supposedly). I would like to think there is a good chance to get a full time position after graduating, but who knows. I also can't speak much to the professor as an evolving profession, although I have heard talk about tenure becoming extinct. I haven't really done much research on it. I just decided it's what I want to do and never really looked back. If it's what you want to do, I wouldn't worry about it. I feel like if you are passionate about what you do, it will work out. If you are unsure, I would reevaluate and see with what you come up with.

This has been a while coming, but thanks for the replies. They are PhD programs, and they are all funded. Some just offer better funding than others. I have another question, which I actually haven't seen come up (although it probably has). What about productivity and networking? Clearly, some schools are more productive, and at some schools, the students network better than others. If you had to choose, would you rather be publishing at an average rate but really well networked or publishing at a very high rate but not well networked?

I wouldn't bother with GPA. I feel like it's just redundant. I also think the SOP is about what you want to do and how your experiences have prepared or inspired you to do this. I don't think GPA is part of this.

If there is a snow storm, is your flight even going to make it? There might be a travel warning, and then airlines are usually more relaxed with their policies (I was able to change my flight with no fees because of a travel warning). Also, google airline nonrefundable ticket loopholes. I've heard that nonrefunable tickets are usually refundable because of loopholes and laws regulating it.

Congrats! Does anyone else follow this? http://whatshouldwecallgradschool.tumblr.com Another place to spend an unhealthy amount of time

Typically it is official, but they will tell you if they will accept a copy

I don't know if this helps at all. I actually have not been rejected at all this time around (fully funded at 4 and waiting on the last one), but this isn't my first time around. Last year, I applied to probably 10 programs and was rejected from all of them (well, I got waitlisted at one. Woo?). BUT. And this is the point. It was probably the best thing to ever happen to me (despite the large amount of money wasted). I got a job which isn't ideal, but I think it gave me some real world experience that stood out on my resume. I also started working with a new prof doing research, and I was really able to discover what I wanted to do (get an idea at least. Does anyone ever know?). I also am getting the chance to travel, which I wouldn't have had before. I just feel much better prepared and have a better sense of purpose. Of course, the application process is never fun, BUT there is hope