4givn1

Probably. There is also the fact that a lot of the money that originally was going to research and the universities, especially in some fields, is now being spent on defense and the military. Furthermore because the economy and job market is bad and because a lot of the money and jobs are now being delegated for military, defense, and overseas, more people are either staying in school or applying to schools because they can't find work in their field. This makes the competition even tighter.

The US economy is hurting really bad right now. A lot of schools are feeling "tight". A program I applied to last year only had funding for a single student and a couple others only had funding for 2 to 3--one of which even just was given $2 million.

I have yet to hear from two schools. One I'm 99% sure I'm not going there anyway (and there's just that much chance I'll be rejected) but the other I've been interested in and it will be a tough choice if I get in between that and the one I'm already admitted to. No way would I be able to choose without visiting both. The thing is, I need to find out very soon (like this week) because I need to price watch and plan to visit all schools that I'm considering during my week-long Spring break in two weeks. That is the only time I have to visit before April 15th. Likewise, I don't want to have to fly back and forth between where I am now and elsewhere because of $$$. And the grad director wants to talk with me about plans this week. I just told them why (which seems like a good reason) and asked if they could give me any information at all to help me plan or inform me of whom to contact. Every program was understanding and responded politely except those two. But I can't just wait until April to plan my whole Spring break w/plane tickets in just one week.

Second here. I did get a Master's first and primarily spent my second year finishing my thesis, taking classes and comps, working under a variety of professors (one of which who gave me twice as much work as my scheduled hours), running a worship ministry with a friend we started and doing other ministry leadership activities. So, I didn't have time to apply to schools--only two--and they were late deadlines. This year I'm teaching my first year at a full load at a small private college. So, Both times were rushed, both at the last minute w/a single PS draft nobody checked. I had a typo, but only on my CV for some schools. My GPA was great, but I also had no time to study for the GRE beforehand for my Master's (I got the same verbal score) and didn't have time to take it again. Everyone I asked in my field told me it was fine though. The difference was the number of schools (eight) and a tiny bit more experience & advice received. Glad it worked because I despise the app process.

I got a 590V 690Q 6.0W and I asked many in my field if I should take them again, and everyone said they were fine. The other students in my Master's program scored less (on both the GRE and GPA) and got into a program before I did. I haven't done the top-ten/safety school thing because I haven't found faculty who share my research interests at enough schools for that. But I got into a good school my advisor spoke highly about and may have a choice.

Heh, I got straight out rejected from Kansas. The professor I wanted to work with (Dan Batson) is retiring and I didn't find out until I had half applied, and there wasn't anyone else who really matched my interests. I'm going to the University of Nevada, Reno unless I hear from elsewhere.

aughraseye, If you're not interested in the University of Connecticut, if you'd let them know, I'd be thankful. Who were you interested in working with?

Last year I only applied to two schools, only one of which was a good match. Not too great, but I didn't have time with finishing a Master's and all the other work I had to do with it. Got rejected to both. Spent the summer fighting discouragement and trying to get the strength to send more applications for jobs out. But I got a position teaching for a year at a private college in my field--a really good job where I can earn some money and get some good training and experience--the first resume I sent out. And I applied again. If I don't get in, I'll probably consider doing the same. If I don't get in within another year or two, I'll think about going back to school and getting a degree in an area where a Ph.D. isn't needed and jobs are more common. I'm not letting it get to me. First of all, I'm too busy with my work to do so. I'm still embarrassed at my lack of faith and immaturity reacting to the rejections when the opportunity I got was better (for me, and overall) and I know miracles can happen. And, I know it is also most likely that a total list of rejections will happen because the economy is terrible, everyone is either going back to school or staying in school, and there is just not a lot of money.