mb712

Consequence of late decisions: I had forgotten about one of my applications until I received a rejection from them today. That was fun.

I've been told two wildly different things on this. 1) It looks good plus is attractive because it means the student already has a head start in *insert whatever the grad level class was here* 2) It looks good but can actually be deterring because it means the student has training that may not align with how potential grad advisors do things/want things done. Mine were methods and stats classes, the same classes that the graduate students at my current institution take.

Well, THEY think it's hot shit compared to Nebraska

A faculty member actually told me this when they found out I was considering applying to a CUNY program. What a reputation, ha.

You've flat out admitted you don't want to work hard or be bothered to live somewhere that might not be sunshine and rainbows. Your professors weren't lying to you, you just didn't want to listen when things weren't being handed to you on a silver platter. Maybe they even sent you here because you weren't listening to them. Go get a retail job so you only work 40hrs/wk and if you want to stay employed, don't be so open about how you think your social life is more important than your job. It might help to think about how you say things and who your audience is more in general. You just came to a place where people want to work insane hours, do quant work, probably go into academia, and have done nothing but sacrifice things to prepare for grad school and you basically said "I think I'm too good to have to work hard or take a class I might not love, and obviously I'll never sacrifice anything in order to get a job." How exactly did you think you were going to be received?

Even an analysis job is going to require quant work or will at least be expected from someone with a graduate degree. I mean, this is political science not philosophy. An unfocused graduate degree isn't a golden ticket to a job, especially if you're only getting the degree "just cause." If anything, it's going to over-qualify you for jobs you want and attempt to prepare you for a job you don't want. Have you looked into other kinds of degrees? An MPP maybe?

I don't know if this will make you feel any better but I'll share anyway. I'm a flaming liberal atheist who currently lives in a conservative Christian state, and it isn't too awful as long as I ignore the fuckwhistles who supposedly represent me in the government. (I'm also straight and white though, so maybe I haven't completely experienced the ramifications of red state living.) Plus universities tend to be little liberal pockets anyway, so that might help. Obviously you know best especially since you've already visited so take what I say with a grain of salt. I hope you're able to figure something out.

Nah. One of mine took a couple weeks. There are a lot of people and stages involved in sending an official letter, especially if the official letter and funding offer come packaged in the same letter.

Well I mean, it isn't like they found your nudes or anything. I honestly don't see why professional modeling photos would be a problem, especially if none of them are particularly revealing. Your side job is just more public than most, it isn't like modeling is any worse than waitressing. (Did I succeed in helping you feel better? Hopefully. Ha.)

You guys are awesome. Congrats!!

Nebraska hasn't made any decisions yet.

Just say the website is a little ambiguous about your POI's situation and you wanted to make sure you were clear on the whole thing. Also, the grad chair faculty member for the year sometimes emails all admitted students not just admitted students that applied to work with the grad chair. That could explain why another faculty member emailed you.

If they're close enough in comparison that you're having trouble deciding, you might want to make the happy/unhappy students your tie-breaker. They both seem like great options otherwise but personally, I would avoid a program where everyone seems unhappy like the plague. Even if it isn't the situation making them unhappy, they're just unhappy to begin with, being surrounded by that for ~5 years is going to be exhausting. Also, yes, a psych degree might be slightly less employable but it sounds like your potential advisor has great connections. Connections are everything, especially in psychology.

I was in class and had to sit with my hand over my incredibly goofy grin for half an hour after reading the email. I'm honestly surprised I didn't start crying, I'm glad the less disruptive reaction happened haha.

Two years ago, half-way through my BA, the UCSD/SDSU program was my top priority. I didn't even end up applying there (or any clinical programs). Keep working hard incase you do apply, keep an open mind incase it isn't a realistic option for whatever reason (interests, money, admittance stats, etc.), and don't let the fact you've determined this is the Mecca keep you from exploring other opportunities!

This, or I/O for all the same reasons.

Body modification

Drum major

Both programs I've been accepted to so far told me ahead of time that I was accepted and would be fully funded, but that they couldn't send an official funding letter until the official faculty vote on funding happened. (It was about a week for one school, two weeks for the other.) Hopefully this information is helpful.

Decisions went out today

I got my first acceptance email while in class so I went iMessage crazy with some friends until I got out, then I called my parents. Then I went to work and got absolutely nothing done haha. My mom printed out school logos/mascots for both places I've been accepted so far and put them on the fridge at their house. I think it's the cutest thing ever. They're starting the celebration now, I'm trying to wait until I decide on a school.

Clinical psychology is a whole different beast so this might not mean much but I've been accepted into a political science program and I'm wrapping up a bachelor's in psychology, where I only took one political science class. I have been told that my research experience is what made me stand out (my GRE & GPA aren't anything to shout about) so my go to for advice is always to get the most research experience possible. One of the labs I have experience in isn't relevant whatsoever, so I wouldn't worry about trying to find the perfect experience applicable to clinical. Just get experience. I'll echo the psych GRE subject test sentiments, study your butt off for that test to show off your psych knowledge.

I share a name with a swimsuit model, which one of my POIs actually brought up when mentioning looking for information about me...

I haven't heard anything yet. My file still says it's under review at the department.

Coastline drive