sjoh197

The certificate and non-degree seeking classes would be a great way to make new connections, along with again offering to work and do research within the uni. Out of curiosity, my field allows you to, at many places, apply directly to a PhD from a BS, which is what I'm doing. Do any of the Universities that you could apply to have this type of option?

Some places schedule interviews within 2 weeks of the actual interview. You never know. But, if you do get invited I agree with the above poster. Say that you are unable to attend but would be more than happy to schedule an interview beforehand.

So other than the usual stove top olive oil popcorn that I typically stress munch... I've been branching out to slightly more healthy option, and some not so healthy options. Today it was a 3.5lb shoulder roast with potatoes and homemade gravy.

I don't know where you're located, or where you will be for grad schools... but a lot of southern areas and larger cities have a decent hispanic and latino population, many of whom are trying to learn ESL. There are often meetups in these areas at like local libraries and things where you speak basic english with them, and they speak basic spanish with you so you both learn and its free. It's kind of like the skype thing, but sometimes physically being there makes a big difference for some people.

@raaawr It is certainly a possibility, although I would be perfectly happy in a research lab. I love working in a research lab. But... I think I will be better able to decide whether I should remain in academia during my PhD. I do like academia quite a bit, but sometimes the politics can be overwhelming.

I want to pursue a career in research... either in academia, or somewhere like the Astromaterials Lab at JSC. I just love research... I love learning, I love the academic environment. I particularly love my area of interest... geo/thermochronology. I applied for a PhD hopefully studying alpha particle thermochronology in carbonates or Argon thermochronology on rocks from the Himalayas. So getting a PhD doesn't just seem like a "next step" for me, it feels more like directing myself into a lifestyle that I wish to continue until I eventually drop dead from caffeine overdose. (Has that ever happened?) Also... I began singing "I'm nothing but a heartache" after reading your title. Damn backstreet boys.

@raaawr It's not always an option... but for my program Bs are welcome to apply for PhD. You have to make up the credit hours of an Ms though.... so instead of the usual 24 credit hours... you have to complete the entire 54. It's pretty much just an Ms and PhD rolled into one... kind of, sort of... a little.

@raaawr I am going from Bs to PhD on the advice of my POI, as it is where I eventually want to end up. I already graduated back in august and am having a gap year. Unfortunately oil is so down in Houston that getting an internship or job has been pretty much impossible. I love this... I will have to keep it and repeat it to family on a regular basis.

@raaawr lol.... I am a measly 22, but good god I feel like a senior citizen on the inside anymore. Its funny thinking that many of the people we are friends with now were in college when I was at home crying because Mufasa died and Simba had to go live in the Jungle.

I only applied to 1 school. I met my POI back in august for a very informal meeting ( I wouldn't even call it an interview) But I toured his lab and we talked about his research and while talking he would ask me some pretty simple questions for my field.... and I would literally forget everything I've ever learned about any rock ever in the history of all rocks everywhere. It was extremely nerve racking, but I at least knew the answer for a few... and I'm pretty sure I remember apologizing for being nervous.

My partner is 28, his birthday is in a month. I'm much younger than he is, but most people either never realize, or quickly forget due to my life experiences. I wouldn't even think about marriage if it weren't for the fact that I have found the one my soul loves. I was lucky that my partner came back for a second degree, or I would have never met him at all. Most of our friends are in their forties. I never have the heart to tell them that they're the same age as my mom. lol

The glut in oil and subsequent price drop has left houston a barren wasteland for new (and even experienced) geologists looking for employment. I came at a really bad time... lol. If I don't get into UH, I'll probably be forced to leave the geology field permanently.

@raaawr We don't talk about our decision to others that we are close too. We figure that they will figure it out eventually. My partner was on the edge at first. He didn't know how he felt.... he didn't necessarily want any, but there is the societal pressure of "being normal". After introducing him to experiences with young children (He had literally never done anything with children in his adult life) , he has decided he doesn't like kids at all. His friends now are older "childless by choice" people, and since he is fast approaching 30 he's realized that having kids to please others is a really bad idea. Also... I told him he was welcome to give up his engineering career path to be a stay at home dad. Lol.

@raaawr Lol... After us being together for 3.5 years, I guess they just can't hold it in much longer. Too bad for them my partner and I have agreed that we both do not wish to have children together. My daughter passed away a few years ago, and I am no longer in the running for providing them with grandkids. But ohhhh how they always mention that all of their friends have grandkids.... and they're going to die grandchildless. Dramatic flair is always added in at opportune moments. Lol.

There's a nice consignment furniture shop I've been looking at... but we're going to move to a new apt. complex in July, and it's extra weight to move. If I see a good one... I'll grab it anyways. For christmas, my partner got a me a nice solid wood jewelry box, since my jewelry has just been lying around in random places. When I opened it (at his parents house with all of his family present) I thought his parents (who are almost 70 and have no son/daughter in laws or grandkids yet) were going to have a heart attack. Apparently they thought there was going to be a big fat engagement ring inside. Much to their disappointment.... there was not.

I would love to be married.... but we don't have the extra money right now. Need a new (used) car.... need to pay off debt.... really want a damn coffee table. I suspect we'll be together 5 years before we actually get married. Le sigh

I would be careful with the Peterson's facts.... they are currently incorrect for the dept. I applied for. I have the university statistics handbook for 2014 back over a decade, with applications, admissions, etc for each department. According to Petersons, there is a 70% acceptance rate for my dept. In reality, it hasn't been that high in years. Even the 2014 cycle stats were only 20% acceptance, and from my understanding it was even less for the 2015 cycle.

My program doesn't even begin responding until mid-march (if the results page is to be believed.) These other forums are the only thing keeping me sane right now.

It's only going to get up to 64 here today.... I think I might have to construct an igloo to die in. Perhaps the 70 degree weather for the next few days will melt it a little

I applied to UHs geology program. There is a professor whose work there is very much what I want to do and I really like him as a person too. My partner just got an amazing job in Houston and we moved here in June. My options were limited, but UH the professor had research interests that aligned with mine down to the locale of where my previous work has been. I know that high gpa and gre doesn't equal acceptance, but it certainly makes those of us with lower gpa's or scores a little skittish and a little less sympathetic.

^^^^That's exactly what I would do. It is always courteous to let someone know that their message has been received.

I was actually looking into some things at my local cc too. I can't move cities for the foreseeable future... So I was only able to apply to one program. (a very good fit, but still not a good chance in the numbers game) The worst are the "4.0, 330+ gre, I have multiple published papers and personal connections... Omg I'm never going to get into any of the 13 schools I applied to" people.

I'm applying to a geology program in Houston. I am lucky in that even though I can't move right now, there is a professor whose research interests very much line up with mine.

The forum is quite slow this year... There were twice as many people, if not more by this time last year. Hopefully that is a minor reflection of fewer people applying this year? Unlikely... But one can always hope.

With toefl... Who did you talk with and how? I believe a phone call leading up to someone who is not an outsourced low level phone rep is in order.