TXInstrument11

What do you do? That sounds like a good gig. I can't imagine anybody paying for me to do research.

I'm assuming they'e already pretty fluent in the local language? I only 'know' textbook Spanish and German. I've heard of some programs where they train you before you teach. Did your friends do something like that or learn the foreign language beforehand?

I am awaiting emails with more details, but my POI confirmed funding for my plane and bus ride over, as well as hotel and some food. For clinical, this seems to be a much less common practice, but I'm not sure.

I've also lost all hope on Oregon. For UIUC, there is some good news though. I called the admissions coordinator at UIUC yesterday and she said that the social-personality division hasn't met yet and was adamant that we should hear something definite (admit/reject) in late February and for interviews a good time before that.

sock puppet

I think it's generally standard operating procedure for PhD. I am not sure about the master's level though.

Hmm...and what might those be?

Even though I posted it as a top option, I am wary of going after a master's as well. The grad students in my lab seem to think that's basically the default backup plan while I've heard it really doesn't improve your chances if you already have a good GPA. - though I do wonder: would getting into a more prestigious school via a master's help?

Psych! Wyoming's interview weekend is in late February - 2/22-2/24.

Nah, I gotcha. I think most of us here have pretty broad interests at this point. In addition to social psych, I'm interested in criminal justice and foreign relations.

Ah, I did not email my POIs, but I suspected as much. Thank you for posting that info. Good to know.

That's a nice idea. Are you applying to Developmental?

Note to mods: please don't move this to the "Waiting it Out" forum. What you do on your gap year is specialty-dependent [e.g. I'm not going to be working at General Electric or Siemens as an engineer to "gain real-world experience" any time soon]. Social science and humanities majors are famous for working as baristas post-graduation, a prospect all of us are trying to avoid, no doubt. So, in the spirit of conforming beautifully to tired stereotypes, what are some of the backup plans you guys are kicking around? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For me, in order of probability/preference, it's: A - Starbucks + continue to gain experience at current UG lab B - Apply for a master's degree C - Try to get into the Army Research Lab D - Break into criminal justice scene --- w/o breaking & entering, of course. E - Apply for a lab manager position at [insert Fantasy University of X]. F - Break into foreign affairs scene...somehow. G - Teach English overseas. H - Become a social studies teacher. I - Starbucks + Target + a Demoralizing Sense of Defeat Bonus! Become a drug dealer. Bonus! Become an arms dealer. [cue Fall Out Boy] Bonus! Lose weight and become a stripper. #better-chance-than-grad-school, #starbucks-dating-tips, #barista-with-a-master's

Hopefully, there are a few waitlists rolling around. I believe they do have a lot of applications every year.

I'm glad we could help. Obviously (by my post), I think this is the safest option for you. Btw, it is really nice that you are considering other applicants as well.

That helps. Thank you! I figured you might have been the person who posted on the results page about an interview for master's. Good luck!

I've been grappling with this question myself, but I think the reason why we have both gotten conflicting answers on this is because it really does depend on the school. IMO, this mostly boils down to four main questions: Are interviews listed explicitly on the school website as part of the admissions process? On that note, are the interviews required for admission? Are you applying to clinical psychology (where this is more common)? How competitive is the school in question? I am applying to social psychology - and while many of the social programs do at least informal interviews before decisions - some do not. Either way, I feel it is pretty much about gauging what you are up against. If there are 500 applicants and many of them are Ivies, then the interview weekend may be of monumental importance. Finally, your POI may simply answer your question in the emails and phone calls to come as the logistics of the travel arrangements are determined.

Hmm. Since it's rolling, you may need to be concerned then. I'm assuming it would mean that they evaluated your friends' apps around the same time they did yours. I would try to call the admissions coordinator, for sure. It's better than email because you can remain somewhat anonymous if they don't ask and don't bother to keep record of your number.

Is the Iowa State interview weekend for both master's and PhD apps?

No, seriously. It's ridiculous. Also, it's patently unfair and seems to be an ineffective way to weed out applicants. They have app completion, LORS, and GPA/GRE cutoffs to do that with. Requiring upwards of $100 application fees only punishes people with less money.

now hiring

Yeah, they were one of my top choices too. The grad admissions coordinator I spoke with said some professors were keeping waitlists, but the tone in her voice made it seem like she was grasping for straws. Did you apply to Illinois-UC by any chance? If so, I have some good news. I called them today as well and confirmed that the adcom for social hasn't met yet. She said only 3/9 programs there have actually sent out decisions. I may call UT-Austin and FSU tomorrow as well. If I find out any more info about interview invites, I'll post it here.

I like this idea. I just registered as a user, same username and everything.

FYI - Just called Oregon (social) to confirm the interview date posted on their site. They have sent all invites out at this point. I knew I was reaching a bit with this one since they have a strong, competitive program. Oh well. I'm not sure if I've been waitlisted or not, but I am going to treat this as a dead-end at the moment.

Path-finder