SeanDDavies

Oh Im definitely very professional. Its just that we dont have much in common and the conversations get awkward quick. Sure Ill attend classes with them and lab meetings but outside of that I dont know how much more time I could spend with them. Plus Im more of an independent person myself. I like to do things on my own when it allows itself.

How's life in Huntsville? Is it possible to live in Woodlands and commute?

Alcohol. I hate the taste of it. I hate how stupid it makes people.I just dont like it. Give me coffee over a beer any day.

Your experience sounds very solid and I don't think the GPA is too low. I would mention the health issues in the personal statement but say that they have since been resolved. Try to do it in a way that doesn't sound like an excuse but a legitimate reason. Work hard on your personal statement and get good letters of recommendation. When it comes time to apply, cast a wider net. 6 schools is not enough. You need at least 10. Also try counseling programs and clinical programs since counseling seems less competitive (although still very competitive) and second choice schools.

I'm starting to get situated as a grad student. I've noticed that I get along better with people from other departments. Some of the people in my cohort are just... we dont have much in common. Lab members are the same. So, how much time should i expect to spend with them? Do you travel together to conferences and such? Is grad school more independent where you do your own thing and dont have to worry about not getting along with these people?

I would re-take the GRE since your scores are good but not outstandingly strong and it's been a while since you have taken it. I would cast a wider net as far as the schools you apply to. Apply to the ones you really wanted to get into and then a couple of others that you like but are more of a "second choice". As for finishing the Masters, I wouldn't wait to finish. Then again I haven't done a MAsters so I don't know how that would look but I would presume it doesn't matter. This next round of applications, really focus on your essays and extra curricular. Practice hard for the interviews. With the other thigns you describe I don't see why you can't be a strong candidate.

I wouldn't waste money/resources/time on a MAsters if you know you want to go for a PhD. Take Psyc classes while locking down a position as a Research Assistant at a lab you're interested in and begin to network in the Psyc field so that you can have good letters or recommendation. That would be more useful than a MA.

I am not familiar with the application process for a Masters in CS, however, if you have to write a statement of purpose as part of your application, it could very well be that you are not tailoring it to fit the schools you are applying to. For my area of interest, SoP's are heavily weighed in admission decisions. It could be the same for CS and that explains why you didn't get any admissions. Another thing to consider is how strong the letters of rec were, how many schools you applied to, extra curricular activities, and experience in the field other than your current job.

@FeministCorgi- the processor for the Air is significantly slower than the Pro. Even though they are both listed at Intel i5. I don't know what software you use, but if you use SPSS, I would say go with the Pro. I ran into the same conondrum myself and after reviewing the info seems the Pro is the way to go.

When purchasing via Amazon you can check to see who the seller is. You can choose to purchase only from the manufacturers, and/or trusted vendors, or go with vendors with good reputation. This should protect you against purchasing knock-offs.

The idea of buying an inexpensive and portable laptop that you use for a limited amount of scenarios sounds good, but it has never worked for me. As MathCat states, I have also ended up upgrading laptops because I was unhappy with their performance. Today, the ability to expand your laptop is fairly inexpensive. You can buy a monitor and even a docking station with a keyboard for less than $300. That is significantly less than paying for laptop and a desktop. I would go that route. Laptop and docking station vs inexpensive laptop (or surface pro) and desktop.

What happens if you change your mind after April 15? Funding doesn't seem to be like what they had told me. Now I'm learning of many stipulations that I don't feel comfortable with. I'm still doing more research, but what if I change my mind after April 15?

I would never turn down a fully funded PhD for an unfunded MS, especially considering those schools are great.

that was a not sure why the sunglasses guy showed up

RAM is not a problem since either A) they both have 8 gbs or they can both be expanded up to 8 gbs