JSocial86

Yep it's me again, so I'm sure you then realize who my POI at WashU is... Hope you don't hate me too much...

Kansas State had their interview weekend back in February, which had quite a few social applicants (at least 9 for I think only 2 spots). I was one of the accepted ones, but will be declining the offer this week in favor of another school. Since there were so many social applicants, it is probably not a good sign if you haven't heard anything by now.

I have been offered an extremely generous doctoral fellowship, which I am more than likely going to accept along with the offer of admission, but don't know the tax laws regarding graduate fellowships. Does anyone know whether they are considered taxable income? I want to keep as much of the funds as I can, I've been a poor undergraduate for sooooo long! Also, I am curious if other people that are moving across the country are planning to change their state residencies or not? I have a full tuition remission so residency for tuition reduction is not a factor. Just curious if there are any advantages to doing so or not, especially since I will be there for 5 years. Thanks in advance for your replies!

Has anyone emailed their POIs for admissions info? I was recommended to do this, but at the same time I don't want to come off as impatient. Any thoughts or experiences regarding this?

I saw the UMass rejection via website and was hoping to finally get some information about my admission status. Nope, still "applied" showing as the status.

I also applied to Harvard to work with Greene. He is taking 1 student, but had a ton of people apply to work with him (over 50). I spoke with him and they were not done reviewing applications 2 weeks ago (though don't know if they are done now). So I wouldn't count Harvard out just yet. I am surprised, however, that you only applied to those 3 programs considering that they are 3 of the most competitive in existence. Either you were extremely confident, incredibly specific in advisors, or didn't realize how cut throat admission is at these institutions/programs. Regardless, good luck!

I agree with Anita in that the best way to find prospective POIs is to read the literature (and look at the citations too), identify whose work is in sync with the direction you are hoping to go in, and contact them. Your list of POIs/schools will evolve over time, so I would start somewhat early (the summer before your final undergrad year will do nicely). Initially, I would recommend that you shouldn't put too much emphasis on which schools these people are faculty members at, though you should make sure the school has a Ph.D. or M.A. program (whatevery your goal is). That is, if you just apply to schools for their name/reputation, then you will more than likely be disappointmented with the outcome of your applications - if your not a good "FIT", then out goes your application! I have personally found that the extent of your fit with a program will become apparent when writing your statement of purpose/admissions essay. Typically the easier it is to write, the better fit you have with that particular program. Now to get to your question about when to email POIs. This is trickier than it sounds because many faculty will have no clue if they will be able to admit a new grad student during the summer. I would say Septemeber or October is a fairly good time. It is amazing how fast your fairly large list of POIs/schools will diminish from faculty informing you that they are not taking students. Also, some faculty may be deciding to take their research into another direction, so it is important to ask about this when contacting POIs. Professors at your undergrad institution may have some great inside info as well.

Yes, moral decision-making is a hot topic that is gaining attention in social psychology. Just look at the SPSP presentation schedule if you want further confirmation. Also, notice how it is many of the younger scientists that are leading this area (e.g., Greene, Haidt, Cushman, Pizarro, Valdesolo). My research mentor mentioned that it is probably a good time to get involved in this type of research, so I'm looking forward to becoming a part of this intellectual movement! As I said to MoralResearcher earlier, I think it would be a good idea to try and keep in touch with those interested in this subfield of study once we are admitted to our respected schools/programs. Hell, we'll probably see each other at conferences and maybe even collaborate (or start a fierce debate) some day.

Sure am! I think Larry Walker researches moral development at UBC, but no, I didn't apply to work with anyone who focuses on morality at UBC. I'm primarily interested in the work of Ara Norenzayan and Joseph Henrich, who study religion as a social and evolutionary phenomenon. However, some of Norenzayan's recent work examines moral judgment and prosocial behavior as it relates to religious ideology.

Ara Norenzayen and Joseph Henrich

Nope, nothing from UBC. Having a Jan. 15th deadline and an internationally known program, I bet they still have a lot of applications to go through before we hear any news.

Nope, no word as of yet. I'm hoping that will change before March arrives, but this process seems to be so random at times. After this is all said and done (admissions that is), we will have to let each other know where we are heading to and who we are working with for grad school. It never hurts to know the people that share your interests!

Oh I don't take it personal at all. When I saw your post and username, I figured that those two faculty members might be who you had applied to work with at K-State. I'm interested in morality as well, so it looks like we have a few more schools/advisors to compete for... Would I be correct in assuming that you applied to Cornell to work with D. Pizarro and UIC to work with L. Skitka? Hey, who knows, perhaps we will collaborate some day!

I received an email yestereday afternoon to K-State's psychology interview weekend (Feb. 19 -20); applied to work with M. Barnett and B. McDaniel.

Well that is definitely a big relief! Thank you for checking with the dept and letting us know!