GeoD

I recently completed an M.S. degree in geology, and I am in the process of applying to PhD programs. I feel that my GRE scores are mediocre, but I have also been told that ability to do research is paramount when applying to PhD programs. I recently won a student research award and have had very positive feedback on my thesis work. Does anyone have any experience with this subject? My scores are 156V 153Q 4AW total (combined 178 percentile). If they aren't going to matter, I would rather focus my time before application due dates on publishing... but I definitely don't want to screw myself over. Your input is greatly appreciated!

That is true, and two programs stated that my rejection was due to funding. What do you think about POIs that did take a student?

I received solicited rejections from 2 more schools this week. This makes 6 applications and 5 rejections, and at this late date, I didn't expect to be receiving acceptances. Though I'm pretty bummed, I want to start looking towards the next application season. Does anyone have experience with reapplication to schools? I suppose that technically there should be nothing wrong with it, but it also seems that a rejection implies that the program may not feel that you are a good fit.

The exchange of money does create a business transaction and not giving an answer to the applicant is UNPROFESSIONAL (and unprofessional is a really civil way to put it). As I see it, it does not matter to the applicant how their fee is ultimately utilized by the institution. The fee is payed for a yes/no answer, and the argument that the department doesn't receive the fee directly, and therefor not bound to respond in a timely and professional manner, "has nothing to do with the price of the rice". I also agree that this is a giant red flag when selecting a program to enter, however I am alarmed by the frequency of this behavior by graduate programs (in my case 3 of 6 PhD programs sent no answer). I have now received notification from 2 of those 3 programs but only after contacting multiple people, multiple times, over a period of 2 weeks. If this is S.O.P. than revision is required.

Thanks everyone. I have attempted to contact these 3 remaining schools multiple times. Two of the schools eventually replied with a "no decisions had been made", and I've received no reply from the 3rd program (despite contacting 3 different people in the department). At this point I will be moving forward with alternative plans. I am disappointed but such is life... .

It's now May 18th and I haven't heard from 3 of the 6 PhD programs that I applied to for Fall 2015. Honestly, I'm starting to question whether I ever will. Seems unprofessional to not officially inform an applicant of a decision and I hope that that won't be the case. Anyone else in the same boat or heard of this happening in the past?

It's now May 18th and I haven't heard from 3 of the 6 PhD programs that I applied to for Fall 2015. Honestly, I'm starting to question whether I ever will. Seems unprofessional to not officially inform an applicant of your decision and I hope that that won't be the case. Anyone else in the same boat or heard of this situation?