[Boulder vs. NYC]

I have gotten acceptances to PhD programs in NYC and Boulder. I am torn between these two and hoping to get some input on what folks have to say about quality of living while in grad school in these places! TIA

[Big City vs. College Town]

What are your thoughts on pros and cons of being in grad school in a smaller college town versus a big city (namely: NYC)?

[Has my interview invite been rescinded?!?]

I was invited to an interview by my POI. In response to her email I told her I was very interested in the program (which I am), and asked if there were any alternate dates, as I have already committed to another interview at the same time. POI responded saying she would have to see.

Cue many days later, no response. I send another email asking for updates and again stressing that I am very interested in working with her.

Now it has been a week and 1 day, still no response. 

What should I do in this situation? I don't want to seem pushy/desperate, but also want to know if I am still invited. Does her silence mean that I am not longer invited? Anyone been in a similar situation, or at least can offer me some consoling words? 

[Interview weekend attire]

What are the feelings regarding piercings and tattoos? I have a nose ring and wondering if I should remove it before I go to interviews. My tattoos are easily covered by sleeves, but if students/faculty saw them could it be detrimental? 

 

[Has anyone heard from...]

Has anyone heard from... 

• Tufts - Social
• UVM - Experimental
• University of Washington, Seattle - Social
• Indiana University, Bloomington - Social
• SUNY, Stony Brook - Social and Health
• University of Chicago - Social
• UMD, College Park - SDOS

Thank you!

[Do I Need a Pub to get into a Social Psych PhD. Program?]

Looking to apply to social psych programs for this upcoming application season. I'd love some feedback on what you guys think and whether I would be a competitive candidate!

• Graduated with B.A. in psychology from state school 
  • overall GPA: 3.12
  • major GPA: 3.79
• GRE: V=160 (85%), Q=156 (64%), W=4.5 (80%).
• I have 3 years of research experience in my lab and have a managerial title (not THE lab manger), as well as nearly a year of experience as a paid research technician for an NIH grant (both research positions are related to my field of interest).
• I have 2 poster presentations, and about 4 oral presentations on my CV (middle or last on author list).
• I have a fairly clear view of where I want to be going research wise, and all my research experience has been relevant to my ultimate goals.
• I have T.A.ed for 3 classes as an undergrad, and have taken a graduate seminar for credit when I was enrolled. 

As for schools I'm applying to, it's a lot (still narrowing my list, but I have about 25). Some of my top choices include:

• UVM
• Stanford
• University of Washington
• University of Oregon
• Indiana University - Bloomington
• UC Berkeley
• University of Connecticut
• University of British Columbia

Is there a chance that I would be admitted to any of these social psych PhD. programs as a stand? Are there parts I need to work on (GRE's, Pubs, etc.)?