phdthoughts

I thought I'd have everything wrapped up with just the wait, but found out that one letter writer couldn't submit the LOR to my top choice due to a (minor) accident. So, she said she'd call the program and explain and see what she could do. I'm so sorry this happened to her - we've had a fairly long mentoring relationship but omg. Just .

@LadyScientist It's good to remember all these things. I have a wide range of experiences (academic and otherwise...my undergraduate career is quite far behind me ) that I know made me successful in my master's program. Just need to remember this as I wait out this application season!

@av2010 sounds like an interesting research area - lots of angles to investigate.

Egg salad

@DBear Glad to hear it's not just me. It's true, there are plenty of things I'm decent at but would not want to make a career out of, and the same is true for the profession of scholarly work. There are many aspects of my current profession I enjoy and I'm good at but when I imagine myself 10 years down the road, I think...nope. On the other hand, when I think of continuing my research and the challenges of teaching I wish I had more than a career-span to do it all in which so far, is pretty telling. Plus I've spent most of my current career at higher ed academic institutions so I know what I'm in for. Your friend sounds like she's smart AND knows herself which is a great combination.

Backup plan

Line dancer

Jelly belly

Thanks @wet gremlin that's actually a big confidence booster.

@fuzzylogician Very true words. I know all these things logically, but something about application season that brings doubt and certain thoughts to the surface I guess.

@DogsArePeopleToo that's a healthy way of thinking about it. I'm not from a developing nation, but come from an underprivileged background, so I can see what you mean. Also, mostly I just feel grateful that I even have this choice to make and also try not to project my aspirations on others (in other words, my goals are not the same as everyone else's.) Just because I want this, does not mean others do.

Beer belly

I'm sure this train of thought is the byproduct of the holidays, a couple of days off of work to slow down and think and waiting for decisions on my submitted apps. That being said, without even being accepted anywhere yet - just the act of applying I kind of feel, well...guilty. I have a relative that is 20 times smarter than me (never got less than an A in school- never really had to "try" academically), a sister-in-law who is so incredibly smart (and raising a genius). And another friend who is similarly gifted. I on the other hand, struggled in certain academic areas (good in others) and had to overcome some of these struggles. My decision to apply has been made easier because I don't have kids and have a super supportive partner willing to accompany me on this adventure. Which is all great, but I keep thinking, and I'm the one applying to PhD programs? What gives me the right when other people are clearly more gifted and smart. And, I can't help but think that these relatives and friends are secretly thinking the same thing - and if I don't succeed, are going to think - yep, exactly. She was living in this delusion. Which I'm sure is not reality (and these are good people btw). Still, the guilt! I'm sure someone applying to psychology programs would love taking a crack at this one.

Swim goggles

Knife fight

Nice - UW-Madison looked like it would be a great fit for that. Yes! Good luck to everyone as well - nice to know we are in the same boat at least.

Interpersonal Communication/Relationships mostly. My thesis topic ended up being a bit niche within that though.

Bottle rocket

Good luck! You're in good company with the others on this thread- waiting to get through the next few months. I'm curious what everyone's concentrations are here since comm is such a broad field. I was initially interested in Davis, but they seem so narrowly focused on technology.

Dead space

Good for you! We should all give ourselves permission for that. I have no problem remembering to eat. In fact, off to make a chocolate cream pie for Christmas dinner tomorrow.

Yes! Good thought. I have a whole Amazon list of books that I want to get to that are related.

This is a good suggestion. I work a fairly intense full-time job related to my field at the moment, but I've already thought about (if I don't get in) asking to do research on a volunteer basis with a professor at my current university so I'm still in the game, so to speak next year.

Time table

Does anyone else not know what to do with their time now that they've submittted apps, or are about to be done? My life for the past year has consisted of work and after work and weekends studying for the GRE, wading through numerous department websites, personal statements, filling out apps and now checking app status. Now, I'm just blowing through my Netflix queue for lack of anything else. This is going to be a long few months.