Timemachines

Hey there, check out UMass Boston - there is a PI that has a concentration in forensic psych/neuropsych.

Yas.

Im eating my lunch outside as we speak ...:)

Has anyone heard anything about a response timeline etc?? Its been crickets since the interview.

I'm in the same boat. I got one interview, and it was at my top choice..but now I'm worried I blew it/ am over analyzing every little interaction I had. Waiting feels awful

Thanks very much - helpful thinking points

This is a bit of an awkward question - I am/have been preparing for an interview that's coming up, and in talking about potential interview questions, my post doc asked me why I thought I would be a good fit for the program ..when answering this type of question, is it appropriate to respond based on your fit specifically with your PI, or are programs looking for a broader response about your potential contributions to the department and cohort, etc. Do you touch on some unique experiences (research or clinical) and reflect on how it may affect the program in a positive way, etc?

@JaeeeSon UMass Amherst had interviews a few weeks back and is making decisions/extended offers. BU is hosting interviews at the end of the week.

I think the important thing is that you're taking calculated steps to make yourself a stronger applicant! Don't forget to be in touch with faculty you applied to work with last year to let them know of these accomplishments and potentially, how you've taken the time to reflect on the weaker aspects of your application and the steps you've taken to improve those details.

True, however, some programs are very skeptical of accepting folks who got their masters for a slew of reasons (grade inflation, different didactic and field related clinical training, etc). I would hope that getting your masters would keep you productive for a few years and bulk up your resume which may ultimately help your chances, but the expectations for productivity in someone who has completed graduate level work is higher than undergraduate level experience, if that makes sense. You end up placing yourself on a different level of evaluation.

A few years back, I applied to masters programs and to one PsyD program where I landed an interview and was accepted. It was explicitly stated that there was no funding and financial support and I already have over 100k in student loans from undergrad ( now more, after my masters). It would have been a really poor decision for me to move forward with the program or really any masters program without financial support ( for example BU accepted me, but costs ~50k to attend vs. my program provided 20K off the bat in scholarship merit award, no questions asked). My masters helped me land a research job that pays 60K and I've been able to pay down 25k (paltry amount of my full debt nonetheless) in less than two years. I've found a system to pay off my loans that has worked for me (until I go back for my PhD, and then everything will be put on hold), however many people don't...its crippling and holds you back from living your life. Unfortunately, I think taking out intangible amounts of money for your career and future doesn't seem so awful when you know you'll make a salary eventually...until you're faced with the numbers and reality of how much you're expected to cough up every month. I think the big key is to really organize yourself and make a plan, no matter how unique your situation is. As an immigrant, my family had no idea how to help me with financial aid in undergrad so in my family...it hasn't felt so wild to be in debt. However, they now play a huge role as a resource in helping me organize myself to pay off my loans in bigger chunks. At the rate I'm going, it would take me another 8 years to pay off everything, and frankly that doesn't scare me...but only because I have a plan.

Don't be worried! Don't hesitate to get in touch with the coordinators there, they're very communicative. They have not sent out rejections yet either!

Hey there, interview invites went out fr BU the last week of January.

Isn't Dan shacter at northwestern sleep focus?

I got my masters at a 'prestigious' research institution in the Boston area and I don't think it has done anything for my chances of getting my foot through the door for PhD programs. Infact, my undergraduate degree from UMass Amherst opened more doors for my follow up research experiences and networking opportunities at martinos center, brown, beth Israel etc. I think it has less to do with prestige and more with what you can accomplish in your time at the program. With that being said, transferring to another masters program at this point may reflect poorly in terms of your commitment to graduate level work. I declined BU for my masters because of how much it cost so I completely empathize but I would stick it out at this point. You'll almost certainly be making up credits, so i think after the fact, it'll be lost time. If you want to discuss options for paying down student loans in a timely fashion I have plenty of advice and would be happy to chat! Good luck.

Great question! Would appreciate this feedback as I've been told that I'll be interviewing with a graduate student and a faculty member other than my PoI too!

Anyone want t claim UMass Amherst acceptance? Would you mind sending along PoI?

Thanks! Will PM

Boston U sent out invites end of last week and UT Austin is still in progress (I think)

Anyone on UT Austin?

Are there any folks here who are current students at BU/ have applied to BU before or this cycle?

Hahaha well I wish you the best of luck! There are lots of great tips in this thread and I hope you may otherwise find something via ORISE for research experience.

Yeah, I hope - they have a great program. I only have an interview at BU so far, so having other opportunities would definitely put me more at ease with this process.

Same..feeling skeptical there as I'm not sure if that's just their nice way of giving you a pat on the back hah.

I can completely empathize here.. the GREs were a point of immense stress for me as I was taking them for the 4th time for my current score (155q 157v 5A). Nothing to write home about, yet I spent hundreds of dollars on a tutor to get my score up. I think we are all just bashing our heads in trying to jump through these hoops and in the end, the outcome is a crap shoot. I have no doubt that you can kill the GREs if it comes down it. Don't give up.