emhopefulme

I've lived in boston for the past four years exclusively using a bike

I wouldn't lose hope, especially if this is really what you want. I was unsuccessful with PhD applications last year, and now I'm hearing back from almost every program I applied to. I did a few things differently this year. Honestly, no one can really direct you on the 'correct' answer because no one knows it. I wouldn't blame any of your mentors. From what I've learned:
1) Fit is key - for both your POI and Overall Program. Your personal statement will reflect that.
2) Unique experience and showing that you know how to do research are key (Not necessarily that you have a specific research interest. This was my biggest mistake last year)
3) Having contact with your POI beforehand is absolutely key (I had several 'pre-interviews' with different POIs before the interview invitations were even extended. I did not know programs did this at all)
Hope this helps. These programs are competitive for a reason. If you're planning to dedicate the rest of your life to psychology, I would say it's worth another shot.

Nope not yet
 
Has anyone received an invitation to Calgary's open house? 

same here! Thank you very much!

So sorry to badger about this but would just love to put this to bed...If you've heard from WUSTL I would love a PM with the initials of your POI...thanks 

Thank you for the reply and information! I'll hold out with hope for a few more days!

From my understanding, the person-in-charge said they would send all invites by the end of this week. I'm not sure if all of the invitations have been sent out at current time though, I saw someone who posted they received an invitation.

The last few weeks has inspired me to change my research focus to "self doubt and endless rumination."

Does anybody know if WUSTL is finished with extending invites for an interview?

Have a great holiday weekend everyone! Hope we can all stop stressing for a few days and enjoy the break

University of Pittsburgh will finalize its list of applicants during the second week of January and will inform those selected shortly thereafter. The interview weekend will be February 17 and 18. 
I am a student there and received this information from the department - I remember how stressful it was to be waiting around to hear back from schools so am hoping this will help you to enjoy the holidays! Happy to talk about the school and program if you are interested.

I got a letter in the mail from one school and was hyperventilating while opening it....only to realize it was a happy holidays card. 

To the person who posted about receiving an interview at IUPUI - do you mind sharing or PM'ing who your POI is? Thanks

And now the waiting game and anxiety begin........

Good luck to everyone! It took me two application cycles before getting accepting into a Ph.D Clinical Psychology program this year, and I understand the pressure and stress from the process. The GradCafe forums were a great support network, and I made some good friends here through the process. 
Assuming you're using the U.S. News "Top Clinical Psychology Programs" Ranking, you're seriously missing out on solid programs by focusing on just the Top 50. I'd actually recommend extending your considerations to the Top 120+ on that list. The U.S. News School Rankings aren't reliable according to my previous research mentors. Many of the "lower ranked" programs actually have a ~90%+ licensure pass rate and ~90%+ internship match rate with full funding provided for students. These types of programs may not be perceived as a "brand name" in the mainstream, but they're recognized favorably within the field if they produce solid training. 

Hello, everyone. I don't know who is still hanging out on this forum, but, because you all were incredible supporters and my source of energy during my difficult times, I thought I'd stopped by to happily announce that I have been officially accepted off the waitlist from my top choice school.
It really feels surreal and I really cannot believe that this has actually happened. I think it will take some time to sink in. This month has been quite wonderful for me actually, so I am very thankful for everything that I am given. It is indeed one of the best, most incredible thing that has happened to me. I really wish the best of luck to everyone who is starting this fall, or who is trying again next application cycle.
I wish you all the best!!!
Thank you so much for being there for me.

All the best to you @wootar and @WillComeTrue! I hope you guys get your acceptance!  

I thought about what you were thinking when I was on the waitlist. I figured that if I have waited for so long, it doesn't matter if I wait awhile more. I could just wait for the email to come, just in case if I annoy the professor or being considered as pushy. Just my two cents worth! 
But you are almost there! One more day! 

Hi, this is Kim.
Isn't it frustrating to get into grad school and pursue something you love? Reading this thread, I can feel the struggle and all the effort you have been putting into your own career. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP! Two years ago I got rejected by all schools, I cried and started to think that I wasn't worth it. Last year I didn't make the cut and I was depressed. It got worse since everyone was telling me to quit and stick with my Bachelor degree. I don't have a very high GPA btw, my GRE was acceptable (I'm an international student). At the time I started to think negatively and was about to quit. Sometimes I felt like I was getting used to being rejected it doesn't really hurt that much. 
Even when you failed or you feel like you want to quit, KEEP REMIND YOURSELF NOT TO AND STAY ON TRACK. Not everyone has the same advantage. I understand some have it easier than others. This is why we should prove that we are worth it. Life is a bitch. She tried to take you down and she may have won a few times. But in the end, bitches cannot win unless you let her! Yes you were rejected, cry your eyes out, then get back on track! Please!
This year I applied for one grad school only because I love that program and that I want to study there. I made it! Be like a pug dog who doesn't know how and when to quit! I am sure you will get what you want eventually! I'm sending all the best wishes to you who will apply next year and BEST OF LUCK!

Hang in there! You have already waited so long. I think you could send the adcom professor an email reiterating your interest and perhaps check if the vacancy has been filled yet? I know it's a total agony to be stuck in limbo but stay positive!!

I am so sorry to hear the news, @emhopefulme. It is really unfortunate that schools have to reject a qualified candidate like you. Although I am happy to hear that you are already thinking about your plan b and being resilient in that you are thinking about reapplying next year, I can understand that nothing would truly be soothing right now.  However, I am sure that you will get over this soon and you will have a better chance next year. Good luck!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I just received news I got rejected off the waitlist. Kind of expected it yet well think I need time to grief and think about my plan B. All the best to the rest of you who are still waiting! Hope it will turn out well for you! 

@emhopefulme, keep your chin up. I feel like my impending rejection (off the wait list) is one big cosmic joke - got an interview at a great school that was fully funded with someone that I had high overlap in research interests with, but when it came to the interview, we didn't really click. Sometimes it's just not meant to be. Keep trucking forward, its all about the drive and commitment to the idea. I have faith in you

I have another uplifting story! 
I ended up getting into the program!  I thought I was lower down on the waitlist, but my POI called me telling me that he just got another spot and that it's mine 
Thank you @WillComeTrue and everyone else on this thread. I am keeping my fingers crossed for everyone!