Reputation from Euler - Page 2 - The GradCafe Forums

Euler reacted to TakeruK in Asking professor to change grade, or official ways? March 27, 2016

I think the first thing to do is to talk to the professor. You should frame this carefully. You should ask to speak to the professor about your grade and explain that you don't think the final grade reflects your ability and ask if you can meet to discuss this. During this discussion, it would be a good time to ask if there is something you could do to change the grade.
But remember, ultimately, the professor should have the final say in how the course is graded and you have to recognize that your performance on the final exam is your responsibility. In this post, you say a lot of things that place the blame on others. For example, you say that you don't think the professor taught the class in a good way. And you say that this grade ruins everything (I'm not sure what this even means). It also sounds like you don't think the final should have been weighted at 40%. You should make sure you do not say any of these things in the discussion. You should also stop thinking about this grade/outcome in this way. Otherwise, to me, you sound like you are entitled to a good grade because of your project performance and that will not help you. The professor didn't "accidentally" weigh the final at 40%---this was a deliberate choice because the professor wanted students to have to do well in both projects and final. I am glad that you got 100% on all your projects, but you also have to do well on your final to get a good grade and you knew this from the start.
If you keep these ideas in mind (i.e. take responsibility for your performance), maybe the professor will find a way for you to earn extra credit (e.g. maybe allow for another try at the exam or do an extra project etc.). But I doubt a professor will be willing to give you another chance if you sound like you believe they are wrong and that you are entitled to a good grade!

Euler reacted to TakeruK in Absolutely insane stress levels here, how to stay motivated? March 25, 2016

I'm sorry to hear about this. Honestly, when I saw the thread title, I was expecting to read about "standard" stress levels**, and to respond with good coping strategies. I also think it's not abnormal for people to not finish their PhDs---I think it's typical that 30% to 50% of people starting graduate programs will not finish a PhD in the end (but most will get MS degrees). However, what you are describing here is not normal or typical stress levels and it is not healthy.
Unfortunately, I don't really have good advice on resolving your situation. But, I think it would be a very very good idea for you to speak with mental health providers at your school. Hopefully the ones affiliated with your school's health center are free, or your student health plan covers visits with external providers.
I know there is a lot of stigma with seeing mental health providers, but there shouldn't be! It's incorrect to think that you only see a mental health provider if there is something wrong with you. Instead, think of it more like taking your car for an annual tuneup, your bike for a seasonal tuneup, going to the dentist for a checkup or getting vaccinations/annual checkup at your doctor's office.
I think that a mental health professional visit can be very useful for graduate students and they help us understand our stress better. We learn what causes stress to us and how to manage symptoms of stress. They also provide us with tools to prevent future stress. And, for more pressing situations such as yours, I find that they can help you think about difficult situations and tough decisions you might have to make.
For example, in your situation, I can think of a few things you have to decide:
a. Can you manage the stress you are feeling?
b. Is the cost of managing this stress worth what you will get out of this degree program?
c. If yes, then how will you know when it's no longer worth it? What would you do to continually evaluate whether or not this is something that will still benefit you in the end?
d. If no to "b" above, then what are you willing to do about it? Would you be able to talk to your advisor about their availability? Would you want to speak to the postdoc about the work environment they are creating? Would you be willing to change advisors and groups?
e. If you decide to take one of these actions, who will you get help from? How will you bring up these tough conversation topics? These are hard conversations to have---how will you ensure you get the support you need to clearly express your concerns and needs in a way that the other party understands you and will change?
This is certainly not an exhaustive list and I don't know the answer to them. But just examples of what a mental health professional can talk you through and help you cope with current stressors as well as help you come up with a strategy/plan to prevent future problems. They are a great resource for graduate students and I really hope our community continues to reduce the stigma on seeking mental help and realise that seeking help is not a sign that you are broken, but it's part of keeping ourselves healthy.
(** By "standard", I mean regular amount of occasional stress that is typical for a job similar to ours. I don't mean that being stressed out all the time is a normal healthy grad student lifestyle).

Euler reacted to katpillow in WINE, WAIT, AND WHINE THREAD March 25, 2016

Official admittance to Northwestern's MS BME program rolled in this morning. A good way to wake up after taking a red eye back home from Vegas, if I had to say. Plus turning $200 into $440 on blackjack doesn't hurt, either. Thank all of you for the really positive words of support and encouragement. It certainly feels much more like a victory than settling! I only hope that other applicants who are still waiting on responses or have had a rough go of it this cycle stay strong. Even if you don't make it in somewhere, odds are you probably have a lot going for you, and even if you have to put in some extra time to demonstrate your prowess, you'll definitely find a way. Look at me (everything in chronological order):
Original UG class of '11 (graduated in '13, last in my major's class of 15 people) (Materials Science, for those interested) 2.40 GPA 1.5 years working as 'the wine guy' in a fancy grocery store while I tried to get my shit together and finish the last few credits on my degree ~2.5 years (ongoing) working my butt off in a small R&D pharmaceutical startup (started as a tech, now Associate III, this probably saved my life) GRE: 161Q, 159V, 4.0W Now: turning 28 in September, probably going to Northwestern, and in position to finally hit the goals I had set for myself when I was about 20 I took the long way, and not everyone has the same cookie-cutter route to get where they're going. I had to claw my way back from the lowest place I'd ever been, but to be honest, 'the bottom' was something I had never glimpsed before, but man did I need it if I was ever going to have a chance to really pursue this path. Heck, even what I've got in front of me isn't what I expected, but I can still see a pathway, and that's what's important. Always keep your eyes on the prize, and be ready to be flexible and persevere when unexpected things come up in the road. Your life is what you'll make of it. No guarantees except for what you create for yourself.

Euler got a reaction from caleugenides in WINE, WAIT, AND WHINE THREAD March 25, 2016

First, I would avoid doing anything that could jeopardize the funded offer. Unless you don't plan on taking that for whatever reason, but it doesn't sound like that's the case. Not that asking for an extension would hurt, but if they say April 15th is the hard deadline, just try to get a more definitive answer from UCF.
If it were me, I would probably wait until maybe 7-10 days-ish before the April 15th deadline, and if you haven't heard anything from UCF, email them and let them know you would only accept an offer if it were funded. That gives enough time for them to respond, and you should get an honest answer at that point on what you should expect from them in terms of funding.

Euler got a reaction from Neist in WINE, WAIT, AND WHINE THREAD March 25, 2016

First, I would avoid doing anything that could jeopardize the funded offer. Unless you don't plan on taking that for whatever reason, but it doesn't sound like that's the case. Not that asking for an extension would hurt, but if they say April 15th is the hard deadline, just try to get a more definitive answer from UCF.
If it were me, I would probably wait until maybe 7-10 days-ish before the April 15th deadline, and if you haven't heard anything from UCF, email them and let them know you would only accept an offer if it were funded. That gives enough time for them to respond, and you should get an honest answer at that point on what you should expect from them in terms of funding.

Euler reacted to Need Coffee in an IV in WINE, WAIT, AND WHINE THREAD March 24, 2016

That's a mass reject email if I ever saw one, and trust me I've seen a lot haha

Euler reacted to easybreezy in WINE, WAIT, AND WHINE THREAD March 24, 2016

I can definitely say that without Grad Cafe or this particular forum - I would have gone insane months ago. I am pleased and excited to announce that I got into my number one school I hope everyone else hears back from their respective programs. May the odds be ever in your favor! Good luck!!!