canessa

So, I'm curious... Any final decisions for anyone who got accepted? Any plans from here for those who weren't able to get in this year?

I think that's the worst part, I've gained admission into two other programs and they're starting to put some pressure on me to decide. I feel really bad because I don't want to make someone on their waitlist have to be a sitting duck just because I'm waiting too. Plus, I feel like I'm kind of making the PI's at the schools I got accepted into sit around waiting in the dark because I haven't made a decision yet even though It's been over two months since I got in. I really don't want to do anything on bad terms but I don't want to make any official decisions until I hear back from SB. Thank you for reassuring me that there may be hope, it really does help!

I think you're right. At this point, I've done all that I can do. I've gotten into two other programs that are really good too! I just have this gut feeling about SB and it's a bit heartbreaking. I'm glad that you mentioned it though, it is a bit reassuring knowing that I've done everything I can.

UPDATE (a not so active update though..): So I waited another week after this and texted my grad student host and she said that some but not all decisions went out. Okay. No big deal. Another week passes by, someone on thegradcafe messaged me and says that the POI waitlisted them. Uhh, a little panic but still hopeful. Three days later, I decide to send a follow up to the POI saying that I'm interested in the program and just wanted to follow up. Five days later, here I am with no reply. Gosh this is SO disheartening.. it's been nearly 2 MONTHS since my interview. At this point I assume the worst but I at least want to hear something.. it's awful just sitting in silence for so long. It's so strange too because I thought I really had a great interview and connection with the faculty. I was hoping for at least some sort of reply to my follow up even if it didn't answer my question like "hey decisions will be out soon." Or "I've been busy! Will get back to you." I just hate that I'm still clinging on to some sort of hope when it seems so unlikely. :-(

@almondicecream @01848p You both make really good points...! I think I'm going to wait until Monday evening and if I don't hear anything by then I might check up on my grad student host to see if she's gotten wind of anything. Thank you for the advice!!

So I need some advice. I interviewed at UCSB back in the first week of February. The POI's told me that they were going to have an additional alternate interview weekend since so many applicants couldn't make it to the first one. After my interview, my POIs told me that they would be making final decisions only after they met with all of their applicants. The alternate interview day was last weekend (so an entire month after mine). I've been really antsy about knowing if I got in or not, it's driving me crazy! I've been waiting to hear back for an entire month while the people who just interviewed have only been waiting a couple days. I don't want to see impatient about knowing if I got in or not but the wait is totally killing me. Should I e-mail the POI asking if we should be hearing back soon? Or should I text my grad student host and ask her if she knows anything? Or should I just keep waiting it out?

Hi Dormcat, Congrats on your admissions letter!! This is what my thank you letters have been (they're a bit more short and sweet since I previously sent thank you emails following my interviews that were much more detailed): "Dear __________, Thank you so much. This is very exciting news and I am thrilled to hear from you! I was so impressed by the atmosphere and the great work being done at __________. I will be sure to let you know as soon as possible when I have made a decision. I will also let you know if I have any additional questions. Thank you again! All my best, "

It's definitely good to some of their most recent work and their selected publications. It's almost impossible for you to have read all of their work. Maybe if you're unfamiliar with a concept or a paper ask them to explain it to you and reply, "Oh yeah, that research reminds me of another paper that I read __________" and explain how your other readings relate back to what they mentioned.

I usually try and read the POI's work before going to the interview but usually it's so rare that they ask about their own specific papers. They have SO many that they've published, it's hard for them to expect you to have read a SPECIFIC one. Most of my interviews have usually had them ask me what my interests are and I try to relate it back to similar concepts that they study and after I explain what I do I ask them to tell me about a project that they're working on currently that they are most passionate about now. When exploring research questions together, I've had a POI ask me if I'm familiar with another researcher's work or ask me if I've read a specific paper of their own but I'm usually honest and say I'm not familiar with it and they explain to me what it is, they've never acted offended or upset. From my experience, It's good to know their work but it's not necessarily a requirement and they're not going to quiz you on it.

I've gone to two interview weekends now and here's what my experiences have been: You usually stay with a graduate student host, they're a really good source of info and you tend to get really close to them since you spend so much time with them. Have a TON of questions prepared to ask about the program, their experience, things they've heard about faculty members, etc. It's even nice to ask if they have any advice for you! Something to remind yourself: They want you here. Making the interview is a HUGE accomplishment! So be proud of yourself! And as much as they are interviewing you to see if you'd be a good fit for their university, you want to interview them back to see if they are a good fit for you. Do you see yourself working with this advsior and being happy? Do you see yourself getting along with your lab mates and other grad students? Do you see yourself living here for the next 5 or 6 years? These are good questions to ask yourself as you're going through your interview Usually the day (or Day 1) starts off with a breakfast (take breakfast, lunch, dinner and breaks as time to mingle with other applicants. It shows that you're social and also it's pretty fun getting to know other people on your same boat and hang out). Next is a lot of orientation-like things. Going over the program, future course-work, funding, etc. Feel free to take notes in a journal/portfolio and if they don't go over a question that you want to know (like how are travel grants distributed), definitely ask. Some schools may then have a mini tour of campus or a mini tour of lab offices. (If you see rain in the forecast it's smart to bring a jacket and umbrella -- at my first interview we still did the tour in POURING rain, thankfully all of us came prepared!) Usually for lunch and dinner, graduate students and faculty members join you. Take this time to introduce yourself to the people who you want to work with and even introduce yourself to other faculty and other graduate students that aren't in your full interest. You can get a feel of what the people are like and if you are going to enjoy your time working with them. The department usually discusses as a whole, who would be a good fit for the university so it's good to make yourself known. If there's an opportunity to talk with your POI, definitely do it! The interviews are generally very relaxed. Some professors like to challenge you with hard questions BUT the most will generally ask you about your research interests and it feels like a conversation. When your POI (or any other person) is talking about their own research, listen carefully and try and think of one or two specific questions to ask about what they just explained, it shows that you're interested and listening. Have a little spiel ready to explain your previous research experience and how it got you to what you are interested in now. It's okay to be broad in your interests but it helps a lot if you have a couple of specific research questions that you'd like to research in your future (and think about how you would do it: Experience sampling? Daily diary? Self-report?). HAVE A TON OF QUESTIONS PREPARED. If there is ever an awkward silence, take this time to ask questions about funding, housing, strengths and weaknesses of the program, etc. This is a good time to find out if this is a good fit for you and a ton of questions shows interest in the program. There will be opportunities to talk to grad students, take this time to ask them if they are happy here and what the mentorship style of the POI is like. They are generally much more honest and want to give you the real scoop. The days get long and exhausting. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, eat snacks and lots of free food when offered. Take a breather in the bathroom during breaks. Try your hardest to keep being social and enthusiastic throughout the day (I know it's hard, but it will be worth it!) Finally, after all is said and done, the graduate students might take you and the other prospective students out to a happy hour or party. Have a drink if you so choose, it's fine to drink a little but of course don't get drunk. Socialize and have fun. After interview weekend don't forget to send your POI an email, thanking them for inviting you out and taking the time to talk with you. Express that you're very interested in working with them in the future. Remember: The university wants you here. Take a deep breath. You got this.

Which websites do you guys normally use to find the ranking of a program? I feel like there are so many out there, I never know which one to believe. They also always seem to rank the program on psychology as a whole and not social psych.

After one of my Skype interviews I emailed the professor the same day to thank them for their time and for the interview. That same evening I got invited to an interview weekend. I've heard of people getting contacted a few days later as well. If you haven't heard anything by now send them a thank you email and say you're looking forward to hearing what the next steps are. Do you know if that program also does interview in person? Or do they just decide after the phone call? If they do in person interviews, I personally would send a follow up email. If they decide after phone calls I would wait a little bit longer. If you feel like you should wait a few extra days overall, then go for it! Trust your gut.

AHHH!!! I JUST GOT MY FIRST ACCEPTANCE! I went to the interview weekend earlier this week and didn't feel like I did too hot. Totally convinced myself that I wasn't going to get in but literally....Three. Days. Later. I GOT AN EMAIL SAYING THAT I GOT IN!! Still have a couple of more interviews to go before deciding on schools, but no matter what happens... I'm going to grad school!!!!

Wow thank you so much for these! Extremely helpful. I may also add that over a skype interview I was asked Is there any specific paper that you read that inspired you or really got you interested in what you want to pursue? I wasn't very prepared for this question to give a specific paper so I was very broad. I wish I had a paper and author in mind, so you guys might want to think about that one too just in case it comes up!

So I did both my skype interviews yesterday. I didn't quite know where I stood afterwards but later that night I got an email getting a formal invitation to UCSB's interview weekend! Woohoo!