SabDelta

I'm a "bad profile" applicant on paper. My GRE is okay (great V, ho-hum Q, decent AW), GPA is only a 3.2, academically suspended (flunked out) from undergrad twice, my only research experience was a tiny, unpublishable project. But when you read my statement of purpose you'll see that I have a 4.0 in all major coursework and a 3.8 over the past three years, my GPA is just shit because of my problems 10 years ago. My academic suspensions are a decade old. That "tiny research project" was my project (I did the IRB, wrote all grant proposals, collected all data, completed all statistical analyses, designed my poster, and presented it at a professional conference poster session).  My spring breaks were spent shadowing professionals and doing community service. One summer was spent studying abroad in an area specific to my top-choice grad school's aims. I wasn't employed in the field because I was  helping design lessons and editing the textbooks my undergrad used.
Of the schools I applied to I was rejected from the least prestigious and accepted to all three of the more prestigious programs.
When you boil everything down to a few numbers and when "research" can mean you did what I did or that you were the 14th author on a paper because a professor thought you should put your name on something you really can't compare yourself to what you see on gradcafe, especially when you also toss in the concept of program fit.

I am not sure if this is relevant here, but I got into a masters program with no funding whatsoever (and no waiver of the full tuition fee).  The Professor had promised about potential TA/RAships that I might be eligible for down the line. But unfortunately they never materialized. The highly enthusiastic kid I was back at 21, I rushed into the program and finished it at 23 with crushing student debts which took 6 years to finish. Now I am looking for PhD programs (and have a couple of funded ones within reach), and apart from research fit, the most important thing am looking for is the funding. This comes as important to me as 6 years of the prime of my life was spent on working in the industry on something I hated from the bottom of my heart cos it paid bucket loads of money, out of which I managed to save nothing as every last penny went into repaying the student loans. I am starting out a fresh leaf now with a near empty bank account and a clear head. So IF you are planning on taking up an unfunded opportunity for 5-7 years, think THRICE before doing it. 

If worse comes to worse and your not accepted, you can always collaborative across programs or at least ask this person if they would be willing to be on your masters and dissertation board. There is always post-doc too! But until you hear for certain, there is still hope. That school may not be their top choice if their holding the position.

I heard from them on January 13 but I applied for PhD, so don't worry! Master aceptances must be on their way! I hope with great news for you!!!

Hi all, thanks in advance for any insight.
I've tried to figure out the best way to compare the schools from my POV and I think pro/con list is the easiest way to info-dump. 
UVA pros: second choice, in my and my husband's home state (we don't live there now, but we're close enough to visit on weekends), strong financial package, collaborative and kind faculty, extremely established PI, lower cost of living, summer funding, already familiar with most common methodological and analytic approaches, students all seemed very happy
UVA cons: ranked lower, area of field is less competitive on the TT job market, teach all 5 years, PI doesn't really have grants anymore so can't buy me out, older PI so less concerned about publications, only two faculty in the entire department (and only one in my area, my PI) do research in my area of interest
Michigan pros: top choice, fantastic research university, faculty are all doing research in my area of interest, teach for 2.5 years, summer funding, additional research and travel funding available, I'd be trained in new (to me) methodology, more politically engaged department, talked with the PI's newest grad (in 2nd year) who had nothing but good things to say
Michigan cons: much further from "home", housing costs are friggin insane, borderline frighteningly low stipend considering the aforementioned housing costs, newer faculty member (still assistant professor though is in 5th year), faculty member doesn't have any big grants (but, Michigan provides what UVA intends to come out of PI's grants), talked to a student in the area a few years ago who had nothing but bad things to say (not necessary about my PI, but the general rat race at Michigan)
I visit Michigan in the coming weeks and will have a better idea of how I 'fit in' there. I didn't totally feel like I fit in at UVA, but I did really like all the faculty which is just as important to me. However, while all the faculty were great, only 2 faculty have research that makes me want to be at UVA. Aside from my PI, the other came from the same department I've been accepted to at Michigan, and I felt the strongest connection to them even over my PI. I know asking for advice on choosing between my first and second choice seems unintuitive (seeing as I've already ranked them as first and second), but I don't want to be starry-eyed by the ranking and overlook everything else. Obviously both have pros and cons. To make it worse, I am a people pleaser and don't want to disappoint anyone at either institution by not going there  so any and all advice is welcome!

I was wondering if there were any pros or cons to attending a private university over a public university. I'm sure there are pros and cons to each specific school, but are there any over arching positive and negatives?

Here's an alternative perspective: don't be too rational about it, go with your gut feeling...

I am in the exact same position as well. Like most of us, I adore my kids and would do anything for them, but I'm itching to do research and have a broader impact. I teach at the same low-income and underperforming high school I attended, though, so I am hoping my matriculation to a really good PhD program will inspire my kids to reach for their goals, as well. I am also going to give them my contact information so they can keep in touch and let me know if they need any encouragement. 
I'm probably going to print out my admission letter to the program I'll choose to attend and say something like, "It has been an absolute honor to begin my career in education at this school. I want to continue to do great work in education, and the right path for me to do that is to take the next step into a PhD program. Unfortunately, it breaks my heart not to renew my contract this year, but I am going to do everything I can to ease my transition out of here and to do right by my students." Something like that. 

Three things come to mind immediately, though as GreenEyedTrombonist has said, there's more information that would be helpful.
1) The cost of living in Seattle is likely higher than that of the Twin Cities. In that sense, $20K may go a lot further and you may be able to live more comfortably. I have several friends who live in the Twin Cities and they all love it. There's a lot to do, the area is quite diverse, and it's an airline hub. It's worth considering whether you'll be able to survive on the funding.
2) It's also worth thinking about summer funding. Does either package include summer funding? Are there options to get summer research grants or TA in the summer? Are you able to get a summer internship with the ACT, SAT, etc. or would your RA require you to be putting in 40 hours/week in the summer? All questions I'd want answers to before choosing.
3) When I was in your shoes of deciding between staying at my MA institution or going elsewhere, basically every single faculty member in my MA program told me that they admitted me with funding because they wanted me to stay but that they also thought that I should go elsewhere. I did go elsewhere and I don't regret it academically or professionally. You'll still be able to connect and collaborate with folks at your MA institution but, going to another school dramatically expands your network and gives you new opportunities you may not have even known of. So if I were you, I'd take the funding and leave UW.

Current SLP student here.
The mode and average age of SLP students this year is approximately 28 years old. The youngest is 25 and the oldest is 40+. @Vulpix is generally accurate in saying that SLP is older than other programs because the state requires 3 years of teaching experience in order to become a principal. The program with the oldest average age, in my estimation, is the Ed.L.D. The programs with the youngest students are the ones without a work experience requirement (e.g. EPM, PSP, MBE, AiE etc.) In my biased opinion, SLP is the strongest master's program followed by EPM.
@cavenue I would say that SLP wants to see leadership skills more than administrative experience. The program does not expect you to already be a principal before enrolling in a program to become a principal. They want to see that you have a track record of leadership skills (e.g. curriculum design, instructional leadership, community engagement etc.)
The Urban Scholars Fellowship (USF) is merit-based. I'm not certain, but my understanding is that the Director handpicks the top candidates who they really want to matriculate. I was told that there is usually one USF per program. SLP has three USFs this year, which indicates the quality of our cohort and the generosity of HGSE. The three students selected were: Yale TFA, Yale TFA, and Vassar. Let's just say that USF means you write a single paragraph and if HGSE really, really wants you then they offer you the USF. I think they care more about your overall profile than your test scores or GPA. My recommendation for your USF application is to tell an emotionally-moving story that talks about equity and leadership. Also, if you happen to earn the USF, I recommend not telling other students in your cohort. You don't have to hide it, but definitely don't flaunt it.
I'd be happy to send my Statement of Purpose to anyone in a personal message. For the record, my scores were nearly identical to yours @cavenue   
 

FYI for anyone wondering about NYU's Ph.D. programs, they've already sent invites out and acceptance weekend is next week, I believe.
I unfortunately wasn't given an offer for the development psych program (inefficient funding among other things), so I will now be considered for NYU'S HDSI program. If I hear any other updates in that area, I'll be sure to keep everyone posted.
Also decision emails for USC were sent out a few days ago! Just another FYI.

Hmm just wanted to give random input, but for social psychology programs like UVA, Umich, business casual is totally great and business formal is totally great, so I'd recommend whatever you feel your best in. For programs like Yale, Harvard, Princeton, I would recommend business formal.
Note I know nothing about clinical psych dress code.

The stories in this thread are very inspiring!
I just turned 32 y.o. exactly 2 weeks ago. I completed my MA when I was 28. Returned to my home country (I am an Int'l student) and started teaching at a top public university in my home country, and waited 2 years before applying to a PhD program. I failed my first attempt of applying to a PhD program (only applied to one program... I know, a mistake), so I waited another year. This is my second attempt; I have been offered to 2 programs, one of which with super generous 5-year funding. 
I am in my early 30s, married with no children, but I never feel old  Always young at heart... and there's a proverb from my culture that says "you are never too old to get an education" 
Good luck to everyone here!

Hi  I've recently received a fully funded PhD offer from University A, which is (for now) my top choice. I also have an on-campus interview scheduled for mid March in University B, which I'd really like to attend before making my final decision. 
The program at University A is very small, and their website explicitly states that they aim to admit a maximum of two people in the program each year. However, I've learnt that they sent out five offers this year. 
Now, I'm aware that programs typically send out more offers than they have spots. I'm also aware of the April deadline, until which we're free to accept or decline offers. 
My question is the following: what will happen if, say, two or three people accept their offer sooner that me? Will the university rescind the offer of admission and/or funding, given that all the spots are filled? 
Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I'm an international student, unversed in American academic culture. In my country, it's not uncommon to admit students on  a first-come, first-serve basis. 
 

As an international student, I wished somewhere anyone had told me that stipends are before taxes. I know, it's pretty obvious but where I'm from you discuss salaries after taxes because, well, it's what you really get. It was funny when I got the first check and saw about $400 less than I thought!!

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.

It's really helpful for me!! Thank you very much for sharing it!!

Congratulations!!!!! The best for you!!!

Standardized testing as a make or break is garbage. 
Sending positive thoughts your way ♡

I'll try to answer one question at a time:
Does guaranteed support mean different things in different places? Yes, you should read your offer letter carefully to see exactly what they mean. Some schools will guarantee X dollars per year for Y years, while others might only guarantee TA and RAships depending on availability. When considering an offer for a school, definitely clarify any unclear points before accepting an offer. One very good question to ask is what you allude to---ask whether or not everyone who wants a TA or RA ship will get one. 
How does TA stipend work if you have a fellowship? This depends on the school. As you said, some places will pay you X dollars for a fellowship and then give you the option to TA for additional Y dollars. Other places will require you to TA in order to get X dollars. Yet other places will promise you X dollars total without making the offer contingent on working as a TA. However, if you do end up being asked to TA, you don't get paid more money (in reality, your fellowship gets reduced by Y dollars and you earn Y dollars as a TA, but your total stipend is still X).
Is your stipend guaranteed for the whole year? This also depends on the specific offer. I have seen offers that say you get X for 12 months. Other offers say you are funded by X dollars for 9 months as a TA and you have the opportunity to get Y more dollars for the summer months if you can get an RA position. In these cases, see the response to question 1 above---ask for clarification and find out how likely you are to be able to get work that summer.
How much tax? For most stipends in the US, you should expect to pay between 10% and 15% in taxes. If you are an international student, you will pay more tax because as non-resident aliens**, we are ineligible for a lot of the tax deductions. Also, as non-resident aliens, the school is likely to withhold 15% or as much as 30% of the income in taxes, and you'll only get this back when you file your tax return. So even if your tax rate is only 10%, the school might withhold 15% and you will have to budget accordingly. Note that these numbers can be very different based on your personal situation (family size, etc.) as well as whether or not your home country (if you are international) has a tax treaty with the USA.
(**Note: If you have been in the US for more than 5 years plus a bit (e.g. perhaps you did undergrad in the US), then you may be a resident-alien and your taxes will be different. It will be lower and more similar to Americans).

Congrats! I would trade all of my interviews just for admission into my top choice.

Veo que eres de México así que te contesto en español. Creo que la mejor opción para ti serían las universidades del Reino Unido o en los Países Bajos (especialmente Amsterdam o Nijmegen). Además hay muchas becas para estudiantes Mexicanos/Latinos en estas regiones. Por cierto, no le hagas caso al comentario de MAC2809 que entiendo porqué dijiste lo de America ya que muchos estadounidenses colectivamente se llaman de esta manera (un nombre erróneo por supuesto) Suerte y esperemos que encuentres el mejor programa posible para ti! 

I just got an email from one of my schools saying that they were just STARTING to review applications and would notify people by 2/2 if they are invited to oncampus weekend.  The idea that schools with a 12/1 deadline are just now starting to review is both a relief and super frustrating. 

Hey guys! I saw someone in the Sociology forum start a thread for interview advice and thought that would be a good idea to start here. This will be especially helpful as interview notifications start rolling in. For students that have attended campus interviews, participated in Skype interviews, or even just had phone call interviews, what did you do to prepare? What kinds of questions were you asked, and what kinds of questions did you ask? Any suggestions for hopeful applicants? 

Thank you! Same here! Also refreshing results search compulsively! I hope we both get in!!!