[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

I'm curious to know if the person who withdrew their application from Portland State is on here? Were you invited to the Visitor's Day?

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

3 hours ago, ArmyPsy said:

Just so you guys know, visitors day is going to be on march 2nd and 3rd. What have you been told about "visitors day"? I'm not sure what to expect..

I haven't heard much other than it sounds informal. Is it two days? It had sounded like just one at one point. I haven't gotten enough definitive info to be able tell. If I do get an invite, I actually won't make it to the actual day/weekend but have talked to my POI about arranging an individual, alternate visiting day instead (if I get an invite, that is). All I know is that they are only inviting as many people as they can accept, and will either subsequently extend offers to those people or to someone who wasn't invited but is on the "short list".

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

2 minutes ago, Nervously_waiting said:

Ugh! Stress and anticipation is killing me! I am keeping my fingers crossed! Best of luck to you and hopefully we both get fantastic news!

Let me know if you hear anything and I'll do the same! I'm ready to be put out of my misery. I hope the department decides soon...

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

1 minute ago, Nervously_waiting said:

Hi!

Yes we have talked. Thanks for the info! I spoke with her last Friday and all she said is that she will let me know when the invite goes out for visitors day. Not feeling too good now since you said she already has a first choice. :/

I don't know if she has notified whoever has the first slot, though. She said they are still prepping invites, and I bet they will go out all at once. She will know about the next slot within a week or so she said, and I'm guessing at that point the department will have everything more in order and they can send out invites. Very nerve wracking...

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

2 hours ago, Nervously_waiting said:

Hello!

I saw someone posted in the results section for Portland State that they were waitlisted for the Applied Social and Community Psych program. I was wondering if you would telling me who your POI is? Thank you!

That wasn't me, but I can tell you that the department had their meeting on Friday. We talked before didn't we? Don't we have the same POI? I can say that our POI has already figured out a first slot invite, and is trying to get a second slot to invite another student but isn't sure yet if it will come through.

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

3 hours ago, MyDogHasAPhD said:

U of Rochester made admissions decisions this morning. 

Rejected due to funding. At least it wasn't because I am a total failure, which has been confirmed elsewhere. LOL. Sorry--I am having one of the down days in this perpetual cycle of optimism and pessimism! 

We all have those days! So sorry to hear about the rejection, but keep positive about your other prospects!

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

4 hours ago, marsbars said:

 

Also, anyone who said that they were rejected from Iowa-- did you get a formal rejection letter/e-mail, or is it an assumed rejection?

I didn't get anything formal myself, just an email response that said I wasn't invited to interview. I'm not sure what that means department wise...

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

2 hours ago, Nervously_waiting said:

 Besides receiving the skype interview invite, has anyone heard back from Portland State? I interviewed but I haven't heard anything since!

I have ongoing contact with my POI at Portland and I am expecting an email back about the timeline for the department decision on visitor's weekend. I think depending on your POI, they will tell you themselves at some point (one person got an invite at the end of an interview) and the others will wait until the department has had its meeting. Which, as far as I know, hasn't happened. Unless they had it Friday or something. And if it indeed hasn't, I think it will happen this week in order to give ample notice for the weekend at the end of this month. 

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

3 minutes ago, constantlyfretting said:

Wow, you managed to summarize the two conversations I had with professors about this whole thing in one paragraph. Hardly babble if you ask me. Thanks for the response. I think you're probably right, I will find out more during the actual interview itself. 

 

Good luck on your interview!  I hope it goes well.

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

23 hours ago, constantlyfretting said:

I just got my first positive contact, a phone interview request from Baylor! Honestly, I expected to be rejected immediately so this is a huge surprise.

It was kind of odd though, as the person who contacted me wasn't one of my POIs. I guess they might be part of a committee or something. Has anyone else encountered this? 

Good luck and positive vibes to all of y'all!

I have gotten contacted by someone who was not my POI, but it was someone who was actually interested in being my advisor in the program. They had seen my application and saw it as a good fit for their future research tracks. However, it really depends on the school. Did this person specify anything in the request for the interview about why they themselves would be interviewing you? I have heard of some schools interviewing as a department and in such a case anyone could interview any applicant, and I'm sure they have a system of appointing who gets to interview who. But mostly what I have heard of is that the POI will contact the student directly in order to see if they would be a good fit interpersonally and how they translate off paper, etc. and then they make the recommendation to the department who decides as a whole. I think that professors have varying levels of ability to accept students after their applications have trickled through the hierarchy of the department, though, because some just say "I'm accepting this student".

Overall, after all that babble, it could really mean a few different things in terms why they are interviewing you.

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

16 hours ago, MyDogHasAPhD said:

I agree with a lot of this. Personally, I have been looking at programs not necessarily in terms of rating, but how well prepared I am going to be for life outside of academia, as well as for tenure track positions. Given the future of tenure track jobs (or lack thereof), I have found myself wanting to prepare for the worst and looking at stats sequences and methodology courses and weighing in what preparation I would get for non-academic positions when applying to schools. Obviously tenure track academic positions are ideal, but these student loans aren't paying themselves.... oy. 

I think it's important what you said, about being prepared for non-academic positions. There are actually a lot of possible jobs for PhDs in Psychology outside of just teaching at a university (although that is where I most likely see myself ending up). I also like what @ForeverJung said about making your own destiny. What I've been most concerned about is getting into a program where I don't feel like the research is the best fit and I will be forcing myself to finish it, not driven out of passion for what I am doing, but driven out of need to just get it over with. Stop the torture. The programs are so long. I mean, we are talking about spending 5 or 6 years of our lives dedicated to this. It scares me when I read about people hating their thesis and dissertation topics and crying when they look at them. I think these issues will definitely come to play when trying to weigh different programs - the preparation for certain jobs, as well as what can I do with this program and the research? I think perhaps if we work really hard and our passion for what we are doing really shows through during the process, even at a lower ranking school, we must be able to have enough successes to put us in a good position upon graduation....right??? 

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

2 minutes ago, selfservingbias said:

I did not. As far as I know, they don't do interviews.... I could be wrong about this though. I'm nervous to hear back from this one. It's a reach for me (low GRE quant), so I don't have very high hopes  

 

Best of luck to you! 

Best of luck to you as well! If you hear something (anything at all!) Please let me know! That would be a dream program and I had already written it off thinking it was too late to hear anything. You've gotten my heart racing with nerves 

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

Curious about how you all think of this: How important is the rank of a program to you?

For instance, if a program isn't highly ranked, but the research is a really great fit for you, does that negate the fact?

Is research fit more important, or the status going to a top 20 program more important?

Is a PhD from a lower ranking program better than no PhD at all?

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

5 hours ago, selfservingbias said:

Also, if there are any applicants to UMich's joint Psych and Women's Studies program (I'm fairly sure I saw someone post about it at some point), I talked to someone today who said acceptances and rejections will be going out either this week or next! Ah! 

Did you interview for this program? I also applied, but I haven't heard a peep from that one.

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

8 hours ago, Phd2b18 said:

Congratulations on the skype interview, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Thank you! That surely is an accurate reference for where we are in the process 

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

4 minutes ago, soccerplaya said:

Heh I got a personal email from UC Davis's coordinator basically telling me "just FYI you're not invited to the interview weekend. But...we will be 'making decisions' in the next few weeks regarding acceptances." I thought it was quirky that they didn't just outright say I was waitlisted, like I've heard from some programs.

It is interesting how each program approaches that. I just got my wait list email from KU and the director was very clear about what everything means, spelled it all out, that it is a "wait list" and that I am still in the running and that I should let them know any changes in my interest in their program. But Iowa was just like, "you aren't invited to an interview". Done. Over. I don't know about you, but the overall feeling of uncertainty on their part does nothing whatsoever to relieve my own or give me a better feeling of my standing.

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

3 minutes ago, marsbars said:

How did you get the e-mail??? Was it from a POI,or did you contact them? I'm nervous that i'll get a rejection  

 

Also, Im sorry you weren't invited- I really hope that you get good news!! Plus, you could be on the short list for wait list ?

I decided on emailing the program coordinator rather my POIs. She never mentioned a wait list but I guess that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Or perhaps they haven't finished up organizing all of the tiers of their applicants?

Hopefully you get good news from them! Like I said, it sounds like it is coming soon. When I emailed the U of North Dakota they said they were finishing their list and then would be emailing within 2 or 3 days. I assume that Iowa will move the process just as quickly. 

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

For any of us waiting on U of Iowa....I got an email this morning informing me that they have just narrowed down a short list of who to invite for interviews. It sounds like invites should go out soon - within a week perhaps? I was told that I wasn't on that list, though. Not sure how I feel about that. This is the first program that has alluded to my rejection, but I kind of don't care 

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

2 hours ago, Blackwater said:

Thanks for this information! I'm concerned they are inviting so many people for so few spots though. 

 

That's what my immediate response was when I was told this. It sounds like a very nerve-wracking way to interview and I wonder how they expect the people who attend to react to such numbers.

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

Update for Rutgers: Just finished a Skype interview with a different possible mentor at Rutgers. It wasn't my original POI but it went well! I was informed that the committee should be meeting soon and it sounded like invites for their weekend will go out by end of next week. Interview weekend will be the 24th. They are admitting approx 4 students, and interviewing probably 20 on-campus. 

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

13 minutes ago, canessa said:

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.

This is such great advice! Thanks for taking the time to outline all of that!

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

I saw in the results that someone got a waitlist email from KU? I still haven't heard crap and it's driving me nuts! Has anyone heard anything about interviews or acceptances??

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

Has anyone heard anything at all from Stony Brook? I feel like I haven't seen anyone mention them or post anything in the results.

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

1 hour ago, psycho.logical said:

Hello guys,
Its really nice to meet you all, and its reassuring to know that you are not alone. I applied for 9 Programs, of which 7 are in the US. Funny thing is they issued a Visa restriction on Iran yesterday, so Im not sure I would be able to enter the country even if I get an offer! 
I have only got one rejection from U of Michigan... which to me had an "It's not you... its me" kind of undertone  
Haven't heard anything else from the other schools... Pfffff

 

Ugh, that Visa ban...

Aside from that, good vibes coming your way to start hearing more news (hopefully good news). Every day I play the waiting game is one more day closer to insanity. 

Glad to have you join the board though! It certainly helps to talk and support each other. Welcome!

[Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants]

4 hours ago, MyDogHasAPhD said:

Rejected from Albany. Seems as if they sent out acceptances already. POI emailed me following my inquiry. This one stings.. bad. It was a top choice for me. The curse of the GRE strikes again.

Ugh, so sorry to hear! Hopefully the next news will be good news...