Ternwild

Thanks, I should have applied to a masters program sooner, I just didn't want to have to pay for more schooling. But, if this is what I have to do to make my F20 application more appealing, then so be it. As for your issue, I suggest asking the admissions committee for advice on what you can work on. The truth is, as an international student, it is difficult because you're competing against Chinese and Indian students who often have near perfect GRE scores and are tops of their class, in most cases. The cost of bringing on an international student is great and they are reluctant to bring anything but the best their money can buy. What I might recommend (and I hope some other people in this forum can help with it) focus on your struggles growing up in Mexico and the challenges you had to overcome to get where you are, in your SOP. Appeal to the more human side and reach for that diversity genre in admissions.

To be clear, this doesn't just apply to not getting into any university. If you didn't get into your "dream" school or universities you wanted to, what are some things you learned and could have done better? Also, will you be reapplying?

Once every month and a half isn't aggressive. I mean, unless you're aggressive in the things you say.

I mean, if they are very annoyed by you and bothered by your insistence, I feel it would certainly reflect on your waitlist standing. It certainly would if I was the admissions chair.

Thank you. It is only a Master's program, but I'll take it. Better than nothing. But, look at you with your 4 acceptances!

I'd argue that's a neutral sign. It means the POI doesn't know and can't do much about it.

Good luck!

Nope, it isn't. Many people have different points of contact. I wouldn't think too much into it. ? Just contact them and get yourself more information. You are entitled to know, afterall.

That is simply the timeline agreed upon on US universities. That said, you are absolutely in your right to email/call the department you're waitlisted on and find out when their deadline is, plus you're able to ask when you're likely to hear back.

Most programs (nationally) provide the option to decide until April 15th. Some programs differ, but for the most part this is what universities have agreed upon. You will likely have all the way until, if not slightly past, that time to hear back.

This is a bit of an outlier in terms of your tech startup. I don't believe tech startups are really the field you got your degrees in. That's more of an ambition thing. But, correct me if I'm wrong.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me a bit about Eugene, OR. I've never been there and am curious about things such as where are nice places to live? What are some fun outdoor things to do? What are some downsides to Eugene? Things change a lot in 10 years. So, any updated information would be great. ?

Thanks. Hopefully this MS will help me in applying for PhDs and I might actually be competitive this time >_>. I should have applied to Masters programs last year. =/

Forget rank. Rank is all about ego, really. Unless you're hoping to be in academia. For professorship, it is all about what school you went to. But, your research is most important. Companies don't care about your school, but rather how good your experience is. If you school was the only thing that mattered, hardly anyone would have a job unless they went to Harvard or CalTech. If it is a pride thing, just swallow your pride and get into the school that is clearly the right fit for you! ?

Well, that raises the question: what is more important to you? Is the name of the university on your degree more important or is your partner? I think the answer is different for everyone. But ask yourself, what if you died while in graduate school? Would it have been worth it? Important questions to ask yourself for anyone considering going into university together with a partner or separate for their careers.

You communicate to them exactly like that. Except for the last part. Programs are actually pretty good at working with those admitted, but not all universities offer deferred time.

It is possible that the POI has already accepted another student and is just ghosting you. Or that professor is bogged down like crazy with all their academic requirements and just hasn't had time to review your packet and decide. Either way, they should of responded. That said, call them. Before you jump ship, call the department and find out more information. Emails can get lost in the waste land. Call, call, and call. Speak to a real person. I get it, calling from Europe is expensive and troublesome, but it is worth it if you get the answers you need.

Most of us are often humbled by our shortcomings during a graduate school application cycle. We often learn a lot about the weaknesses of our applications that we never saw when applied back in December with stars in our eyes. So, to your future self and the future applicants, what have you learned? What more could you have done to make yourself more competitive aside from the usual "I should have gotten a 4.0," "I should have gotten a LOR from Obama (Thanks, Obama!)," etc. etc.. What are some realistic things you could do to make your application more competitive if you apply again next year? What things did you do that you feel helped? I'll start: 1. I learned that my SOP spent too much time making excuses for my shortcomings than focusing on my strengths. After rewriting my SOP, toward the end of my application cycle, the universities I applied to started interviewing me. 2. I think I need to work a bit harder on raising my Quantitative score over 160-165. It looks like the quantitative score is seemingly much more important than I gave it credit for. Which seems obvious now, but at the time I was more concerned about the Subject GRE, spending my whole year raising my Subject GRE score 110 pts, which didn't make a significant difference. 3. I learned that if you have spent too much time out of academic work, simply having a job in your field doesn't help you. You need to consider jobs that can expand your research interests and searching for R&D positions is a good start. Though, I acknowledge avoiding living out of your car is important, too. 4. On a closer note to #3, if you feel your application is a bit weak and you aren't able find work in your field, I learned that applying to and doing a Master's program may help your application (plus they're easier to get into). Why? Expand your research and you are able to prove to grad committees that you can succeed in a graduate environment. I'm sure I'll think of more, but I'll add them later, as I do. ?

No. January was almost 2 months ago. You are welcome to email the POI and check on the status, though there is not much they can do to tip the balance at this point.

Thanks. You as well! Though your signature is quite confusing to follow...xD

I think what @Sigaba , in their usually rude fashion, is trying to suggest is that the health insurance for each university differs. My friend goes to UCSC and they offer dental, vision, and mental health. I'm sure each program varies depending on the funding that university has to provide for health care, but, yes, some universities offer dental and vision.

Thanks! Though I don't anticipate any more. It's like I said, if only I could get a university to interview me, I can get in on charisma, alone. >_<

Hmmm...I was napping >_>

Ouch. That's rough. No, that hasn't happened to me, but thank you for making me self-conscious about it, now.