PokePsych

I'm so happy today - I managed to find a part-time job within 24 hrs of my relocation halfway around the world. Although the pay is far from great, I basically get paid for CHATTING WITH PEOPLE (this is my job description - chatting in English), and it's only an 8 minute walk from my house. Get paid to do my hobby lol. Plus any sort of pocket money is welcome atm so I can eat a lot of nice food haha. ^^,

Totally missed your reply! First of all - I did not mean to say your elitist if I gave you that impression. However, I've been in a similar situation in my Master's (already) as we had people who obviously had a 'stronger' undergrad degree than others. You're not going to be able to 'cancel' the competitive vibe that is present in most programs, simply because it is other's insecurity that fuels this. No matter how nice you are, people who feel like they have to prove themselves will go on and compete. The fact that you may give them advice may even increase these feelings of insecurity. It can be very intimidating to be around someone who seemed to have already figured things out. Everyone who's early on in grad school feels insecure in their skills and how they size up to others. It's all things that can be expected But also be mindful that someone may not have the idea that a PhD is not that different from a MA or so on. People have different ideas and expectations - it is up to them to figure out that its probably different.

Met all my Dec 1 deadlines :3 And flying halfway across the world tomorrow to be with my boyfriend and settle there until app results are out. Haven't seen him for nearly 2 months - missed him so bad And I also got invited to a part-time job interview there! Yaay!

What projects are you currently working on? And is there any other people in your department you may work with? Is it possible to do any 'side' projects with other staff members, maybe even from other departments? In this case, all I could advise is talk with your cohort, talk with someone in your program what is possible, and try to think of ways that you can fit your topics to some sort of 'valuable' direction. However, theoretical research is also extremely valuable, although the direct link may not always be obvious. Cog neuropscy folks (at least what I know from my friends) sometimes also end up in the medical sector if they go more in the clinical cog neuropsych direction. One of my friends is currently developing tests related to brain diseases, another one is doing something with fMRI research and Alzheimer I believe, and yet my close friend is doing something related to sleep research and trauma's. I think this is why it is important that you only apply to projects and schools you have a direct fit or feeling with. I'm applying to schools where I can work on topics as social class/social mobility/inequality/multiculturality from an institutional approach (kinda blend between sociology/psychology/anthropology). It means I only apply to 7 schools, but so be it.

You're 22. You're young. Don't rush big decisions in life! I'm 25 and applying for a PhD now. Most of my classmates in my Master's were around 28 - 29. You're fine. Realize that a PhD does not necessarily need to lead to a job in academics - explore other opportunities! As a social psych grad, I worked in consultancy last spring, although I wasn't happy in consultancy itself, their R&D departments are something I could see myself work (PhD would be helpful in landing a job there). I'm sure there must be things outside academics that you can do with a PhD in cognitive neuro. I'd take the one more year rather than rush into something else. What type of research would you be interested in doing? Or don't you like research in itself? I've had a love-hate relationship with it, also depending on whom I was working with (one amazing supervisor, one shit supervisor who I was never able to reach). Also - did you maybe have too high expectations for the PhD? Or was there something else you expected? And what does attract you to med school? Honestly it took me a long time to come to the conclusion research is what I wanted to do. I've lived abroad for a year, I've taken a bunch of applied classes, it took me a good 5 years to really figure out my true research interests.

Hi all, I'm actually a social psych student but I have a growing interest in sociology. Does anyone have any tips on essential papers, books, online lectures, etc. I can use to educate myself?? Or - list your favorite book/paper in sociology (or both). Thanks in advance

It varies per program - some require you to send it up front (I know for me 3 schools out of 4 did - others only care if you are accepted). Official is indeed the stamp/seal thing. In general, most schools will not ask you to convert things, but if you have to you should contact their office (unfortunately)

I completed 3 more apps. Although not 100% happy (I'm obsessing over my SOPs) still glad that its done and out of my system to say so

I'm so over this - I keep editing my statements and are never happy with them - to the point that I doubt a reader would even notice what I am changing. I keep second guessing myself. I hate it all.

My 'friend' who was supposed to proofread my SOPS but is too busy partying. Fuck you.

After the venting thread, stress, and other forms of despair I've seen at this forum - let's share something positive that happened to you today. I'll start. My mum bought me Ben & Jerry's ^^,

I'd certainly go for 2! But I think there is some confusion here - rather than 'write it like a story' - tell a story. Have a flow, have a narrative. That doesn't mean you have to write it overly flowery. Pick you past experiences wisely and relate them to your proposed research. I use a 'story' in my statement albeit it being written more like 2. I tell how my personal and academic journey have been intertwined for the last five years. How I got interested in cultural psych, moved abroad, which led me to formulate research questions X & Y (about 1/3 a page). How these questions led me back to grad school and what I learned there (that ismainly relevant to my proposed PhD topic). Then how I still have questions X & Y and develop them a bit more detailed. Then how this relates to prof X, and also relates to prof Y. Plus at uni X I can also learn certain skills and things. So next step in my journey should be head to uni X. That being said - I only tell a story that is highly relevant to my proposed line of research & work. I don't go on in depth about my experience (e.g., 'while the smile of kimchi prickled my nose, I watched ... No. I go 'I was observed X - which led me to develop question Y.) but mention how it informed my desire to do a PhD. 50% of my SOP covers my 'related' research experiences. About 35% is what I want to do in grad school and why that school and prof. Then 15% maybe this personal note. Use your space wisely. You're losing valuable space by style 1. The content should make it memorable, writing style can make it memorable for the wrong reasons. I'd also certainly refrain from things as 'your prestigious university' Another way to think about it is this. Let's say you're a prof and you have 10 applicants for 1 spot. Do you pick the person who talks about their bonsai tree or the person who discusses what skills he/she brings, what he/she wants to learn (and what you as prof have to offer), and provides some interesting ideas for your line of research?

You can ask the uni whether they receive them electronically or per mail. Electronically is a matter of a few days (max 4 I believe). Mail takes longer depending on the lcoation of the uni (US is faster than other countries) Contact the grad school offices if not sure. I had issues with my trancritps (one got soaked) and they were superOK with giving me a few days extra if I emailed them some unofficial things (scan of my official trasncripts - same goes for GRE)

I picked up all my transcripts and mailed them out by myself with the special code. Was more expensive but at least they all made it.

My uni only issues type 1, so don't think so

Just got robbed of the street of my phone (stolen out of my hand) chased the what-looked-like-a-16-year-old-girl screaming which made her drop it. Then the mum of the boys I babysit called that they got robbed of their bikes on the street during the Dutch version of trick or treat. They're 8 & 6 and traumatized. Wtf is happening to this world for real. (and best wishes from Amsterdam)

Well shit just happened because one of my grades disappeared from my transcript overnight and my school has been sending out the WRONG ones and I'm trying to move heaven and earth to fix it now. SOOOOOOOOOOO FRUSTRATED In the mean time my native speaker proofreaders are disagreeing on my SOPs on many things :') Hopefully get it all done by the end of this week so my references have time to upload their stuff. And the more I read my SOPs the more retarded I think they are. My writing sample is 14 pages; including title page, abstract, 7 pages of proposal, and the remainder being references. It's a proposal I wrote for one of my classes that is relevant for all the programs I'm applying to (some more than others; but still relevant) and shows I know the field so I'm pretty OK with it.

I'm not sure if the second master would be very helpful. I'd personally go for lab experience in cog psy/science and find a good mentor for a year or so in this field - it's important for a PhD anyway. Although research methods and theory between soc & cog is different, there are also numerous ways in which they overlap.

I can second that love comes at unexpected times. I met my boyfriend of 4.5 years when I traveled to his country for well-travelling. We met through an online community platform (I couldnt read Korean at the time, so meeting someone for lunch and chatting seemed a good idea). Fell in love as soon as he opened his mouth (he has a really nice voice) when he came down the stairs in the subway station where we were supposed to meet. I was not looking for love at all, I was about to finish undergrad and had big plans (that later turned out to be impossible due to my 3-year undergrad which is common in my country), plus long-idstance and cultural differences. Well.. turns out I just still like him more each day.

All I can say is it is going to be OK and you will grow stronger out of it. I've moved half way across the world to a country I didn't even speak the language and it's been the best decision I've ever made. I'm moving again in a year to a country I probably haven't even been before or at least a city I haven't been before. Works for me. Adventurs are fun. There are people that you'll click with everywhere. Join a club, go on meetup.com, focus on what you gain from the move. The eventual challenges will become struggles, they won't be fun. But- speaking from experience - that will pass too. Enjoy!

You have learned the lesson not to compare yourself. This is something others are still in need of learning. To be someone who has overcome hardships and succeeded (I can relate) is even more intimidating because others may not be sure if they can power through that. Your empowerment and OWNING your weaknesses and being open to them - that's not something everyone is willing and able to do. I mean, there's a reason why people say that showing/acknowledging your weaknesses is a strength. There will always be jealous/envious people, no matter how you do. People may feel jealous of where you live/how you look/that you were able to do X/that you are more talented for Y. It's their choice to compare. If they want to see you as a 'star' - that is not a perception you can really change nor should try to. One thing I will tell you - being also someone who has struggled with mental health and having faced similar things - you will always be seen as different, simply because you're open about your past and insecurities and embrace it as something that has made you stronger. How many people do you know who are open about those things for real - while overcoming them and succeeding? From what I've seen from this forum - you seem like a great person. An empowered person. And obviously someone who has worries too. Yet, your worries don't seem to bring you down. Maybe that's intimidating. Again, in some ways I can relate as except for my close others nobody sees my meltdowns, they don't get why I am insecure about my career or research (I'm the overachiever in my year, plus people are always hating on how well I get along with my supervisor - I can't help it we enjoy the same jokes and have a similar style of thinking), and so on. Stay true to yourself Adelaide96. Block the negative people out your life, especially if you don't owe them anything nor are close to you. You don't need haters or people who want to bring you down - why torture yourself with that. Never feel guilty at succeeding by working hard (only feel bad if you throw others under the bus or play things dirty - if not, you earned it). Be open to helping and supporting others who are OPEN to that as well - and wait for those who are not yet to be ready. Don't feel bad for living up to your potential, you are making it happen - if you were not working hard for it, those things wouldn't come to you. Be grateful for all the opportunities you get and show you are grateful. This is your life, and you're living it for yourself - not to make others feel better about themselves. I know life is short (my dad passed away very young - so I know how this thought is extremely motivating to make the most of everything you do), so don't waste time on things that are negative. Yes they hurt, I know. And it's ok to feel bad about them and when people hurt you or exclude you, but don't let those people get under your skin. Keep doing thigns that make you happy! If it is working hard and science (like it is for me) - keep doing that. Your happiness is only yours to create.

Nobody ever looked more smart from ad hominem attacks such as questioning peoples maturity.

I'm so over this.... I'm done with myt atements, but all the documentation is horrible and how every school wants it to be scanned in a different way etc.

I'm nmaing theories/frameworks that I"m attracted to - not the actual researchers. Especially if they overlap. It also shows I have knowledge on my topic (I hope).

At this point I'm actually most interested in the 'criminal's' (quotation marks on purpose) defense. Always two sides to a story.