PokePsych

Columbia has a membership thing. I think you cannot even enter most buildings without a student or 'community' (e.g., family/spouse) pass. You can probably email them about this though.

Columbia U (in NY) has already sent out its invites a while back.

email - and probably some reviewer was late or something. It's fine to inquiry particularly if they have given you a time.

Note that good PhDs tend to be funded (teaching assistants/research assistants/fellowship, Masters generally are not. PhDs are harder to get into though for that reason. And then theres the PsyD.

Is there any specific reason why you want to do a Masters?

I think before deciding on clinical/developmental. Do you want to be a clinician? If yes, know that this is the hardesr area to get accepted in and not a certainty. You would probably need a lot more than a masters for that area. Be certain about the questions you like to answer (i.e. research interest), including theoretical approaches. This will probably require a lot of reading, but I would definitely work that out before committing to anything

I think the thesis/disseration question is partly a gauge of fit, an understanding of that you know what research is about and whether you have reasonable expectations. Don't mind it that much because it's not like you ACTUALLY have to do that project. Be yourself also because you want to work with someone who likes YOU for who you are. Fit goes both ways.

That's natural (: But don't make yourself crazy. Schools know this can happen. Profs now this can happen. All it says is that you're a desirable candidate, so any person common second will feel validated

What your current mentor says. Academics should know how to navigate this a ton better than people on an online forum.

Also if you are in the US/North America there is usually a writing center. But they are not always good with the specific expectations of specific fields. Note that style can also be journal specific. You should always write with your audience in mind. A science paper is different from a managament journal. And both are different from a psych journal. But my research could be submitted in all. But its easier to edit.

Although this is not common; I missed the mass email and interview week, my PIs invitee turned out to be a shitty person, had the online interviews (mind, I was halfway across the world), got waitlisted (guess pretty high), and still made it in (was my top choice)

And just to chip in - having the other school know that there are multiple interviews is NOT necessarily a bad thing. It partly validates that they were right to invite you because you were obviously a good candidate.

> order/bullet point before you write. Outline what you want to write. Don't go in blind and just think it comes to you. This is probably the most critical step > Editing is normal and expected. First drafts always suck. That is NORMAL > A first edit should therefore not be perfect. Rather, get your thoughts on paper in a logical order. Then make them 'pretty' > Writing takes TIME > Good writing takes FEEDBACK > Structure. Structure. Structure. What order of 'arguments' or 'evidence' makes most sense? > Make sure that there are transitions! > Vary in sentence length. Do not vary too much in word choice, particularly with regard to your central topic (in that you should use consistent terminology). Thesaurus is fun, but tempting. > EXPLAIN terminology (at least for social science papers). People do not always mean the same by the same terms. > pay attention to how your favorite papers are written. It will tell a lot. It may also give you ideas on how you *should* structure your papers > I personally take blocks of time to write since I really need to focus and emerge, some people prefer to write a little bit each day. What works for each person varies. There are a lot of books available on writing, but most of all it really takes practice and feedback. Figuring out your style and voice also is a matter of time. It's not something you can learn in just a day, its something that takes effort. However, even 'poorly' written papers can become good with good feedback.

Yes it's fine to send a thank you email. ALSO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE QUESTIONS TO ASK. know your needs too. It also makes you come across as prepared. Ask things about the participant pool. Ask things about the if you have access to RAs. General lab culture (e.g., are people friendly, collaborate, etc.)

For those applying to Michigan - they don't do formal interviews. They accept you I think and then invite you for the visitng day. Or that was what it was in previous years. (POIs may do of course unofficial interviews).

Are you sure they are formal. I was in a similar situation last year. 2 out of 3 just turned out to be chatting with on prof going on about this lengthy story about one of his trips.

I think this depends on the field too. SPSP (social psychology) recently did a review of this. It also really matters WHICH journal you publish in. Then there's the whole thing does your line of work fit with the department (as does your teaching statement, diversity statemetn, etc.), coherence, etc.

buisness casual. A jeans may be pushing, it but also no need to come in a full suit. Last year (female) I just worry a dressy pant, nice shirt and nice cardigan with modest jewelry. I would avoid very bright colors too.

I think it really depends on the person's role. Like I came a bit early and stayed a bit longer, but just stayed with my friend the day not covered and spend time with her. I also don't think its weird to travel with someone else who is going to that directly (even common if you know what person), although you wouldn't be able to ask the university for accomodation for your friend or a flight (i.e., if youre in a hotel, you'll probably room with someone). You should however not involve him/her in any university related events. It's really a sort of interview-like experience (partly). University tries to recruit you, while simultaneously evaluating whether they want to spend money on you (because thats what it is).

Could also be because I am an international student. Don't know. I wouldn't stress too much about it. Late interviews can also mean that you are making it of the waitlist

I do think this is true though. I had my interview invite (Skype) in early Feb

No. some schools also don't look at applications till after winterbrea.

> Be professional and prepared. Don't make inappropriate jokes, don't discuss things like politics (particularly if you are very conservative, psych is a liberal stronghold...), don't act sexist (the last two I've seen happen). Dress the part, but don't worry about it too much, you will not be judged on your outfit unless it is very misplaced. > Be prepared to talk about the topics you are interested in, maybe a recent paper that came out, your work style, your strengths, etc. >Obviously read some things about the PIs research, but also see what his/her grad students are doing. You will probably spend quite some time with grad students and they can also make or break you (if they really dislike you) - and may be your future collaborators. It doesn't mean you have to be super extrovert, but do take time for people during lunch break etc. > Although you want to let the school know you are interested in them, no need to be tooooooo enchanted > Do not talk bad about other people/schools, this is unprofessional. Also make sure you have questions to ask; what do you want to know about the school? PI (work style etc.)? It is also a way for you to show that you understand what graduate school is about. It is as much an opportunity for you to interview them as it is for them to interview you

I didn't hear back till mid Feb.... My uni hasn't held 'the meeting' yet too.

never did, PI didnt reply to my feeler email, and still got in (he was my nr 1 choice)