TammyTams

A couple of weeks back I was sure I was destined to be completely shut out, now I'm on half of the waiting lists of schools I applied to. So basically Im sort on feeling good, sort of feeling like hot trash. Like wow...youre almost there but not quite. What a feeling.

You're completely right! They probably get 200 applications who all of course say "Youre my top choice", so simply stating "You're my #1" falls short on *why* just exactly they are. I would say towards the end of your app to answer exactly that: WHY they stood out enough for you to apply. I usually list at least 3 serious & in-depth things about the program that I believe fits my interests, work experiences and/or education and explain the connection so they can read just WHY they are important to me (by serious and in-depth, I mean not that you 'love Miami' but instead maybe the location has a diverse population which would equate to a diverse data set if you're applying to a research program w/interests in culture. Something serious and applicable) . This already tells them that your viewing them highly and professionally w/o sounding typical. Also, of course don't forget to also demonstrate how well you believe you would fit into the program, as well as your interests! Good luck!!!

My top choice placed me on their alternate interview list and I was wondering if anyone knew if it was common for the alternate list to be used?? I've asked this question before and received indirect answers where people ask me about the school's popularity (The school is not a Top 50 program. I'm sure the max of applications they receive are significantly smaller than Yale, or Berkeley). As this choice is my top choice, I'm super worried about not getting a chance to at least interview and say I gave it my best shot.

Small. Background: I'm from DC and lived in Philly for a bit (I'm trying to hint at I'm used to living in the city and that this post might come off as snooty but I'm just being honest :/ ). I got accepted to a PhD program at UofOregon and decided to give the state of Oregon a visit. A friend and I drove through Corvallis from Eugene as we were heading to the coast (because there's straight shot highway that's a 50 mile stretch in between the two campuses) and we both agreed that Corvallis was.....boring. Like extremely boring and I don't think the overcast weather helps it's case. It's a small town and the university is extremely bland (especially after seeing how gorgeous UofO's campus was)/all brick buildings which leaves the campus looking a little like a Community-College. I remember there not being anything of excitement as we drove through the campus/city (I'm lying, I think they had JUST opened a Dutch Bros) except the fact that the stadium was smack dab on campus and people seemed to really love beeping my city driving skills lol There were lots of middle class homes, a decent looking shopping center (I think...). Other than that we didn't see anything of note. We drove away joking that it was good I didn't apply there instead. BUT, as previous posters mentioned, Oregon is GORGEOUS and there really is a lot to do in Oregon if you're ok w/a 30 min-2hr drive or into nature! Also, despite being turned off by Corvallis and OSU, OSU seems far more personable and inclusive than other local schools! I have my opinion of Corvallis but Oregon isn't TOO expensive to visit and it's so gorgeous in the State that even if you visit Corvallis and hate it, you'll be happy you got to view the wonders of Oregon

^I was told to get a Masters simply to improve my chances of getting into a PhD program *because* my GPA was too low. Getting a Masters has helped at least put me into the waitlist lane instead of flat out rejected. So if you're grades are subpar or your GRE scores just aren't it, I'd definitely apply for a Masters (which is also, waaaaaaay easier to get into). If not, save your time and go for a PhD.

Graduate Institution: Drexel University "Major": Family Therapy, concentration in Cultural Competency GPA: 3.71 Undergrad Institution: West Virginia (is the best Virginia) UniversityMajor(s): Child Development and Family StudiesMinor(s): Psychology, SpanishGPA in Major: 3.2Overall GPA: 2.71Position in Class: N/AType of Student: Domestic, FemaleGRE Scores (revised/old version):Q: 137V: 146W: 3.5B: N/ATOEFL Total: N/AResearch Experience: WVU in Educational Psychology lab. Presented poster in Research Forum, awarded best in Undergraduate Research, Literature ReviewsAwards/Honors/Recognitions: Best in Undergraduate Research Pertinent Activities or Jobs: 3 years and counting working as a therapist in Mental Health w/in Psychiatric Hospital setting and outpatient.Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:Special Bonus Points: Three well-known therapists (published articles, global conferences, published books and theories, as well as director of program) and my Research advisor submitted LORs in my favorAny Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: Currently a licensed therapist, probably more but I hate feeling like I'm bragging :/Applying to Where:Ole Miss - Clinical Psych - Cultural and Environmental (Already rejected, womp...who wants to live in Mississippi, anyway? lol :/)Utah State - Clinical/Counseling Psych - Cultural (Waitlisted as interview alternate)Seattle Pacific - Clinical Psych - Adolescent Mental Health Michigan State- Human Development and Family Studies- Lifespan Human Development and Family Diversity Oklahoma State- Counseling Psych- Multicultural Training/Competency UC, Santa Cruz-Social Psych- Cultural Competency USC- Clinical Science- Cultural Competency 100% sure my only saving grace is my experience and research because the only thing my GRE proves is that I was breathing during the exam.

Hey! What schools did you apply too, if you don't mind me asking!

Sorry for talking right past your question but usually the online portal (that you may have to set up via a link once the school processes your submitted application) will update you once they receive your GRE from ETS. BUT there were two schools I did have to email after a few weeks bc the portal SWORE they had yet to receive my scores and after a few emails to the department they were able to find the scores. So yes, if you notice there is something that is still not logged on the online portal, despite having sent it weeks ago, email them bc chances are it's laying around in the office unnoticed. Hopefully I answered your question this time!

Hey guys! By the grace of Michael Jackson my apps are all finally complete (Soooo much anxiety up until the last recommendation was submitted...late...today...at 3:37pm). This is my second round applying to PhD programs and I've definitely become more flexible in choosing programs and more specific in my interests. Regardless of what I learned from my first round of applications, I'm terrified. Luckily my job keeps me busy 95% of the time from 8am -4:45pm, so I haven't been able to check my phone 767 times a day....but whenever I take the slightest break, I think about it and check the results page to tear up over folks receiving interviews. Currently, Im applying to an assortment of Clinical & Clinical/Counseling programs, such as (ranked): Utah State, Seattle Pacific, Michigan State, Ole Miss, USC, UCSC and Oklahoma State. I'm praying at least one gives me a chance to interview, especially having no-such luck last year. I honestly can't imagine applying to PhD programs after this...too expensive and waaaay too painful. I'm happy for all of my friends from my Masters program that were accepted into PhD programs last yr but having to endure them asking me why I didn't receive any interviews was too much...I can't take another year of that :/

Depends on the school! A few of the schools I applied too (they were much smaller programs btw) sent out weekly this-is-what-youre-missing emails but I'm pretty sure they're automatically done by the system. I did notice that the larger, more popular schools did not. Regardless, most schools leave it up to you to send everything in and follow-up via email if something is missing (1. Thats unless they tell you to not email them, then don't. OK State flat out posts a notice saying they won't answer emails and 2. Just last week I had to email a department to hunt down my GRE scores. It took 2 days for them to find them but if I didn't follow up then I probably wouldn't have been considered this round.)

So the program I am most interested in states on their "Criteria for Applicants" page that they are willing to overlook their GRE "requirement for at least 40% minimum" if an applicant is exceptional in other areas. This is for a Counseling-Clinical Psych program and luckily I've been working as a therapist and have research experience, a great GPA and (hopefully) great LORs. But, as someone with super low Q scores and V & A scores that meet the minimum or close, I'm nervous. Mainly because the Graduate department website states you MUST meet their minimum of 40%, unless the program requires a portfolio or something else in place. I feel like I received two different answers in regards to GRE scores. Does this mean anything or am I staring at website too hard? Also, I noticed one poster suggesting that funding and GRE scores were correlated. Is this true (I'm prob on the wrong page for this)???

I'm probably the 1,766th person to say it but...I am so nervous about this rounds of apps. This is my second time applying to PhD programs. Last year was a waste of money and time but I've learned from the majority of my mistakes. I'm just terrified I won't get the chance to interview and prove myself and then boom...years later, I'll still be applying. Meaaaaanwhile, I have associates who just wanted the 'doctor' title and not do the actual work. They got into programs just to flunk out the first quarter. Both of them. Those are sacred spots in PhD programs that other, SERIOUS people could've been in. I just need a chance to prove myself and sadly within a few weeks that chance may come or go :/ I hope the professors I contacted were genuinely interested back and not just having conversation just to have it. I really want this and I'm praying they look past my poor GRE scores and see how much of a great applicant I am... I'm pretty sure this is everyone's story, which is why I'm wishing everyone the best, as well!! Aside from my tear-fest, I'm annoyed as hell at one of my LORs who said he would do my letters by the due date...THE DUE DATE HAS PASSED AND HE'S DECIDED TO SKIP TOWN ACCORDING TO HIS AUTOMATIC REPLY (WTF). I get angrier each time I think about it...

You're completely right. I'll send my other reference an email tonight! Thank you for the push!!

I think I read it in the wrong tone of voice lol Woops!

I was debating this but I'm unable to change my recommendations because the application has closed. I also debated emailing my other recommender to submit via email to the department but I almost feel as if I've asked him for too much (I've also recently used him for job recommendations) and Im afraid to ask for anything else :/ so I may wait it out until Monday and if there's no response then email my other recommender...I just wish I didn't have to worry about this.

Yikes, I can't tell if that was shade or not but people do get into programs with low GRE scores. My scores were a little higher than the previous poster but I side stepped my way into a Masters Psych program at a school people say "Wow!" to every time I mention it. I think a lot of people get into Graduate school with low GREs, people just don't talk about it as much because of the shaming that comes with it. Try to be nice to your fellow posters...we all have different stories getting to where we are!

I agree with this. Last year I applied to about 10 PhD programs and WASTED TIME AND MONEY. My GRE scores weren't competitive and for some reason I decided to apply to all of the hottest Clinical Psych programs -__________________- I miss that money so much. They all rejected me, except Oregon....and even they wanted to put me into their Masters program, instead of PhD...I already HAVE my Masters. Your scores are not the worst, but I would recommend looking into less popular schools (you can gauge this by looking at their Student Admissions and Outcome Statistics to see how many people applied and how many were admitted) and/or schools that boast of looking at applicants "holistically". Regardless, in the case of applying to "holistic" programs, the rest of your application should make you look like Oprah, or at least Iyanla Vanzant!

1) I hope he happens to scroll this site daily, reads this and can't even swallow from embarrassment and regret. I would've killed (not really killed, but you get my point) to have been in his position and had someone from the department reach out to me. 2) As spiteful as it sounds, he does not sound like someone you would want in your program and I would let the other professors know of his arrogance (they can deal with him as they please but there's already enough arrogance to go around in Graduate programs). I've worked with too many arrogant people in graduate school to keep count and they drove everyone on staff and in-cohort CRAZY. For instance, in my cohort, we had a girl who was blatantly racist and unapologetic in class and in practicum. She was eventually dismissed because the program wanted to save their image, but many of my classmates whom group-interviewed with her recalled her saying some problematic things even during the interview. Yet, our program directors ignored the warning signs because she was, in fact, very intelligent! In another case, I interned at a Psych hospital during my grad studies and on our team we had a resident doctor with ZERO ability to talk to the kids (WHOM HAVE SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESSES) without bursting into full arguments with them, consistently insulting other employees (employees he was working UNDER at that), and attempting to assume the role of head doctor (IN the head doctor's presence!). It ended with our team Psychiatrist speaking to the Director to have him removed from our unit. So repeat, if you are able to catch one of these people early on, DO SO. Too many arrogant, prejudiced jerks, whom have no ability to communicate in their field or consider others slip through the cracks just because they're pretty on paper and can hold it together for a 30 minute interview...and you've managed to catch one! Save the universe one last jerk and put the word out on him. There are plenty of other wonderful, well-rounded applicants in the sea.

Probably should just make a blog but I am so frustrated with one particular LOR. This is my second round of applying for a PhD, so I was smart enough to submit 4 LORs but for some schools they limit you to only 3. The irony in this is that the two programs I am most interested in are the programs that are limiting LORs to 3...and guess what? My third LOR has officially missed the due date. This would be no big deal if I hadn't reminded him last Friday of the due date and it wouldn't sting so bad if I didn't receive an automatic email reply stating he'd be out of the office until Wednesday...which means my alert will go unread...which means he'll prob continue to forget. "Calm down, Tammy. You're getting worked up over something that'll solve itself eventually." Eh, I *REALLY* beg to differ. My top program stated they'll be sending out interview invites on Dec. 15th (So decisions are prob going to start being made next week) and the other program I love is infamous on GradCafe's result page for sending out invites in the next week and a half. I'm terrified I'm going to be short changed because my application is still considered incomplete. If kind, encouraging or words of knowledge (lol) can be shared, please share. My anxiety is up the wall. EDIT: I'm aware he's often busy...but I also asked him 3 months ago and as a punctual person who also asked 3 other people whom were ALL able to get theirs in on time, I'm finding it hard to locate my sympathy :/

I'm in the same position. I'm praying at least two PhD programs see how much I can offer to the program and stop giving so many s***s about a GRE score. It always feels sort of unfair when you have all of this relevant experience, great LORs, research, great GPA, *YOU NAME IT*, even teaching abroad but somehow they get stuck on the score from a 4 hour test. It's kind of ridiculous and IMO at times feels like proof of financial ability more than anything(I know plenty of ppl who took the GRE 4-5 times after taking $1000 prep classes...I can't afford that nor do I have the time ://). REGARDLESS: I would suggest looking at lesser-known programs, although it doesn't guarantee an interview. Also reading what each program wants applicants to have helps a lot. Some programs will even state they look "holistically" at applicants rather than cutting people off at their GRE scores. If you happen to be in the clinician realm and willing to be an Doctor of MFT (DMFT), Loma Linda U. does not require a GRE for admission. So, if you do some reeeeal digging (I mean eyes starting to hurt because you've been looking at the screen so long), you'll find there are diamonds in the rough. But you've gotta dig. Something else worth considering is looking into different programs that can get you where you want to be but are possibly less competitive. Ex: If you're interested in research, trying a PhD in Sociology or Human Development and Family Studies instead of Psychology. Consider the alternatives and look outside of the box. Also, making sure you're gearing your SOP, CV, LORS, etc. to the specific programs is super important. Programs, especially "holistic" programs, want to know you're passionate about them, so every document you send needs to be customized to the program.The first time I applied to PhD programs, I scoffed, thought I was special, sent in apps that were almost identical, and was promptly rejected. Take my losses from my first round of failure as direction. Regardless, best of luck in program hunting and hopefully someone gives people like us a chance P.S.-I'm assuming you're going for your PhD, what field are you looking into?

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