cabbysaurus

Same here. Have you reached out to any employers? I am thinking of doing so if I don't hear from any by the end of next week.

I'm also getting worried because I have not heard anything yet, but keep trying to remind myself that it is still early and many schools are just getting back from winter break. It's tough to maintain hope but also realism throughout this whole process. I think the important thing is nothing is set in stone until you get an official notice from the school. I hope you (and I) hear good news soon!

I've applied to all of my schools over a month ago, but many of them are still Pending Verification in the GEM system. Is anyone else in the same boat?

Thank you for starting this thread. It's nice to have a place to share thoughts with others who can actually understand what we are going through. This is my first time applying for PhD programs, and I am currently in the waiting period. There are some days where I feel confident in my application and background, but other days where I feel like I have no chance at all. I think my greatest worry is that I won't get in anywhere. I applied to ten schools, but wonder if I should have applied to more because most of them are extremely selective. I have a less than stellar undergraduate GPA in my field, which I imagine is a red flag for many schools. I completed a Master's with high marks, worked and conducted research in the field, and am currently a teacher in it, but I don't know if that is enough. If I don't get into any of the schools I honestly don't know what I will do. Getting a PhD has been my dream for over 5 years and I do not have a plan B. I also can't imagine having to tell my letter writers that I did not get in to any of the schools they recommended me for. My next greatest worry is that I will get in somewhere, but it will not be an ideal location for my boyfriend to find a job. We have been dating for years and currently live together. I don't want to move without him, but also will not turn down the opportunity to get my PhD so I can stay with him. He also wants to stay on the west coast, but I only applied to two west coast schools, both of which are very competitive. We generally just avoid talking about the possibility of me only getting in to east coast or midwest schools, but I feel like it is quite likely. I hate thinking that I will have to choose between my relationship and a PhD. Overall, the waiting period is extremely nerve-wracking. I try to occupy my time with other things but can't help checking my email multiple times a day. I struggle with maintaining hope but also realism for the outcome. Reading through these posts and simply knowing that others feel the same way helps a lot, so thank you.

Northwestern requires only two letters. I think there are some smaller state schools that do as well.

On the call this week, I think they mentioned that we could reach out to GEM employers we are interested in as well. Just wondering if anyone has done that or plans on doing that. Based on the email posted by EngineerAlvara, it seems like maybe we just wait for the employers to reach out to us instead...