PsyDuck90

I guess the biggest thing in my mind would be is would you be able to save an amount of money equal to the merit scholarship. If you are planning to go back to school regardless, a year of work experience in an unrelated field isn't necessarily going to make you stand out significantly, especially since you have work experience (part time work is still work experience).

As long as the faculty are respected within the field and you like the research opportunities, it shouldn't really matter. I am from a different field, so I can't speak to microbiology specifically, but rankings aren't as much of a thing at this level as they are for undergrad.

I would suggest you see if there is anyone more recent you can get a letter from, such as a boss. Maybe you can reach out to the graduate program director and ask what they prefer if the website specifically says you need a former professor. Because, chances are, if you haven't spoken to them in over a decade either they will not be comfortable writing you a letter or it will be a very generic and not so great letter.

I would imagine it is because they are considering offering you a spot, but would like to interview you in person before making the final decision. I doubt the DGS would take the time to meet with someone just to tell them they are rejected or waitlisted.

I would just be honest and reply to the interview invite by saying something like "Thank you so much for the interview opportunity. Due to financial constraints, it is difficult for me to travel to the campus. Would it be possible to schedule a Skype call in lieu of the in-person interview?" Some schools even have funds that they offer students to offset travel.

I don't know if there's a strict answer to this. Is there a rubric available that you can use to try and grade yourself on? Chances are there will be some revisions that you will be asked to make. I know in my program, they had pass, revise, and fail. Most people got revise and then passed.

I just booked my honeymoon!

I would approach it similarly to the way you would write a statement of purpose. Pick 2-3 specific qualities that your mentor possesses, and in those body paragraphs explain how they exhibit these characteristics, specific examples, and explanations of why these are important qualities in a mentor.

I don't know of any specific programs, but a good way to find schools is to sometimes look at recent publications in your area of interest and see where those authors are based out of. Then you can look at those programs. This way you have a better chance of targeting professors in your direct research interests.

That sounds like a good plan. They may be flooded with emails so it's sometimes hard to get yours to the top. If you have a specific POI, you may try emailing them as well if you really can't get anyone.

Most schools have at least 2 dates. If school B extends an invite, then you can see what their options are for alternate dates. I agree with @ihatedis, prioritize the school you know you have an interview for.

If they typically offer domestic funding, I don't see the harm in asking.

Even if funding is delayed, the school is still functioning. They should be able to reply to you. Can you call the admissions office? I know that's less feasible if you're applying as an international student.

You can absolutely transition into a different field if you want. The writing and critical thinking skills you develop as an English major will carry over. A lot of times, they just want to see that you've taken some core classes. And if you're still attending, you can make sure you get those done before you graduate. As far as what to study, it all depends on what you're passionate about. A. What do you want to do as a career? A PhD is still a stepping stone to a career. So make sure you actually need a PhD for whatever it is you want to do. B. What do you find interesting enough to study in depth for 5-7 years?

It most likely means they haven't made any decisions yet and want to be polite and neutral.

Read the last few things they've published in recent years and if there is some sort of seminal work that they are famous for, read that. Maybe skim their CV and see how their research area has evolved over the years. Also, be aware of recent projects. Look at their lab website, search online, and as someone else suggested, search NIH to see if they have any recent grants.

Given the state of the legal job market, you may be better off in a history PhD program.

I wouldn't read too much into it. They usually want to try to be neutral, especially if they haven't made decisions yet.

I know how nerve-wrecking this process is. I was in your shoes last year. And now I'm freaking out about externship applications lol (it never really ends). But yes, even statistically speaking, the odds are stacked against applicants. That means that if you get an interview, it's because you deserve it. Be confident and proud of these accomplishments. You guys all kick butt and will end up where you belong. Good luck everyone ❤️!

I just have to contradict your negativity here. It's not "weird" or a fluke that you have 6 1st author conference posters/presentations and a year of TAing. It's awesome and shows how capable you are. Don't diminish your accomplishments. And if tons of people sung your praises and reviewed your materials, it's because they believe you belong in a graduate program.

I know it's stressful, but there's really no stats on this. It all depends on whether or not they find enough people they like during the 1st round of interviews, and after that, if enough students don't accept their admission offer. I wouldn't write the school off, but I also wouldn't get my hopes up (at least try not too, I know it's hard).

Deferments are ultimately up to each individual program. However, I think they usually reserve those for circumstances such as illness pregnancy, or maybe a death in the family (essentially, issues that may have arisen after you applied and that are out of your control). You can absolutely try to speak with them, but they will most likely tell you to apply when you're ready. Good luck!

Some interview questions that have been posted in this thread as well as in Mitch's handbook are a good start. Make sure you have answers to these questions. Also, be familiar with your POI's recent work (read a few of the most current/most seminal of their work). And be prepared to talk about your own research: what you've done and what you hope to do. Lastly, remember to breathe. The programs decided you're great on paper, so they know you have some competency/skill. Just try to be confident. You belong there, even if the jerky voice in your head is giving you doubts.

Can you wait a few weeks? I would give it at least 2 full months since submission. Also, do you know anyone else that has presented at this conference before or can you find any info online? If you absolutely can't find anything, then I would email asking about the deadline.

Schools will often be a little lenient regarding reference letters since those are out of your immediate control. However, you don't want too much time to lapse. Have you talked to the faculty who was providing your letter(s)? If it's the same faculty, if they've written others, then it shouldn't be a long process to adapt the letter for this program. Maybe you can reach out and remind them of the deadline? This depends on the type of relationship you have with them and when you last spoke with them.