PsyDuck90

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. 

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'm in a different field, so take my advice with that in mind. To prepare, I would make sure to read up on some of the current publications of faculty (you don't need to read everything they ever wrote, but maybe the more recent stuff and if they have a seminal article that gets cited a lot or something). Also, definitely be comfortable with talking about your research interests, experiences, and academic/career goals. 
As far as attire, it depends how conservative your field is. I would say ear piercings with a simple stud are fine. 
Also, I would maybe post this question in the engineering section as well to ensure you get field-specific responses. 

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 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 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. 

Thanks, this has been a very stressful process. I'm going to assume no...that way if I do hear anything, it would be a very pleasant surprise.

This is a great list of steps to take to prepare for interviews! I would add that one way to keep it all organized is to create a "guideline" or sorts. I did this on a word document where I included questions I would likely be asked (taken from TGC and other sources) with the response I would like to provide, questions I would like to ask (for this I made the longest list possible which really came in handy when I interviewed with one particular POI who had no structure during the interview and had me ask all the questions), and a review of all of the POIs research articles and interests. I then printed this and had it with me throughout the day- this was extremely helpful!! I also wrote a paragraph with my research interests and goals post grad school. I was asked this so often that I found it very helpful to "study it" until it became second nature. DO NOT MEMORIZE obviously as it will not sound natural but make sure that you can easily talk about it. 
Also, it's all about perspective! If you walk in thinking that you are going to learn about cool research and meet potential colleagues, as opposed to an interview where you will be drilled, you will go in more confident and relaxed. PS. I read this last advice from someone here on TGC and it truly helped me the day of.
Best of luck!

Step 1: Breathe You got this.

I posted a link to a PDF at the beginning of this thread. Begin at Section 3 of the document, you already achieved the first two milestones. Unless you're very anxious, read the whole dang thing (I did LOL).
Begin by creating documents with the questions/answers to each program. Try to narrow down specific answers for each question, in writing first, if it helps you gather down your thoughts/ideas. Then, begin practicing. Lots. Have your top questions/answers memorized (What are your research interests? What are your strengths/weaknesses? Why this program?) Repetition until it feels natural and it is not so anxiety-producing is my approach. I've read that recording yourself is also useful. Also ask your mentors/letter-writers to coach you/provide you feedback with your answers, if at all possible.
After that, the fun part(!), begin creating questions you'd want answered for each of the programs/POIs you're interviewing with. And then questions for the graduate students. Again, your entire prep should be school-POI specific, so it's not so overwhelming!

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. 

Has anyone received a mass clinical psych invite for ASU, Notre Dame, Emory, LSU, WashU, New Mexico, DePaul, Northwestern, or Vanderbilt?

To add to @Clinapp2017, a lot of labs have websites detailing their current projects and interests of members of the lab group. I would suggest doing a little more digging on your own before reaching out. 

I second what Neogenesis said. I also wanted to add that if you are that concerned, you can include something about your journey in your SOP if you haven't submitted apps yet. Otherwise, the admissions committee will also clearly see a time gap and can probably make logical conclusions that you stopped school and took a break for a reason and then came back to better grades. You are not the first person to do this, nor are you the last. It usually shows a positive quality to return to school and do great. I know application season is a stressful time, but you have to just remind yourself that there isn't anything you can do now. You can't change your past. And you were right to include both transcripts, especially since 24 transferred to your second program. 

I know it's nerve-wracking, but remember, out of all the applicants you made it onto the short list! You've already impressed them on paper. Just go in confident that you would be an asset and talk about your interests, goals, and why you think x school is right for you. Most of the questions I remember being asked about my goals and why I wanted a doctorate, my experiences, and my research interests. Another tip is be friendly! Even with your "competition." The students and faculty will notice the people that are friendly with their potential cohortmates and those who are standoffish. Also, I interviewed with a student as well, and I think being as professional with them as your POI or any other faculty is also super important. 

It's definitely a gamble. There may also be difficulty at the beginning while the program is trying to establish credibility. At the same time, serious programs are usually "on their best behavior" so to speak while going through the self-study process. Also, programs can get accreditation on contingency before any class graduates. In order to get full accreditation status, programs do need to have outcome data. And APPIC now doesn't allow students from unaccredited programs to apply for APA accredited internships. So, if you are interested in a program seeking accreditation, you want to do a little more homework and maybe study the handbook and look at course outlines a bit more closely than with more established programs. 
Also, make sure the program is actually looking for accreditation. I know someone in a program that has said they are applying for accreditation and they haven't actually taken steps for several years. This person is in a blind now because the program was just dishonestly stringing students along. 

It's definitely a gamble. There may also be difficulty at the beginning while the program is trying to establish credibility. At the same time, serious programs are usually "on their best behavior" so to speak while going through the self-study process. Also, programs can get accreditation on contingency before any class graduates. In order to get full accreditation status, programs do need to have outcome data. And APPIC now doesn't allow students from unaccredited programs to apply for APA accredited internships. So, if you are interested in a program seeking accreditation, you want to do a little more homework and maybe study the handbook and look at course outlines a bit more closely than with more established programs. 
Also, make sure the program is actually looking for accreditation. I know someone in a program that has said they are applying for accreditation and they haven't actually taken steps for several years. This person is in a blind now because the program was just dishonestly stringing students along. 

I know it's nerve-wracking, but remember, out of all the applicants you made it onto the short list! You've already impressed them on paper. Just go in confident that you would be an asset and talk about your interests, goals, and why you think x school is right for you. Most of the questions I remember being asked about my goals and why I wanted a doctorate, my experiences, and my research interests. Another tip is be friendly! Even with your "competition." The students and faculty will notice the people that are friendly with their potential cohortmates and those who are standoffish. Also, I interviewed with a student as well, and I think being as professional with them as your POI or any other faculty is also super important. 

I would ask for a date extension. Usually a co formed acceptance also sometimes includes some type of non-refundable deposit to show you're serious. Plus, you don't want to burn any bridges so early in your career. 

Wear the warmer coat with a professional blazer underneath. Take the coat off when you get inside the building. Or, if you really feel like spending money, a nice peacoat is both warm and stylish. I have lived in the Northeast all my life. We don't really pay attention to the outerwear. If you wear the coat inside, that might be a little weird. Just be glad you're getting off easy. The fun times is when it's a high of 15 and feels like 2 with windchill. 
But yeah, borrow the bf's coat as long as it doesn't have rips/stains and doesn't look comically huge on you. Dress in layers. Maybe bring a scarf and gloves too. If you aren't used to the cold, it will probably feel worse for you. For shoes, I would suggest either rain boots and then change into flats/heels once inside, or wear a nice pair of leather (or leather-looking) boots. Suede is a bad idea if there's going to be rain. 

This sounds very bizarre. I would call the school. It's not uncommon for programs to ask for like a $200 deposit, but that just sounds absurd.

I'm right there with you.. I got rejected from my first choice last week, and it was really hard. It really made me lose all hope. This week I received an interview invite from a great program! (and frankly, a program I never thought would interview me). It's my only interview and there are many schools I haven't heard from. Still, it's a silver lining.. What I'm trying to say is that rejections are really hard, but they aren't the end. Even if you don't get any interviews this cycle, you are still worthy, and your work and dedication are valuable. What's more, your inherent value doesn't lie in the approval of these programs. Going through this grueling application process is an accomplishment itself. Don't lose hope, and definitely don't take it too personal. If you don't have success this time, strengthen your application and apply again! (There's a strong possibility I will have to do this.) Many people apply 2 or 3 times before getting in. 
Applying again is the worst case scenario (I think) BUT you still have time to hear from other programs this cycle!! Sending you all the best vibes to lift your spirits. All it takes is one interview to lead to one acceptance.

I did this last year. I had a lot of positive back and forth with the POI and they agreed I was a great fit, so I was surprised I didn't get an interview. I framed the email in the sense of asking for feedback on how to improve my application for next round as I was very interested in working with them. They were receptive and very kind, explaining that I was in the top few and if 1 of the people that were extended an invite declined I'd be next on the list (obviously didn't happen). They also gave me solid feedback on how to improve my application if I were to go into another application cycle. Luckily I got accepted somewhere else, and I'm incredibly happy with the program even though it initially wasn't my top choice. I can't imagine being anywhere else now!
There are just so many incredibly qualified applicants. It's hard to not feel discouraged when you don't even get an interview to a program you thought you'd be a great fit for. Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw and there are 3 really great and equal candidates but only 2 spots for that POI. 

I did this last year. I had a lot of positive back and forth with the POI and they agreed I was a great fit, so I was surprised I didn't get an interview. I framed the email in the sense of asking for feedback on how to improve my application for next round as I was very interested in working with them. They were receptive and very kind, explaining that I was in the top few and if 1 of the people that were extended an invite declined I'd be next on the list (obviously didn't happen). They also gave me solid feedback on how to improve my application if I were to go into another application cycle. Luckily I got accepted somewhere else, and I'm incredibly happy with the program even though it initially wasn't my top choice. I can't imagine being anywhere else now!
There are just so many incredibly qualified applicants. It's hard to not feel discouraged when you don't even get an interview to a program you thought you'd be a great fit for. Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw and there are 3 really great and equal candidates but only 2 spots for that POI. 

Schools will typically notify you of rejections. Some schools will notify you after they have sent out all interview invites, and some others may do so after they have had the in-person interviews to make sure they don't have to dip back into the applicant pool. 
You can reach out if you'd like, but it probably won't change anything. 

The way I see it is, would you really want to spend then next 5+ years at an institution that would frown upon their students having a work-life balance? There may absolutely be faculty who would hold your engagement ring as a negative factor. I can't imagine the other concerns students may have regarding work-life balance. Most students are at the age where getting engaged/married/having kids is normal so it really shouldn't be an issue. 
Congrats btw! It's such an exciting time!