MindOverMatter

Everyone, thanks for the kind words and all your thoughtful comments! Wish I could "like" them all - but I guess there is a daily limit. I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and this has been very helpful. @DRMF, You raise some noteworthy points. I appreciate that you prefaced your note with apologies about it being potentially insensitive, and by doing so, already reveal that you are being sensitive. I thought your response was very thoughtful. I do think you are right that there are many people who will comment on quietness without ill intent and with little empathy for how it may be

@feralgrad Thanks for the kind words! 🤗 This helps and I hope once you're in grad school, the journey goes smoothly! Best of luck.

@Adelaide9216 I have nothing insightful to share. Just returning to Grad Cafe after a bit of a hiatus and appreciated this vulnerable share. Sending good vibes and hoping you feel more secure since your last talk. ☺️

Hello everyone! I'm feeling a bit low tonight and thought I would reach out to the kind people of the Grad Cafe :) Today, a fellow lab member mentioned I am "so quiet." She mentioned a few other things related to my quietness, but long story short, I found this really disheartening, as I am overcoming social anxiety, and the past few months (and the past couple of weeks especially) have personally felt really triumphant as I was so much more vocal in lab, class, and in social situations. I honestly thought I got over my social anxiety recently, and someone pointing out my quietness today

@rx971 Sorry to hear that! ? I can only speculate but maybe you were an alternate, which is why you might've received a rejection later (after offers were accepted) -- or perhaps your department is slow in communicating their decisions. Either way, hope you still get a chance to prep for grad studies! Will you apply directly now?

I moved abroad three years ago to do my master's. I didn't have any jitters approaching the move since it was something I wanted to do for a long time, but once at the airport, it really hit me. Although expensive, I flied back for winter and spring breaks, which helps a lot. That way, you're only away from family a couple months at a time - which is a helpful mental way to break up the time away. Video chatting certainly helps too! I think you'll find that once you make friends in the program and you're busy with schoolwork, that you'll rarely have time to feel lonely. Your program

Not a problem! Still wishing you good luck.

@rx971 The rejection was a form letter from the program director. I'm not sure if acceptances are sent in the same way or if you will hear from the department directly.

Agreed! Maybe it is good news at this rate since you did not receive rejection yet. Good luck!

Thanks for the update. I received notification too and didn't get it either ? I asked for a status update last week. I know there are two rounds - one review by the director, then the department. My app was forwarded to the department (also psych) but ultimately, didn't work out. Sigh. @rx971 - notification was via e-mail. Maybe your department has not finalized decisions yet.

@lemma thank you! i appreciate the solid advice. i'm sure the departmental culture will be a big factor in moving forward through the program. i shouldn't underestimate that. in the end, we have to do what moves us -- just have to take the right precautions. ?

I saw this thread back in the day and regret I didn't post anything. This is such an important conversation to have. For my BA and my MSc, I always started my programs really well and then fell apart towards the end. Although I know I had maladaptive behaviors and thoughts, but it didn't really register that I could be mentally ill. I'm working full-time now and I finally decided to get formal diagnoses. I have generalized anxiety, depression, borderline traits (although not full-blown BPD), and sub-clinical PTSD. I found out last month, and at first, this was completely disorienting to m

Hi all, Did anyone apply to the Hot Metal Bridge Post-Bacc program at the University of Pittsburgh? Since we are in the middle of the decision release period (mid-May to mid-June), I was wondering if anyone heard back yet? If so, how did they contact you and what department did you apply to? Thanks!

Everyone, thanks for more feedback! Really appreciated. ? This really helps a lot! @ZeChocMoose - thank you! It felt like the rugged was pulled from under me. I was really hoping it was my time. With everyone's help, I have more perspective. I think I was aiming somewhat blindly before. Appreciate your sympathy and well wishes!

@FakeImposter - Thanks for getting back to me. Appreciate your insight! This is very helpful and the most directive feedback I've had to date. It seems I've been focusing on areas of only secondary importance (GRE, coursework). Time to make some movement on research activities! Thanks, again.