TheDude

As application plans start to unfold at a brisker pace I am beginning to wonder if there are 2 academic worlds I need to choose from. What I mean by this is there seems to be a clear distinction between labs with professors who are constantly in the rat race to chase down million dollar grants year after year, with huge labs where it seems like as a student you might not ever get to know the professor- your advisor- or even other peers/researchers. Contrasting with that are professors who advise graduate students and have labs where the grant money is smaller and the focus of research is more regionalized to issues of their particular community or state. Speaking from my own perception, it seems us graduate students envy the labs founded under Ivy League headings...the places where the prospect of never knowing your advisor and having them know you is real, where perhaps finding time to do your own work is stunted by next million dollar grant your advisor needs you to work on. I should add, my perceptions come from horror stories. My issue stems from an internal conflict about where I know I should apply to experience eudaemonia and where an intellectual institution would have me be. I know I've worked hard enough the last 2 years to at least have the faculty at some of these prestigious institutions open my file and take a hard look at me, perhaps even gaining some interviews from some really prominent researcher. In essence I know I have a shot at getting into programs in schools that my blue collar family could only have dreamed that I'd attend. However, as I begin to really look harder at potential advisors I find myself crossing off a lot of "prestigious" schools off my list because I know I wouldn't be happy there. I'm content to become a professor at a University where the pressure to publish is less fervent than top labs. I want to work on topics that interest me in spite of the fact that grant money might be harder find instead of working on projects that I know are financially viable as a researcher. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying that I don't want to work hard, publish and have a productive lab. I want time as a professor to work on becoming a better teacher because I know that is something I am already suited to do. I know no matter where I go there will be pressure to publish and find external funding, that is part of what we all sign up for, but the fervent nature at which that occurs is dictated by what the University expects of you, and none of those are the same. I know this is the kind of life that the "heaviest" academics shun- the prospect of having a family and teaching and researching at some less prominent state school. I'm just wondering in the long run if I am going to regret not contacting the more prominent labs in my field of interest. I am not naive, intellectual nepotism thrives no matter how much you can prove you "know your stuff." The prospect of getting tenure, or even an academic job while shunning this does worry me a bit even though I know I would be happier being a grad student in smaller labs with advisors that know who I am...who are making differences in their communities, etc.

Don't freak C12. Use me as a case study so far: I have a couple C's and a D on my transcript from 2.5-3 years ago. I'm not worried at all. I ended up graduating Cum Laude with a 3.59 Overall GPA (3.8 the last 2 years) and a 3.8 in my degree focus classes. I won't lie, I think the grades held me back from higher distinctions overall when I graduated. Insert A's in those classes and I am graduating Summa Cum Laude (missed it by .01). However, I did a lot of research and made things happen on other levels academically. My GPA isn't going to keep me out of Ph.D programs- maybe for the highest tier, but you can still do other things to show that you are perhaps a more viable candidate than someone who has a 3.8 and didn't do those things. If you are 2 years out don't freak you are perfectly fine. If you are applying to Ph.D programs 2 years out don't get your hopes up in terms of a couple schools because potential advisors might not even have space for new people. I thought I had my list of schools and after initial salutation letters to faculty it changed quite a bit. Keep doing what you do!!!!

When I read stuff like this it makes me feel for international students who have to take this thing. It seems most english as a first language people take for granted how easy it is for them to score a 500. Get the verbal score up like written above...even if it means a lessening of the Quant score to s small degree.

Thanks so much everyone. I'm effectively going to say screw it.

I didn't bring up their research in detail (i.e., I read this article in yearxxx) unless I used it as a reference in a manuscript. I did mention people's broad research work in relationship to what I've done and where I'd like to go. If I look a bit overboard in my one paragraph email to some it is sincere. I think tooting your own horn should be done with subtitles as off-hand references in clauses mentioning other things. Saying: I graduate from xxx IVY with a 3.9 GPA and was this, that and all other things is annoying. You can mention you have done research and actively been presenting or writing for manuscripts in a certain field and avoid sounding like you are already in their office for an interview. So far my responses, which have been surprisingly many in a short time, have been to the theme of: 1) Not sure if we will have room for you 2) Not sure if we will have money to take students 3) Wow, your past research and future ideas would fit perfectly here please apply 4) Let's meet 5) Not taking students.

I was wondering when looking at programs how you expanded your interests while holding onto the credibility of what you had studied in the past...if that makes sense. I want to apply to some programs that move slightly away from the niche research I have been doing. The broad theoretical constructs in the fields are the same. Should I worry about that? I know people always say "fit" myself included, but my exact fit with what I have been doing isn't something I want to do for 20 years or even 5. Would I still "fit" if the theoretical background was the same?

So I started doing this tonight. I have received some responses already which is cool. Unfortunately, one of them was a "I probably won't be taking a grad student" from the program I really want to attend most. Oh well. at least I know now to put my hopes elsewhere. I did commit the cardinal sin and think I can wipe one school of my list. I made my emails in word ahead of time because I can see them better there rather than in gmail. I have catered all the emails appropriately, and truly did check out the work of all the people I am emailing. However, when i was cutting and pasting the emails over to the email I miss cut/pasted and the name didn't change! I quickly sent a brief email apologizing and explaining why that occurred. I'd be offended so I am expecting not to hear back from that one or it being a less than gracious response! Good news is it wasn't my first, second or third choice school. I really hate doing this. In most cases I'd reject doing it for the same reason I rejected Psi Chi as an undergrad, because it seemed like a nearly pointless endeavor to assuage the egos of Type A's. Not to mention these professors must get a million of these. I should have recorded youtube videos and sent links to be unique!!!!! However, just hearing that one program will "probably" not be taking a grad student will save me 80 bucks in the long run!

Pursue a program where you had network in roads in spite of the fact the program isn't a priority on your list? My past work does share a common perspective with this program, but the school does not give out full funding packages because tuition has only been but by half for most students. Aside from that I don't mind the school, but I don't want to use it as a safety if it will potentially mess up a relationship with an old professor. Thanks

It's not a replacement for a laptop at all. I think we agree on that. It isn't even a financially viable tool for most grad students yet. Mine was a business write off so I lucked out. I look at it this way. I have thousands of dollars of software on my macbook. I love the device dearly. However, when I am out at a coffee shop reading journal articles, taking notes on articles or proof reading a manuscript or reading anything else I'd rather have the iPad instead of risking something happening to my device. I keep my laptop in a room where I write and write only. If I have to take it somewhere to analyze data I do so. However, I can write notes in meetings or in classes with the ipad with total ease so I use it in those situations too. I love it...but I'm reluctant to use it more for fear of being "that guy."

So I am coming up at my self-imposed deadline for taking my first ETS practice test to use as a metric for further study. I've mentioned here before I needed to start from the ground up with QUANTS as to not be totally discouraged with my first score. I think I've put in enough time where I am ready to do this in the coming weekend. My questions are: 1) how many times can you take each practice test? Within each test is there enough questions where you won't hit the same one twice with after writing a particular test several times? 2) Is this software just like the real GRE in that it assess difficulty of questions being answered correctly and incorrectly? Thanks

I have been seeing "subject test recommended" on quite a few sites but not required. Have people who applied in the past ignored this when it was recommended? I have enough on my plate this summer with studying for the regular GRE and trying to do a bunch of new manuscript work and conference proposals. Is it wrong to think: " Well, my psych grades and subject GPA should speak for itself?" I'd think inking out perhaps one more publication would take priority over showing that I understand the history of psychology. Not to mention I'd like to continue to refine my data analysis chops and research skills in leu of reading intro to psych books. Thanks very much- looking to mitigate a lot of potential stress piled on top of stress.

I have found my vocabulary increasing exponentially now that I have basically taken about 15 words a night from the Barron's Frequent list and writing those words in full sentences. I look up the word, think of a proper sentence, write, midway through the process I spot check the words and then once I am done I test at random. The next day I pick a new 15, look over the old 15 for review and repeat the whole process. I also have a Kaplan flashcard app on my iPad, but that just doesn't do it for me. As far as math goes. I pick a concept go through Barron's examples and keep a running tab of what the hardest problems are then revisit daily before diving into a new concept. I have given myself until the end of this month before I take what I deemed my "marker" test. I just needed 2 months of total math review from the ground up before I even discovered my weak points. I then plan on targeting those weak spots into the end of September. That is the most effective way I have found to study. In 4 weeks if you put in several hours (6) a day you should be able to get through a math review easily. Why is everyone writing the test so damn early? Am I crazy waiting until September 20th? I figure even if I screw up and need to retake I have a whole other month to cram even more. Unless you are an engineer of naturally good with math 4 weeks is going to be tough and you should bank on finding several hours a day to study and write practice tests.

The sales on Gilt have to be watched. For instance Monday there is a sale "Just a Cheap Shirt" that will have really nice button ups for 18-38$. They change sales everyday and some weeks are better than others. They all only last for a short period of time and the really great affordable ones sell out by about 12:10 and the sales start at 12:00. Last week was pretty terrible but this coming week looks better. I'm definitely not dropping 100's on items! I usually top out at 40 for shirts I like. Tons of deals. However, yes some of the stuff on that site is nutty and left for the Trumps of the world. I'll check out dappered. Can't go wrong with Goodwills.

This has been bugging me. This issue of condescension has to be a humanities thing? Most everyone that I have met in my field thus far have been superb people.

I can relate to this as I am a first generation grad and will be the first person in the history of my family to ever pursue a Ph.D. My mother has traced our respective families back to the early 1800's. I embrace my blue collar roots. I am unanbashingly a small town guy. I cuss like a pirate, drink beer and spit sunflower seeds with my best friends. I watch sports with my father religiously. I also can sit in academic meetings and "turn it on"- well, almost. I still can't bring myself to pronounce words with silent a silent "W" and keep a straight face. I can go to conferences and ask the right questions...I understand the etiquette. My blue collar family keeps me connected to who I really am and what I came from. I respect the fact that since I was 12 I had to work very trying manual labor jobs. I never have been sailing in the summer or on extended vacations because most of my vacation time was spent covered in tar and dirt. I think having not come from a 'proper' white collar background has shaped my work ethic and how I go about pursuing what I want. This experience has shaped the nature of the research I do. I want my publications to matter for something even if findings aren't revolutionary. I want to do work that matters in people lives because I've never really jived with the notion of doing research for the sake of research. It may sound funny but I want the same experience for my kids. Maybe I'm weird. I just like teaching because it is the most noble of professions when done properly and I like doing research to help diagnosis issues and fix them. The salary, despite how much of a pittance many claim it is, is just a bonus to me. So in a way I never had whimsical notions about what 'white collar life' would be like...or life as an academic. I read the academic texts in between putting in septic systems because I liked to read those books and could find ways in which I'd use various theories to think about things not because kids at Harvard were reading the same thing. Sure I have a hard time talking to my parents and friends about some things. However, I came from them and they shaped the experiences that helped shape who I am today. No matter what I think about who I am as a person today and who I want to be- they have been the biggest part of it. I won't ever look down on them because they can't spit theoretical constructs back at me. I don't even feel the urge to bring it up. I talk about fashion and the Hills and reality TV, and rightly urge my opposition to various things, with my sister because it makes her feel good, it makes her feel loved and respected. So what if it doesn't stimulate my mind like other things I might want to be doing? I field phone calls about sports from my dad when I should be writing or reading the latest journal because it makes him feel good that I am there. I talk to my mother about everything and we both respect the fact we have different views. I just don't feel pressure to fit in with academics if I don't. Sure, I respect everyone of them who makes valuable contributions, I realize the magnitude and importance of their work. We just have different life experiences and that is cool, most are smart enough to realize that. I respect anyone who differs in opinion.

Glad you enjoyed it. I know I probably come off as the most superficial person on here, but I came to accept when I was younger that, despite how much I'd like everyone to be cool with each other in every situation despite their appearances, that we are simply biased. Looking put together always will get you further than looking frumpy no matter how much you fight the system of personal biases. Not to mention clothes are something you have to wear everyday, well most of us, and I might as well like them and try to use them as a means for expressing something about my personality. Don't get me wrong I love Jimi Hendrix and can play all his solos verbatim while wearing my really comfy birkenstocks with a beaten up tshirts with his face inscribed all over it, but there is a time and a place. Same goes for tenured professors. Casual is great when you are in your 50's and 60's, but it says something about a teacher when he/she shoes up to class in old running shoes, athletic shorts and an oversized tshirt. To me it says: "Hey, I am really casual and I might even be brilliant. However, I don't respect you enough to give a heck about your feedback or input and I'll probably loose your essays on the floor of my unorganized office in between calisthenics. Oh, and I'm definitely tenured so I don't publish anymore so don't approach me about research. And that quest of yours for personal knowledge fulfillment won't be satiated by a quick visit to my office hours for inquiry analysis because I don't read email or check my voice messages." You don't have to look like you grace the cover of magazines, and none of my old post will get you there, but you should look neat. One man's humble opinion born out of countless quixotic glances and scornful statements from the important ladies in my life... "You're really going to wear that!??"

Nothing sinister here. The site was invite only when I joined a long while ago. I'm always logged in so I never see the main screen anymore. The referral deal has been there and having thought it was invite only it didn't matter. Anyways, regardless of if I invite the poster or you just go there...it is worth the visit overtime.

Eh, I am kind of into men's fashion... I think it makes me more manly for admitting it! Also, the only moments of bonding I could ever find with my sister was when she'd help me with my wardrobe so something rubbed off. I'm going to go for it here. Here goes: A pair of black shoes and brown shoes.A black belt and a brown belt- match your shoes and your belt!A blue oxford will go with any tie as well as a nice white oxford.if you aren't wearing ties I like plaids and Gingrahams- buy blues deep earthy reds, purple/maroons --> mix colors that are earthly tones so you don't look depressing in spring or out of place in winter. Add color. You need a wardrobe that can cross through seasons if you are going to be near broke.Ties- University ties are easy enough (the one's with horizontal stripes) these along with solid ties are essential. A nice wool or cotton charcoal grey tie will kill with plaids and other patterned shirts. Yes, you can mix patterned ties and patterned shirts as long as they are different patterns- even Micro striped shirts will go with striped ties if the the size of the stripe on each is clearly different. The only large patterned shirts I like to buy are plaids and gingrahams. Unless you get micro stripe shirts I always feel like a candy-cane. Before I leave this one- You are going to want to learn how to match ties and shirts. Most men look like their tie and shirt combos were bought in one of those cheesy shirt/tie sets you find a JC Penny's. Find a color wheel online and learn how complimentary colors work unless you want the "shades" of whatever your shirt color is look. I'd get bored looking at that every day. Getting ties in your primary colors is a good start for a wardrobe...but a good grey tie will go with a great deal of clothingDark denim. Straight up black or blue with no cheesy washes. The darker the more professional...they'll looked washed out a bit with age. You can avoid looking old by wearing jeans with a nice blazer and button up. Just make sure these are classic or slim fit for this to work.Blazers/sport coat. I like Browns and Grays. I find these go with nearly everything and look more contemporary than the traditional blue or black. For material I recommend tweed (a nice tweed), corduroy or a light wool. Technically there is a difference between sport jackets and blazers but- that aside just make sure your jacket has 2 buttons and not 3. It should fall slightly below your waist but not drape over your backside.Chinos: Blue, dark gray, brown to play it safe.A nice cardigan or two can be dressed up or down with ties or without ties. My favorite look: Dark blue jeans with Clark's desert boots a nice dark brown sport coat worn over a sharp plaid. I can fit in with older crowds without looking aged or ridiculous and I can easily hit up a cool trendy bar with my friends who are in their 20's and stand out just enough from the rest as to not fade to the backdrop. The biggest rule is make sure your clothes fit!!! Jackets should not look like tents, pants should fit your legs and waist without needing a belt to hold them up and shirts should be able to be tucked in without yards of excess fabric draped behind you. Expenses aside, you will never look decent in clothes that don't fit! For fun: Don't wear shinny shirts- It isn't 2000. For Pete's sake don't wear a yellow tie and a blue shirt. It is business school attire 101 or the garb of middle aged overweight men. Don't wear pink. Most guys can't pull it off. Even if you can it is cliche. Check out purple if you want the same vibe without looking tired. Pink ties and black shirts are for frat guys. Don't match everything you are wearing with different shades of the same color. Most guys do this because it is brainless. Not a huge fan of slacks if you want the the look that strays between proper casual and professional. They just look too dressed up and old IMO. Repeat above: No pleats- They never looked flattering on anyone other than larger men. You can buy cool colored socks to look a little more fashionable. DON'T BUTTON UP YOUR JACKET ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!! Grab a couple handkerchiefs to put in your sport coat/blazer pocket when situations call for you to be dressed up a little more than normal. You don't have to spend a lot of money on clothes for them to be nice. YOu just have to know what to look for quality wise when you are buying on a budget. I've seen 200$ shirts that were horrible and some of my favorite shirts were total steals at 20$ Cute ties are a no no and should be saved for when you are a father and your kid doesn't know what to get you for father's day. They always look messy and out of place. I like Gilt.com for the net if you have a couple months to shop. They do flash sales daily with some really great deals on some top products. Even if you don't buy there it is worth signing up (free) to at the very least see how outfits are put together. Outlet malls are great. If you are looking for one store to hit, if you had to do it this way, J.Crew is pretty solid in the last few years. The retail spots can be pricey, but the outlet stores are often a steal. I'll conclude with two things. First, if you have women in your life trust them (mothers, grandmas, sisters, girlfriends or friends) as they will always help you look sharp. Lastly, a good goal for men's wardrobe should be versatility. You are going to drop some money on clothes no matter what and you want to make sure you have shirts you can dress up or dress down, same with pants and sweaters, jackets, etc. FYI: I could do all of the above, either on Gilt.com alone, or with summer sales for 600$...maybe 5. This is all provided you have none of the above. If you are going to do the Gilt.com thing PM and I'll send you and invite to the site. I think it is still invite only.

I think it is worth applying. You fit the bill to get in to a program somewhere. I'll be honest since you are asking for that- I don't think you'll get into a top program unless you had more research experience. However, that is like a lot of people, maybe even myself. Just make sure your interests fit with programs you apply to and play the most appropriate hand possible. In a down economy I don't consider it a time to apply whimsically to programs you might be interested in for fun because the money just isn't there for schools. You'll be fine.

For schools I am thinking UC schools: Santa Cruz and Davis. Davis is preferable. I'm also looking in Colorado too, but at Boulder- doesn't that have a big Education Psych push? BU, BC, Tufts. I'd like to apply to HGSE, but the work they do that I enjoy seems to partner with BU. I'd personally rather have Ph.D vs. Ed.D. attached to my title if I finish this project. Consequently, applying to HGSE might be silly. I really have to finalize the list by this month. I'm waiting on the new APA book for Grad schools to be published. I think that comes in August. Mainly, I'm just freaking out everyday in between GRE problems about whether or not this year I take off will be in vein. In regards to the money vs. applying. I am certainly with you on this issue. I think I am going to play it safe and just bite the bullet and apply to whatever maximum will allow. I'm basically planning on dropping 800-1000$ on grad school apps if the fees are between 70-100$. I hate doing it, but in the end I'd rather have to live with certainties over what could have beens. Cool to meet someone else here rylevertron.

This isn't meant to sound contrite, but a simple answer would be as good and focused as you can make it. If you can show some focus it would show readers you are going into grad school with a plan of action. If you don't have a full fledged proposal don't freak....just show as much focus as you can. How? Just target the research interest of the programs you are applying to. My SoP's will be slightly different for all the schools with a similar theme in all of the letters.

Hypothetically: If your entire applicant pool consisted of the "scattered" applicants you mentioned than you'd probably be okay. The reality is the distribution isn't going to look like that. However, your applying to Master's programs not Ph.D. So I think you are going to be okay. Most Master's programs I explored don't expect you to have a Paper, in fact it is a bonus for Ph.D programs- one of the last things you can do that not every applicant does. If you have a research background you should be cool. The GRE and GPA requirements are also more lax than Ph.D programs, although depending on the school that doesn't mean you will be a shoe in. Go for it!

I've owned macs all my adult life. I used to go with the Powerbook (the former to Macbook Pro) and the only reason I needed that much power under the hood was because I was studying music and needed studio programs to run marginally okay. I have since switched to a macbook 13.5 inch. I run stats on this and can keep email open amongst other things...I even can have linux running and can do stats in OS. Get the cheaper Macbook and make sure you buy AppleCare.

Just an update: Under normal conditions I wrote another Verbal section. I scored a 580. That isn't great, but I'd like to think with vocab practice, which I've started this week, I'd be able to get that 100 pts higher. Do you think that is a feasible goal or too lofty? The analogies kill me.