gradschoolprobs

I notice it has become a pattern where my supervisor said he'll provide feedback for this and that, but has not provide actual feedback. Even at our recent meeting, he brought it up that he will provide comments for my latest draft, but it has been days. Does this mean nothing is necessary to change? Or he's just busy? Or wants me to be independent? I know that he has other duties beside teaching. Also, recently when I emailed asking about a brief idea to add into the draft, he seems to be the "hands off" type telling me to give it a try and see what happens.

I know some people that just manually code qualitative interviews with highlighters, etc. Then there are some that use Nvivo and someone told me that Nvivo can code for you. What does this mean? How do you get Nvivo to code for you? When I've tried using it, it seems to only organize my documents into files and I still have to highlight information, set my own codes, etc. It is only after I've done those steps that Nvivo can combine highlighted paragraphs into one of my pre-set codes. Is this what "code for you" means?

I was waitlisted back in February 2019 and application is still "under review". Last communication with program director was in April 2019. I was told I could remain on the waitlist if I would like, but was also welcome to apply for Fall 2020. More recently, I read their program website and they are already accepting applications for Fall 2020. Does this mean it's not meant to be? I have not received a formal rejection letter though. Also, why does it seem I'm losing interest in the program as well? I've realized my interests have changed since last year. Could this also mean the program thinks I'm more suited for other programs?

Hi everyone, I've been on the waitlist since mid-Feb and don't think there will be movement until April :( Yesterday, I had followed up with PI and he said he has heard nothing as well. Does this mean my program's committee does not inform PI about anything?

Hey there :) Yes, you should email back if you are still interested. I've done this for programs in the past and always turned out better than worse. Good luck!

On my grad school's application website, I see that some programs have already closed whereas my program is still open. Does this mean they are putting me on the back burner and waiting to see if there are better applicants until September? I've been on the waitlist since mid-Feb and the reason is because others have higher averages.

Thank you! I'll try that out if I am officially out of the game after this summer.

Thanks again for your insight. Could it be that I've annoyed them? I don't understand why I didn't make it because of just grades

Hi everyone, I was notified 2 weeks ago by the PhD program director about being waitlisted (it was a "will keep you posted" type of email). I still replied expressing my interest to remain on the waitlist and the director replied noting my interest. Earlier today, I followed up again asking if there has been an update, and the director right away in a few minutes responded. The email started off with, "At this point in time, our PhD acceptances have exceeded our quote for the 2019-2020 year and we are full..." but ended with "I can keep you on the waitlist, as you never know what may happen, but I thought I'd honestly let you know where things stand." I've replied that I would like to remain on the waitlist and asked what esle I can improve on. The director said, "Will do. I think it was just that the other averages were higher. It all depends on the competition." Do you think there is still a chance? I didn't get any official letter on the application portal. I know some people won't hear back until end of March/early April.

Thank you!

Btw, is it a good sign if POI still responds to my email? I had asked about waitlist movement which POI said has not heard but fingers crossed? Thanks!

Thank you! I'll give this a try next week or so.

Thank you! Does this also apply for non-American programs?

Hi everyone, I've been on a waitlist for about 2 weeks now. When can I expect to hear the next update? How many days/weeks are accepted people given to decide on an offer? I recall that for my Masters I was given 10 days to decide. How is it for PhD programs? Thank you!

Thank you so much! I guess I'll try to wait until closer to end of March. Also, I noticed that my application is still "under review" yet the program director had notified me of the waitlist. Does this sound like I am high on the waitlist?

I was notified about 1.5 weeks ago by my dream PhD program's director that I was waitlisted and I did follow-up to express my continued interest in the program. I had also sent my POI an update about it as well, but because I didn't ask him any questions, I didn't get any response. Would it be ok to email my POI next week to ask if there has been waitlist movement?

Thank you! Does it sound like there is a good chance? My application is under review, but the email was from the program director. Was it better to hear of being waitlisted rather than hearing nothing?

My dream PhD program's website says that decisions are typically made late March/early April. However, I received an email today from the program director that I have been waitlisted. Email said: "I just wanted to let you know that the grad committee has put you on a waitlist for admittance into our PhD program. The applicants pool was very strong and we only have so many spots. I promise to keep you posted as we see how many acceptances we receive in the coming weeks. Thanks for applying!" And so, I replied back expressing again my interest and to update what I've been doing. The director then replied with, "Thanks for your email. I know you are keen and I can appreciate your interest in the program. Your recent (data collection) trip sounds amazing!" Why did I get an early waitlist?

I've contacted a prof who has agreed to be my supervisor so that I can apply to the program and he also suggested that I approach a new prof to co-supervise. The new prof said she is confused because the prof asked her to be a committee member only. She also said she is looking for students as well but won't fight with the prof, that the program is competitive, and that she is on the admissions committee and that "we will see what happens". I thought it might be annoying to report everything back to the first prof and so I just said the new prof can be a committee member and asked whether I need to contact other faculty to show interest in the program. The first prof said it's good news and didn't say I have to contact other profs. Am I just overthinking about what the new prof said?

No, I think it's good to let them know you have applied because it shows you are serious about it.

Definetely go visit.

Why are you contacting department staff rather than professors themselves?

Definetely business casual.

Don't ask about funding immediately. Start by contacting a prof that you are most interested in working with to introduce yourself and request for a meeting to discuss more about research interests.

I am 0.06 points away from meeting my dream program's minimum average requirement. I've discussed with a professor from the program about it which he said doesn't matter. Would the admissions committee care more or do professors have the final say?