FallGO

Great job everyone. I'm gonna start the second application cycle soon!

Hello everyone, I am the person who started this topic in the first place. Time really flies! I have been busy with my work so hasn't gotten much time to check gradcafe. I can't believe so much could happen in these few months (from Nov. to Feb.). I noticed someone are happy with their offers and interviews and some are dismayed by rejections and waitlists. I want to share some personal thoughts and inspirations. It's very important we don't define ourselves based on the rejection or acceptance letters. Life is so much more than the clinical psychology program. I want to share a post I read from CNN (https://money.cnn.com/gallery/smallbusiness/2015/05/12/best-advice-entrepreneurs/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0BmX3r0w-4DaS3XS5kdUXGrnS64iLBHlFr5WoYtvtSXiEpnmL9ZSPhd0I&sr=fbmoney0517bestadvice0830gal), see the copied and pasted info below "Here's an old Chinese proverb 塞翁失馬 (sai weng shi ma), which loosely translates as 'sometimes misfortune is a blessing in disguise.' It reminds me that life takes a meandering path and to take both the good and the bad in stride. The proverb literally translates as "Mr. Sai loses his horse" (a seemingly bad thing); but then his horse brings back a fine stallion friend (a seemingly good thing); but then his son, while riding the stallion, falls off and breaks his leg (a seemingly bad thing); but then because of the injury, his son avoids being drafted to fight in the war (an ultimately good thing)." Please don't be discouraged and moved on!

Guys. I really think it's more appropriate if you send a personal message to those who have posted interview invites to inquire POI info. I don't think people would actually read everyone's request and send message to each individual. That's a lot of work. So, if you want to know, be proactive! Also, I don't think it's a good idea to post POI's initials and names publicly. If I'm a professor, I won't want students to post on an online forum showing that I've sent out invites etc.

Congratulations! Guys!

Thank you guys for all of your input!!! super helpful I now just can't stop imagining all the worse scenarios. Gotta do something to keep my sanity!

Hello guys, I wonder how much does funding play a role in POIs and committee's decisions? Would I be strongly disadvantaged if I'm not qualified for any external funding? Thanks!

It's Jan. 2, holiday is over. How many of you have started checking your emails incessantly!?????

Thank you! I got it All the best!

Yes!.Congratulations! Do you mind share your POI? Thanks!

Based on what I know, a professor can't decide alone whether to take a student. The decision is made by the admission committee which contains other professors in the department. Once the admission is recommended, the school's graduate office has the final say if the official offer will be sent out or not. As long as your grades and records are competitive enough compared to other applicants and you meet the minimum requirement, you should be fine Another factor that may affect whether you will receive an offer or not is funding. All the best!

I looked at last year's posts, it seems like Waterloo and UBC's preliminary interviews usually happen around the beginning of Jan. I will worry after the New Year?

Anyone hear anything from Waterloo and Queens?

I got the exact the same email. I've emailed the graduate office and they are working it out. They are probably undergoing a lot of stress and pressure at this moment. Hope it will resolve soon.

I personally don't think it's necessary. I think schools have a specific procedure of creating a short list and then the professor will contact the applicants on the shortlist.

Hello guys, You all offered great advice! Thank you @spookycat, I hope you will feel better and hear good news soon. I'm very shocked that they will even ask detailed questions like that! I won't be ready to answer that kind of question either. So, I think many are on the same page with you or not as good as you. Don't worry until your worry is warranted. I now wonder how detailed are we supposed to know about potential POIs' research. Is it necessary to know all potential POIs' research or just the primary one? I hope others could shed light on the extent to which our literature review has to be to prepare to interviews!! Many thanks!