justacigar

Agreed, it also clutters the thread up like crazy having like 4 people asking for the same school POI! I tried to get a new template going with the POI included or if they weren't willing to share but it didn't catch on, lol

Did anyone here apply to UMN's developmental psychopathology and clinical science program? I recently found out they don't even conduct interviews before acceptance/rejection! For some reason that makes me even more nervous? Like you don't have a chance to prove yourself in an interview, its all just on paper. Yikes!

@Lolo2627 Wow why is that meme totally me right now, I feel attacked Holy shirtballs, really?? I'd be so frustrated! That's such bull. Do you ever see them in person to see what the heck happened?

@fixology holy smokes! Two partners applying at the same time, multiple times...your relationship must be extra strong at this point!! Best of luck to both of you. Managing the stress of both of the experiences must be tough. I agree, holiday decorating has saved me a few times already! And baking, as if I needed an excuse to emotionally eat, lol @CatastrophizingNerd OMG I am literally the same! I keep waking up thinking I'm going to be strong and not check email and TGC and SDN obsessively and then I fall right back into the trap hahah. Sorry to hear about the technicalities. There isn't a way to update them now? @Lolo2627 Agreed, I needed some solidarity. SDN = Student Doctor Network, not as active for applicants but they have forums for Psychology Phd/PsyD students and professionals that has been helpful

Hey everyone, last round an applicant started a general thread to talk about stress levels, what we were doing to stay sane, how email notifications were the bane of our existence, etc. Thought it might be nice to start it up again as I know I am having a hard time staying focused and patient during the waiting period! Even though I haven't seen any results or interview invites for the programs I've applied to, and I logically know I won't hear for a few weeks based on previous cycle data, it hasn't stopped me from freaking out every day and wasting a ton of time refreshing grad cafe and SDN just to see if anyone has heard from my programs ? How are you doing? Anything positive to look forward to this holiday season?

I don't necessarily think it's a negative sign. I don't know that profs do preliminary interviews with all of the applicants they want to invite to an in-person interview. It could just be applicants they are unsure about and want additional information about before extending an in-person interview...but I'm not 100% sure

I'm wondering if it would be best to include a PI Initials (if willing to share): section within the post format? Since that's about half of the replies on the thread! What do y'all think?

Ugh that's terrible! Especially AFTER the deadline. I'm also surprised that a master's program follows a strict mentorship model, interesting! Well, because your application is in, you never know what could happen. The program could realize you are a wonderful fit and still offer you a position! It's nothing personal, for sure. I wouldn't beat yourself up about why the advisor suddenly decided to not consider taking students. I definitely took it personally when I found out about mine, especially because I was making connections with her and her grad students. It's ultimately up to you if you want to continue the process. You've done so much work already, maybe it's worth it to just stick it out. I'm so sorry that happened to you!

Anyone else having wild dreams about applications?? I had a crazy one last night that my top choice POI showed me her list of applicants she was considering at some restaurant we both happened to be at (lol) and I was number 1...and then I woke up ?

Lots of great points about master's degrees! It all comes down to personal preference and career goals. I had a master's my first round and it really didn't help my application at all, but it was a clinical degree, not a research degree. Many applicants spend their time doing a post-bac or other full-time research gig and that makes them more competitive. All this to say, there are many paths to the same goal! And I don't think there is one answer better than the others.

Take this with a grain of salt as it's my personal opinion, but if a PhD is your long-term goal, I don't know that I would waste time and money getting a master's degree. I would instead get a full-time research gig and focus on beefing up your application. I got a master's in clinical psychology before realizing I actually wanted and needed a PhD to do the things I wanted to career-wise, and I'll be paying for those MS loans for quite a while. At the end of the day, it's a personal decision, but to me the options are getting paid to do more research or paying to get a degree and do research.

Got an email from a school saying my application status had changed from "submitted" to "under review" EEEEKKKKKKK

Hair wise, you should definitely be able to find an updo that looks professional! Only cut your hair if you want to. Re: attire, the only advice I've ever heard across platforms and mentors is a full suit, though depending on where you interview a skirt might be out of the question for weather reasons! People also do slacks with a blazer and nice shirt. But don't be afraid to let your personality shine through, I'm planning to get a nice patterned shirt for under my suit if I get an interview. I've also heard having a cool, unique piece of jewelry or awesome shoes can help you stand out just enough

Definitely not. Even between POI's at the same school the process can vary. I'd say the norm is mid to late December or January. Don't stress just yet!

I concur with @MaybeMaybe2020, very dependent on the POI. Some may have already completed a Skype or phone call with potential participants before applications were due. Also, THANK YOU for using this thread and not the interview thread! Every time someone posts something on there I think it's another invite ?

Y'all are killing me with the notifications on this thread, I keep thinking people are posting interview invites

Just saw someone posted on the results page about an informal interview with a POI...

LOL, four weeks?? I don't have any prior experience with PSYCAS before this cycle so I'm not sure about issues. It has given me updates about my application when they've received test scores, transcripts, and LORs, and I uploaded everything else myself. Not sure why they'd recommend turning it in that early. Overall, hated PSYCAS, 0/10 would not apply again

Ah, @JoePianist, always short and sweet and to the point. To expand, I think it's a natural part of the process to feel inadequate, nervous, or doubtful. I tend to be an anxious person in general and this whole process can certainly amp up those feelings. However, underneath all my anxieties and uncertainties, I know why I'm doing this and what my scientific values are, so I push through and persevere. It's important to keep checking in with yourself to make sure this is what you want, and remind yourself as much as possible why you are applying in the first place. Just remember, you don't have to go to grad school, or pursue this career. You might get interviews and decide it's not the right path for you, and thats okay. But don't let your dream die just because you are afraid or nervous!

Then you are 99.99% fine! I don't think any universities are expected a numbered statement or anything. They want to know how you relay this info in essay form. You good!

Did you address those two questions in some shape or form? My mistake was always following the prompt to the T, answering all prompt questions in a specific order and it caused my OG statements to sound horrible. Advice I was given was you should answer those questions in a narrative, fluid way. All that to say...don't reformat it if you answered those questions in some way!

This is probably school specific. I'd contact the grad coordinators and note that everything was submitted on time, and ask if there is a grace period for the letters. You are probably in the clear.

To everyone concerned about LOR matters, I would email graduate coordinators about school specific policies. I think most universities will provide a grace period for letter submitters. But, it's probably unique to each program. Unless the application portal closed right at midnight December 1st, you might be okay!

My applications all had a note somewhere that said "it could take 1 - 2 weeks to successfully update your application with official transcripts/GRE reports/etc." so I wouldn't worry.

Nice! I bet it feels fantastic to have those done. Does that mean your applications are now complete?! I heard from one last night that she would be submitting today, and the other hasn't really given me an ETA. I'm going to send her another friendly email around noon if I still don't see anything! It sucks because she is my most "big-name" recommender. But, that also means she's probably done this a lot. Just gotta have faith.