I also think it is, but it's a dangerous thing to do on a public forum, particularly if there isn't a clear line between asking for help and simply venting.
For what it's worth, I read @Chanandler's post as being made in good faith as a call to self-evaluation. It's hard to phrase that in a way that doesn't come across as extremely harsh. For example, when @Sigaba tried to offer effectively the same critique, their advice was accepted, but it was not clear to me that their message was fully received. Chanandler's message, by contrast, was indeed fully received but not accepted. Neither managed to thread the needle.
@Adelaide9216, you're totally correct that any criticism here is coming from a place of relative ignorance. But by posting here, you are explicitly inviting criticism from relative strangers. I know you know this because I have myself reminded you in the past that we on this forum are not as helpful as sources of advice and guidance when compared to those who know you directly, and you told me that you understood, but valued the outside perspective. That's what you were offered here, although on terms that would be hard for anyone to swallow, and it seems unfair to now use the fact that the perspective you have been offered is from the outside to dismiss it.
As academics, it's incumbent upon us to remember that all readings of things we've written made in good faith are valid readings. That is, if someone reads you as arguing, saying, or doing something other than you think you've argued, said, or done, their interpretation is as valid - and possibly more valid - than yours as to what you've actually done. An adviser's description of your paper, for example, is almost certainly closer to what you're arguing than what you think you've argued. Any time you spot a disconnect between your and another's interpretation of your work, that should be a clear and evident warning sign that you haven't done what you intended.
Hey guys! I ended up committing to Columbia. I got many messages asking about how I managed to get into these schools as an international etc. This was my first time applying and I got lucky, but to those who did not get in anywhere, you'll get in next year! Absolutely everything happens for a reason, and you'll end up where you're meant to be, which will be a great place for sure. If this is what you want to do, don't EVER give up. YOU GOT THIS! If anyone wants to contact me, please feel free. I am not an expert by any means, but I did get into 4 pretty good schools for my PhD in Biomedical Sciences, and I am happy to help as much as I can!
I think they send out invitation one by one. Invitation letter was from the program director and cc'ed the student manager, which is kinda unlikely to be a mass email. My first and last names are both near the beginning of the alphabet. I really hope I have addressed some of your concerns, and all best lucks of your application!
Someone in results posted about Columbia BI and Harvard BIG already. I've emailed them but have yet to hear back. I'm an international student too so hopefully they aren't done with us yet
LaurenEm reacted to dr. t in I failed my thesis.