TheEternalGrad

Someone should spill the T on the Denver interview questions (results page) to distract me from waiting to hear from one of my schools.... 

In my previous application cycle, I was waitlisted for one MA program and one PhD program. I was ultimately rejected from the PhD program, although I got into the MA program after an additional interview with my mentor and cleared her concerns about whether I would be happy doing research on child and adolescent populations. Not going to lie, I cried a lot during the day that I got rejected by the PhD program because the POI was someone that heavily influenced my interest in mental health stigma and help seeking research and it hurts knowing how close I was to getting into the program (The amount of times I had Miss Y by Marina and the Diamonds on repeat while doing so is embarrassing in hindsight). However, I found that a good way of coping is to flip it from being rejected to a motivating challenge to prove myself to the POI that I am worth investing time and effort into mentoring when I reapply to the program.

I ended up pushing myself as hard as I can in lab because I wanted to pull a Pretty Woman and go "Do you remember me? Big mistake. Big. Huge!" when I meet the POI again (Okay, not literally, but the point is that it's a great motivator to be able to meet the POI again and show how much progress you made since last time. Great daydream fantasy though), and my CV grew a lot from it. Haven't heard back from this POI yet (Although the program is known for being on the slower side on the admissions process, and timing of the e-mail confirming that the graduate office sent the materials to the psychology department confirms that's the case for this year as well), but I did get more interviews this year as a result, so I think it definitely paid off. Regardless if the POI actually offers me an interview again, I'm definitely at a point where I'm grateful for the POI's impact had on me.

Long story short, it's fine to cry it out if it turns out you are rejected. The wait is emotionally draining, and it's understandable that it hurts to be that close to getting into a program. However, you can also utilize it as a motivating force to get into a program the next cycle. On the flip side, I wouldn't see it as a zero-chance of getting in. Like I mentioned earlier, I was waitlisted for an MA program, but I got in at the end. It also turns out that was the case for about a third of my cohort, so there's definitely still a chance of getting in.

Working full-time and studying to take the GRE again ?. Out of 8 programs I applied to this cycle, I only received 1 interview, so I think my GRE scores are what did me in. I’m also planning on starting on my apps earlier than I did this past cycle. I realized I was so burnt out by the time I was working on my last app because I wanted to knock them all out within a relatively short period of time. 

I got into my top choice nearly a month ago and I still feel the need to check this website because it really became part of my identity these past couple years lol (this was my third cycle applying). Sending all the good vibes to those of you still waiting; your day will come. Persistence is key! 

I got in! Woot! Only one school out of 9, but decent funding and the program seems rad. 
 
Thank the goddess! 

School: Yeshiva University
Concentration: Clinical
Type: PsyD
Date of acceptance:  2/7/2019
Notified by: Phone call from POI the night of my interview!
Interview Invites (5/7) -- Yeshiva University, University of Denver, LIU Post, William James College, Nova Southeastern University 
Declined Interview (2/7) -- George Washington University, Roosevelt University
Withdrew (canceled interviews after accepting Yeshiva’s offer) (2/7) – University of Denver, LIU Post
Accepted (3/3) – Yeshiva University, William James College, Nova Southeastern University
ATTENDING: Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

I was relaxing at my boyfriend's place when I got the call! I was super excited, and he started dancing around when I started thanking my POI for the acceptance. I called a bunch of my friends and family, and while I did, he ran out to grab cookie dough and flowers so that we could bake cookies and watch a movie. Best night ever!

School: St.John’s University
Concentration: Clinical Psychology
Type: PhD (Clinical Child Track)
Notified by: phone call from faculty
Date of Acceptance: 2/12
Interview day felt very off to me and the walk to the clinic was unbearable. Funding is on the lower end too. DM me for more details! 
FYI I released my offer as soon as I got it! 

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I will most likely go for the research coordinator track, as I think that was the most lacking part of my application, and reapply in 2 years. It's honestly a huge blow for me, especially since I had excitedly told so many people that I was looking forward to beginning doctoral studies in the fall. Almost like a walk of shame to have to give the, "Well actually...." speech. My consolidation is that I'll finally be earning steady money (even if it isn't a lot) for 2 years. I haven't had that experience in a long time (since I was in a masters program the most recent 2 years and was doing prereqs prior to that).

First of all, I’m sorry this is how it’s going for you! This whole process is so stressful and feels so much more momentous than it probably is. You are more than your acceptance rate and funding levels! 
I think that if you know you want to do research, even if it turns out to be only a partial interest and you do counseling, I think you will be very unhappy in an unfunded PsyD program. And with your fiancé in med school, that is a TON of debt to take on. If you’re already able to do counseling, have you considered looking into other areas of psychology that are doing research in your area of interest? With your background and experience, you could probably apply to non-clinical phd programs after a year as a research coordinator and do really well with a focused and well written statement and contact prior to application season. 
Also, I really love research, so in my case, if I knew I was going to die I would be happy careerwise, spending that time doing it, and making a lasting mark on academia. If you are more interested in what you get to do after you finish the research portion of your career path and get your PhD, then that’s something to think about too. Maybe you don’t want to do research after all. 

an ode to 2019 applicants
- it's okay to cry, but don't lose hope
- it's okay to feel hopeless, but never let go of your dreams
- it's okay to question your dreams, however, don't lose sight of the vision

Is there another POI you would consider working with at that program? At one program I interviewed at, they said they were really open to students switching mentors if they felt their current mentor wasn't the right fit. If your program has that mentality, that could be an option. Otherwise, if there aren't any other POIs that you feel you'd be willing to work with (or the program looks down on/does not allow switching), I would definitely agree that you likely shouldn't go. ☹️
You're going to be with this POI for the next 4-6 years, so you want someone who is going to support you and be a proper mentor for you.
 

IMHO, only a red flag if they dropped out because of POI issues. If you got a good vibe on the the POI from your own meeting and speaking with grad students, you should be good. 

I think it’s reasonable to contact them if you prefer those schools over your current acceptance and are holding onto another offer while you await their response. 
I think it’s more of a problem when you email them just because you’re impatient or anxious. In that case, there’s no good reason to contact and it will probably not come across well. 

Here's my opinion: My advisor recommended that I not contact my POI after the initial response to their waitlist email.  Some POIs perceive it as pushy (and could cut you for that) because they can't do anything until they hear from the applicant who they offered the spot to.  So, I personally wouldn't email them again.  I think the one exception may be if you've been admitted to another program since being waitlisted at your top choice, and you could update your POI with that info/reiterate that they're your 1st choice/ask for an update for decision-making purposes (maybe).  I know waiting isn't fun!  Good luck!     

Whatever you do, don't spam them like you're spamming us. (P.S. congrats!)

I just had my last interview on March 1st, but was offered admission to another school about a month ago. With that being said, the March 1st interview said it would be two weeks 'till they send out admissions so, I am waiting on that before I make any decisions. Im sure others are in the same boat. I think it's too soon to email the POI. 

Oh no I forgot about obsessing over the admissions portal

I think I've forgotten how to not be stressed.
I have all my results from programs now and I'm still checking the results page obsessively. I don't know what I'm trying to find lol.

Sorry for multiple posts but just checked the portal for my top choice and noticed that it has been switched from "Pending" to "Admitted" and I'm freaking out trying not to get too excited until it's email-official.  For all I know somebody checked the wrong box in some system...!

I wouldn't panic about the foregoing a promising opportunity part. I did the same thing when I emailed my POI after an interview to thank him for his time. He added something about how he'd hope to see me in the fall but to also pick the program that best works for me. I ended up getting accepted! I think your POI is just trying to be considerate in case you get a better offer elsewhere. ? I wish I could offer advice about the outside funding (sort of in the same boat at the moment, so I'd love to hear some insight too). I hope the funding works out so you can get your acceptance!!!

I have no helpful advice, but YOU ARE SUCH A ROCKSTAR ❤️❤️ Doing the work to get into grad school is hard. Doing the work with kids is v hard. Doing the work as a single parent is beyond impressive. Congrats x a million. 

I've never identified so deeply with a Spongebob meme before. Big mood.

Has anyone heard from the Clinical Psychology PhD program at the University of Florida post-interview? Has anyone received an admissions offer from Fordham University?

Rejected from my top choice today. Am wondering if it was unprofessional to attach this mp3 file to my response email. Lmk?