drfigue

I think both schools are great. Rankings are usually for people who need that kind of confirmation. I personally believe UF is growing a lot, and that now it is in an exciting stage. My recommendation would be to think of the research and if you’ll be happy. The weather in Florida is awesome and Baltimore sucks, but that’s my opinion. Lastly, no program will create your success - only you can.

Awesome data! I also got accepted to UIUC’s ME PhD and I am strongly considering it. I spent a summer there and it is not that bad + you get to save a lot of money. People are really nice, too. Do you mind sharing how much is the RA stipend? I got the MechSE fellowship ($25k over 9-months) for the first year and was offered RA for the remaining of my PhD time, but they didn’t mention how much, they just said it is similar.

Congrats!!! I just know that there are two ways: either direct entry or possible rotation. When did you interview? For sure you shouldn’t be freaking out, I am ? Edit: and yeah, maybe that is why, since I’ve seen that people have posted that they’ve gotten matched with just one of their interviewers. Hopefully they have started the round of acceptances with people having more than one PI with you.

Hm. Weird. I thought the acceptance would happen if a PI wants you. Did you mean interviewed instead?

Yes, I think that too. One of my interviewers was recruiting at the three weekends, so I guess that may be a reason why I haven’t heard back yet. PS. Congrats!

Same as you, friend. Lowkey freaking out.

MIT ain't the only place doing good science. Think of other things - have you talked with POIs at UCLA? I personally think it's not worth waiting a year. What if you don't get in next year? There may be a chance that the applicant pool is extremely competitive (more than this year's) and/or cuts in funding which means fewer spots. After all, a Ph.D. is a Ph.D. everywhere, what makes it different is 1) your effort/enthusiasm and 2) PI. Not necessarily in that order. Good luck!

Remember to think of those who want you and consider you as an amazing scholar (which we all here are)! I just wanted to let you all know - we aren’t alone!!!

Same here. Lmao

I don’t see how it affects you if you want to consider academia, unless you would really like to work at the university you declined after accepting. (maybe??) I’m not encouraging anyone to do that (God, no!), but I know people who went through this, explained the situation, and are fine. It depends on the university involved, how much time between accepting and declining, and how you managed to communicate with POIs. But my recommendation for @namle is to wait a little longer. I don’t know how that works for international students, but it would be rude if you accept now and, let’s say you hear back by April 14 from other school, you decline it. (A month after.) Maybe check how long does the visa process take and make a decision based on that. Also, wouldn’t the university you pick complete the visa process? You also need to think of that. I don’t think they would stop the process, but don’t give it as a fact that they will be okay with you backing out. Also, think of the people who are waitlisted at that program - maybe some of them really want it. In conclusion, avoid explaining why you would like to decline an offer after accepting it by waiting a little longer. ?

By no means you should decide before April 15th. Did you ask why? That’s a red flag for me, tbh. By the signature, TAMU? ?

Thank you, but I don’t think I have been rejected...just yet. Haha! What I mean is that the system (GEM) seems to be a bit crazy.

I just saw one of mine that says 'Denied Admission', lmao - I just had an interview at that school this weekend.....the system is broken (though I am scared, lol).

I don't know in Philosophy, but you should go for it. Don't let a number stop you!

True. Lololol. See you soon I honestly don't know - I applied for the BioE Interdisciplinary Program with BME (GT/Emory) as home school... I already assumed rejection, but I'm okay with it. Hope you do get some good news soon!

Me too! Looking forward to meeting you then!

To those with an interview at Penn: which weekend are you going?

I'm so sorry ? don't lose hope!!!

Me neither ?

Do you guys know if UCSD sends more interview requests? It’s just so weird. A POI from there told me: “I believe decisions letters will go out shortly.” That was last weekend - it seems that they sent a lot of rejections around Feb 7 last year. *cries in Spanish*

I also have bad dreams - it's horrible! Although I've been accepted, I don't know anything about funding yet so it's like...wth is going to happen if I don't get awarded a fellowship? It's beyond sad this whole process. I wish you all the best!!!

I should start working out, again---I, too, am a mess trying not to freak out over the stress. Hahaha, yes, I have summer all year long. And I will probably move to someplace like that. Hahaha. Good luck with your applications!

That's great that you've established communication with potential PIs, and even more at your top choice (woohoo!!!). I know the feeling - I was doing a coop when I first looked for summer internships and that was my worst performance EVER. And you're right, it got even worse when I got accepted, hahaha. Best of luck with your applications and I hope for you to end up being happy with the results!

Woohoo!!! Congrats!

Hey, Y'all! I wanted to create this topic so we could talk about how we spend our days while waiting for responses. From my side, I started watching soap opera with my grandmother and everything we do is laugh about the characters. I am taking just a few credits to graduate and it's been hard for me to ignore my email, which is one of my daily goals. Other than that, I've been to the beach (Caribbean boi), have started a couple of TV shows on Netflix, and have learned more about cooking.