hello! :)

IT'S SO FLUFFY!!

I wonder if they really received a "record number of applicants this year" or they send the same letter every year regardless.

It's not just about the qualifications, but it's about the match between research interests (including past experiences) and to what the program has to offer (in terms of how many professors study in that area and how the program as a whole can equip the student). So my opinion on this topic is that there's no such thing as an "overqualified" applicant. If the Committee thinks that the fit is great and that the SOP shows genuine interest, they will likely extend an invitation. If there's any doubt, they might give the applicant a call first to make sure that he/she is truly interested, but I really don't think that they would just reject on the grounds of being "overqualified." Just my 2 cents, though!

I'm with jaxzwolf. I actually started speaking a little later than my peers at 3.5 years of age-ish, but that's still within the accepted norm (before 4). I think that the slight delay is reflected in my ability to perceive spoken language. I don't have a general problem with comprehension, but hearing the different consonants is sometimes difficult... Especially over the phone (no visual cues) and in noisy rooms. Speaker-phone sucks.

@fattyrabbit: I resonate very much with your foreigners in paradise collection. I felt that you've truly captured my childhood as a first generation chinese american (i.e., parents and then grandparents immigrated to the US).

This is brilliant. bump!

Concern #1: If the admissions committee really does so much laughing at applications, they must have built up some great abs throughout this whole process. *note to self: discreetly look for 6 pack abs* Concern #2: This may or may not be universal, but I heard that technically you don't have to finish your master's degree to go onto a PhD program at another university. I guess it probably looks bad if someone had intended to defend his/her thesis but did not. In any case, I know of at least two people who started a two year MA program, but got into great PhD programs and so left after only one year. I'm guessing they had discussed this extensively with their advisors beforehand so not to piss them off. Concern #3: Hogwash

Thanks all! I guess that means no converses then.. unless I want wet toes.

I agree with you completely, but I wonder -- what if that student really sucks at writing and the professor essentially rewrites the paper during the revision process?

I agree with you, but I wonder -- what if that student really sucks at writing and the professor essentially rewrites the paper during the revision process?

As far as I know, Brown's neuroscience program has already sent out all interview invitations. There are approx. 21 people on that list. Sorry for the bad news.

(General question) Should a student who did not do the writing, but did all the work, albeit mostly following instructions with little critical thinking, be the first author on the paper?

hmm.. how about the New England area?

@Calahas lol Judging by the sheer length of your replies, it's evident that you're serious about this research path. But if you really want to figure this out and make larger progress toward your goals, your best course of action is to go get some experience by asking professors if they have any positions open in their labs (as what others have suggested already). FYI even though you didn't ask: Although it's possible to find a paid position, don't expect it. Anyway, I find it very useful to just go try it out and then decide, rather than spend too much time contemplating on a message board with strangers with unspecified credibility. If you end up joining a cognitive lab in decision-making and you realize you don't know enough about cognitive psychology, you'll know where you need to strengthen your coursework. Or you can also read up on the material yourself! If you find that the lab is not quite what you're looking for, then it still wasn't a lost opportunity because now you can make a more informed decision about which PhD program to apply to. Good luck! It gets a little easier once you finally figure out what "your thing" is, I promise.

What kind of clothes should I bring with me to my east coast interviews? (All in February) I have no idea what to expect because I've been spoiled by the nice Californian sun. The programs I've applied to are all pretty casual, so I'm thinking a nice peacoat, scarves, and dark jeans or some type of nice pants... Do I need special shoes for the cold? Can I wear my converses or will my toes fall off? Anything I should be aware of? Thanks!

It really depends on your goals. What are your reasons for wanting a PhD degree? If it's hard to come up with a nice answer to that question at this time, then an MA might be a better choice. You'll be able to get a taste of what it'll be like in a PhD program without having to commit 4-6 years. But if you're worried about your GPA – don't. Your GPA is totally fine. I would go for the MA only if it'll give you solid research experience and you come out of it with some type of publication. Otherwise, if you already have a well thought out reason for wanting to pursue a PhD degree, I would say go for it! Oh one other note – if you don't have a lot of research experience, but you want to get into a top sociology program, then I would consider getting more research under your belt... whether in a master's program or through volunteering or whatnot. Your letters of recommendation should describe your ability to conduct independent research in graduate school. They will attest to your ability to think creatively and critically by giving concrete examples. Of course, that kind of letter is best from someone that's more senior in the field.

paradise lost

I would beg on my knees for the professor to try to submit the LOR through the electronic system again. (Well, I probably wouldn't be on my knees, but you get my point... ) Anyway, hope you get it in!

I wouldn't worry too much at this time... Unless you hear the news from an insider that actually knows what's going on. For example, I note that someone received an interview invite from WashU neuroscience very early this year, but I also know that the majority of the invitations haven't officially gone out yet.

Don't worry You don't need to wear a suit for cognitive neuroscience-type programs... Unless you've also applied to clinical psychology program, which do tend to dress up more.

I looked to my left. I immediately and fervently wished that I'd looked to my right. There was a large green tree. Its branches looked contorted from the wind, but there wasn't even a breeze. A single, luscious pear hung from the highest branch. Unfortunately for my starving stomach, the trunk of the tree was crawling with enormous spiders. Undaunted, I reached for the pear, and upon grazing it with my fingertips, it turned black, shriveled on the vine, and released a pungent cloud of milky smoke. "What the ...?!" - I thought and woke up. To my dismay, I discovered that the pungent cloud of milky smoke existed even in the waking world--at least, I reflected while pulling on my pants, the enormous spiders were gone. An old man puffing a hefty cigar stared over me and muttered coarsely, "it's time." I knew this was the moment I would have to pass the test and complete my training or else I would become a failure. I donned my imaginary superhero outfit, musty and faded, and headed to the front door. When I stepped outside, the wind was so strong it almost knocked me off my feet. I suddenly realized that I was so startled by my curmudgeon of a father this morning that I had forgotten to button my pants as I rushed out the door.

drop knee

PERSONAL STATEMENT! ---- nooo!! I lose! I was playing this game to get my mind off of grad school applications...

You say you really pushed yourself... Do you think that perhaps you were too anxious this time around? You know -- the Yerkes-Dodson law.

hmmm Actually, I beg to differ.