MinDZ

Is there a reason why no one is posting here this year? There was quite a bit of back and forth when I applied for my master’s two years ago. Thoughts?

I do a few things. I’ve had mental health problems on and off for a long time so I have some experience - First of all, these things ebb and flow so it’s helpful to remind myself that a funk will end. I won’t feel like that forever. - Exercise. Honestly the most helpful thing. I feel more energized and positive about myself and my body. - Make sure I eat well. When I’m depressed I don’t feel like cooking. But, I give myself permission to eat a frozen dinner or burrito because that’s better than Oreos and chips. - Have someone I can talk to personally/professionally. Last winter/spring shit was hard. I dragged myself to a therapist and got some meds sorted out. Plus I can always call my mom or chat with my cohort. - Break large tasks into smaller chunks/goals. Sometimes it needs to be tiny like do at least 5 minutes. If you don’t feel like continuing you don’t have to. But tomorrow we’ll try again. - Most importantly I do my best to be kind to myself. Not shame myself for not getting work done or sitting on my ass. I’m awesome and capable and I just need to take extra good care of myself in that moment. Those are things that I do and they work pretty well. It’s important to know what kind of resources are available to you. Sometimes that’s counseling but it can also be an internet resource or friend or DnD group. Pets are great too. It feels good to take care of someone else.

Undergrad Institution: A California State University, Graduate Institution: Mid-Size public university Major(s): Geology BS, Geology MS Minor(s): None GPA in Major: Undergrad 3.78, Master’s 3.91 Overall GPA: Undergrad 3.4 Position in Class: Above average Type of student: Domestic, female GRE Scores: I did not need to submit scores this cycle Research Experience: Participated in a project in undergrad, finishing my master’s thesis now. Presented posters at 2 conferences. Some research needed in my job between undergrad and grad school (2 yrs). Awards/Honors/Recognitions: 3 scholarship awards, 1st place research symposium presentation Pertinent Activities or jobs: USGS contractor - 1 season, Park Ranger at Mount St Helens - 2 seasons, Science education workshop assistant - 2 years, Geology club treasurer in undergrad Special Bonus Points: Jewish female (If that’s a negative then I don’t want to go there anyway) Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: 1st two years of undergrad were pretty shitty but I completely turned it around in the end. My master’s thesis is about Ridgecrest which is exciting to people. Applying to Where: University of Oregon - remote sensing, Cornell - remote sensing, Arizona State - active tectonics/remote sensing, McGill - fault processes.

People declined! I’m going to WWU!

Here’s my profile for future students! It’s April 15th and I finally have a plan haha Undergrad: A California State University Degree: BS in Geology GPA: 3.6 Type of student: Female, white, late 20s GRE:  Q: 157 V: 162 W: 4 Research Experience: I did field work for an undergrad thesis but never finished it. Additional Details: Started out as a dietetics major and then switched to vocal performance before finding geology. My grades were terrible at the beginning of my college career. I was in and out of school for seven years until my last 2 years which were fantastic. I was definitely a most improved kind of student. I actually had to retake an entire semesters worth of classes at one point. At the end of it all I received the outstanding senior award and a couple scholarships that I never applied to but was suggested for by my department. Right after graduating I got a competitive job working as a state parks interpretive ranger with an awesome geologic resource. Applying to Where (all MS Geology): Central Washington University: Accepted. Offered TA position. Will not be attending. Western Washington University: Accepted. Offered TA position. Will be attending. This process was hell. The waiting, the waitlists for funding, the last minute decisions... but it was worth it. I could have applied to more schools but I knew I wanted to go somewhere with only a masters program and no PhD. If anyone wants to chat — DM me.

No advice but I’m in the same situation. It felt so good to get in, but without funding it’s not even a possibility. I hope we get off the waitlist really quickly!!!!

Have you inquired about this to the admissions people? I do think a lot of people wait until the last minute because they’re hoping to hear from other universities.

Thanks! I have already told A the whole story. It’s just up to students declining their offers at this point. I got an extension to decide so if they decline on the 15th I’ll still be able to accept the next day.

Aw thanks for replying. I’m waiting on Western Washington University. I did end up getting an extension for my decision which is super helpful. Good luck to you! I hope we don’t have to wait too much longer.

Well, I’m officially waitlisted for funding. I guess I’m just here to vent. I got into both programs I applied to and got funded at one and waitlisted for funding at the other which happens to be my first choice. The email said all the TA positions were already offered to students so I just need to wait for them to possibly decline. I don’t know where I am on this waitlist. Their students need to decide by the same day I need to decide about my second choice so I’m feeling very stressed. It sucks to know I wasn’t my favorite advisor’s first choice. It sucks to have to keep waiting to find out - and so last minute. I’m thankful I have a school to go to if the first choice doesn’t work out, but I’ve been so excited to possibly work with my first choice advisor for months and months. Having a bad day over here.

Damn I just got news I’m on a waitlist for funding at A. This thread is even more relevant now.

I’m in the same boat. Thanks for posting this. School A is my top choice and I’ve been accepted but they have yet to divvy out TA positions. School B is my second choice and they’ve already offered me a TA position but need me to decide by the 15th. From what people have said here I will accept B if I hear nothing from A and then consider getting them to release my acceptance at B if A comes through after the 15th. I’ve heard it’s really rude to do so, but I’m also sure there are people waiting for my spot. Because this wasn’t stressful enough, everything has to come down to the last minute too!!!