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andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel

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    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel reacted to Clinapp2017 in Should I mention in my PhD application that I don't need funding? (and how to do that)   
    I think the fact that I, like @Psyche007, and probably others are getting a negative tone from this post is just a point of awareness I think we wish to helpfully raise about how things *might* come off. I wanted to echo this because I think it’s an important point that got driven off course by other posters. 
     
    My two cents: if your current career isn’t going t substantially change by pursuing a PhD, why spend 4-5+ years of your life pursuing one? Will it change your earnings potential at all; if you are already established and writing, will “PhD” at the end of your title really change things? These are actually valid questions I’m curious about. 
     
    There are programs that probably would take you on with no mentor, let you do your own thing, etc., but for what it’s worth these institutions are probably not viewed as legitimate by most academics. If academics aren’t your audience for your books, though, I doubt the general public will been keen enough to investigate your exact credentials. 
     
    Tl;dr: why spend your own money unless it’s really going to change things financially for you? 
  3. Like
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel reacted to Psyche007 in Should I mention in my PhD application that I don't need funding? (and how to do that)   
    A PhD is a bidirectional investment. It shouldn't be seen as a ‘product’, but as a process.
    Poke, your response is an excellent summary.
  4. Downvote
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel reacted to CeXra in Should I mention in my PhD application that I don't need funding? (and how to do that)   
    Nah, you're response, although your opinion, was very undermining and judgmental. How are you gonna tell someone you don't know "You don't seem invested in the process." An ass hat statement.You were judging the individual and didn't really, in my opinion, try to give any real answer as to how the person can go about the way. I'm immature? If you say so. And yes I was very triggered at your responses, which was met with my "wall" that called you out. And again, you were obviously pressed or should I say, insecure, since you perceived the author to be full of his/herself based on her accomplishments and what she brings to the table, which again I don't know what you skipped over, but the person wrote some. Your statements, in my opinion, was condescending and judgmental and was met with a response. 
    And again, your response didn't address how the author could go about writing it in their application AT ALL. Just your extra opinion on the matter was included, whether right or wrong. 
  5. Upvote
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel reacted to Psyche007 in Should I mention in my PhD application that I don't need funding? (and how to do that)   
    Wow, nice wall of text.
    You're assuming a great deal. I am asking a real question: What does the author bring to the table? It's not an unreasonable question considering a valuable spot is on the line. How do you know they write well? Have you read their work? You may be right, but unless you have, you're making assumptions. 
    I'm basing everything on what I was able to read. You may think it's an uncharitable take, and that's fine. But it's not unwarranted. I don't have the luxury of viewing a completed application, just a couple of posts on a forum.
    It's not wrong to want one for elevated status, but it's probably not the most attractive quality in an applicant. I'm not full of anything: the author said "Maybe I'm just being silly and going through the process is not that bad." This indicates previous judgement regarding the process. I'm not making a decision, I'm reflecting what I see. I'm open to being wrong, but this certainly triggered you in the worst way.
    There are indeed different perspectives. I offered an honest one. Right or wrong, it's acceptable to do, even if you don't like it and feel compelled to react in such a hostile and immature way.
  6. Downvote
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel reacted to CeXra in Should I mention in my PhD application that I don't need funding? (and how to do that)   
    To the author: I don't think what you wrote is bad and some people in this forum may just feel personally attacked.
    To @Psyche007: Yes, I think you're reading too much into it. Like "what do you bring to the table..." Uhm... she or he or they actually brings a lot, and above the average undergrad coming in. This person brings years of experience and a different lifestyle that can add to the classroom/discussions. And they have published books which shows they can write well and is capable of publishing future work. In other words, I imagine they have a great CV (even if it may lack research). And from what is posted, I don't think what they wrote makes them appear above or entitled. I feel like you were just put off by what they wrote, which is just your opinion. But frankly, this person is stating the reality of what most PhD students have to do and they would like to not do part of that in order to manage the life they have built for themselves. So if they would like to disclose in the future that they do not want to do an RA-ship, but opt to do a TA-ship from time to time, why not? I have seen this done countless of times. I literally have a fellowship that pays me to stay at home and do my work (besides from going to class and staying on good academic standing; which is something that is unavoidable). And I am in a top-tier institution for my field. Personally, as long as a student goes to class, gets great grades and stay connected with their advisors, they are fine and motivated enough to get a PhD. And also to your point that they "want to distance themselves from the department, and not be a part of it..." Uhm... is academia a cult? To some, yes... to others, no. A lot of students do not like being required to participate in colloquiums because not all of them relate to their interests or even line up with their schedules. So this person bartering to not have to go to the ones that won't help them due to their work is something this person has every right to do (even if the department says no, at least they asked). And what is wrong with getting a PhD to elevate one's status? You made it seem like its wrong for them to want to do this. A lot of people who get PhDs especially in the sciences get their PhDs for better job prospects, not because they are passionate about learning or research. And to this part "From this information alone, you don't seem invested in the process enough to be worth accepting as a student. You're obviously more than capable of doing all the learning and work by yourself. The degree is just a way of elevating your status." You are really full of it. Who are you to decide whether or not someone is motivated or invested? Just because their motivations are different from yours, it does not give you the right to downplay their desire to obtain a PhD. The reason this person gave is GREAT and it makes sense. You know how many times I heard from students that the reason why they came to a PhD is program is because they didn't know what else to do or that they need this to get a job in their field (especially in the social sciences). And guess what, they still excel and do great. I understand that passion and love for research is what drives a lot of students to do well and get through hard days, but for some its how will this degree help them in the long run. And this person clearly wrote that. So I think, you need to check your bias and understand that there are different perspectives.  
    Anyways, to the author of the post. Personally, I think you can say in your application that you have external funding that will cover the stipend/cost of living (once/if you get accepted you can elaborate). I say frame it like that so this way you can be offered a tuition waver. I also suggest framing it this way so that you don't let this matter take up the bulk of your statement since some departments may not care. So, in your statement, only three-four sentences is needed towards the bottom and you can explain the rest over the phone/in person/email if you are admitted.
    Also, the biggest lesson here is that your post can be interpreted in different ways. How you framed it didn't bother me but it appeared to ruffle some feathers... So watch how you frame it in discussions and in emails. I don't think what you said is wrong and if you were a identifiable man it would be thought as "highlighting" your experiences (I am unaware of your gender but the fact remains). I have seen people highlight their wants using their accomplishments over and over as a means to barter, especially white cisgender men. So do not feel bad or discouraged! Apply to a wide range of schools (top tier and lower tier). Ph.D. programs are hard to get into normally and our new economic crisis may even make it harder for the years to come. Now in terms of program requirements, there may be things you will have to do because they are required, that is the reality of any position. But I can say for myself that I received an prestigious external fellowship and I can basically do my own research that is not tied to my department, so I have more autonomy than my peers. I can decide to not go to certain department events and will not be judged as harshly as my peers. My funding can't be taken away, so there are benefits to having your own funding. However, even though you can "distance yourself from the department" (in terms of not attending colloquiums, working groups, faculty talks), it may also have an impact on how well you do there and who will work with you. Everyone and every department is different. But a top tier school (like 1-10 or 11-20) may not care that you have funding unless its prestigious or what not (in your case it's not), so I don't think you have an advantage but its also not a disadvantage. Personally your experience as a writer and author is beneficial. Research is important, and it doesn't sound like to me that you have a problem with doing research. And in my experience, I have done projects I wanted to do but there was tweaking and changes here and there (prompted by my advisors) and that is apart of growing. So if you are willing to grow and change, you will be fine. If you are not willing to grow, you will face problems. In terms of not wanting to work in the lab or department, it depends on the discipline you are in. With psychology, you will be required to do lab work. But again, I have seen in cases that advisors work with their students to accommodate their preferences (like doing lab work from home or coming in once a week for lab seminar).
    This is all said to say, once and if you are admitted, speak to them. If it doesn't work with you, don't accept. But in your application, don't get ahead of yourself. Just relay 3 to 4 sentences about external funding. Once and if you are admitted you can speak to them about your preferences. The department functions may be something you can haggle (e.g. going to the ones that fall on the days of when you're on campus for class already). For lab, see if advisors had have students who do work from home for the most part, or ask if lab is held once a week or so. Ultimately, they don't need to accommodate your preferences but you never know if its on the table if you don't ask. 
    Good Luck!
    I wish you the best. 
  7. Like
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from SocDevMum in Reflections & Advice from Fall 2020 cycle   
    Honestly, I disagree. I had a lot of formal research experience and no posters/conferences/first author pubs. It wasn’t a big deal because of my experience and what I wanted to do. It varies, and I think this forum can push publications excessively at times. 
     
     
     
    On the original topic, my advice would be to never undervalue research match. Really try to nail down what you want to do, more than “work with kids with trauma.” Have some idea that you can talk about, show where it came from and why it interested you. My most successful interviews and offers came from schools where I spent half an hour geeking out with the professor about ideas we both thought were good. 
     
    Also, if something feels off, or you have a small worry about a school/POI....listen to that voice. I had that experience with one school I interviewed at and the outcome was bad all around. You know when something isn’t right. 
  8. Upvote
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel reacted to PsyZei in University of Iowa Psychology PhD   
    I'm glad that worked out for her! We have not seen anything that meets our basic requirements in our budget in Iowa City, so it honestly doesn't seem like Iowa City is an option for us, where Cedar Rapids has multiple listings within our budget that meet our needs. Iowa City is just a significantly higher priced real estate market than Cedar Rapids is. I am glad she was able to make the choice that seems like it worked out best for her.
    It's about 6 hours away for us, not nearby but definitely driving distance. However, everything is on lock down, so we are doing virtual tours and just trying to figure it out the best we can.
  9. Like
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from PsychPhdBound in Fall 2020 - Where are you going?   
    University of Iowa -- Clinical PhD. I'm so excited!! 
  10. Like
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from Justice4All in Fall 2020 - Where are you going?   
    University of Iowa -- Clinical PhD. I'm so excited!! 
  11. Like
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from Giovanni’s room in Fall 2020 - Where are you going?   
    University of Iowa -- Clinical PhD. I'm so excited!! 
  12. Like
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from UroboroS in Fall 2020 - Where are you going?   
    University of Iowa -- Clinical PhD. I'm so excited!! 
  13. Like
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from -Resilience- in Fall 2020 - Where are you going?   
    University of Iowa -- Clinical PhD. I'm so excited!! 
  14. Upvote
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from socialneurofriend in Fall 2020 Psychology Acceptances   
    Personally, I think you are completely acceptable to wait until you have funding information. It's awesome that they've always been able to fund their students, but without that offer letter in hand, you don't know---also, another school I interviewed at told us specifically NOT to accept until we heard about funding. After all, they said, if you accept, the university assumes you don't need any additional encouragement to go there---so it could affect what fellowships and funding you're eligible for. 
     
    I know everyone has big concerns about leaving a bad impression, but this is a large financial and personal decision. Schools and PIs should be able to respect that. There's a reason you have until April 15th---obviously don't wait until then if you already know, but that date isn't a "only jerks respond in April" kind of thing. It's to protect you in circumstances like this. 
     
    Has the school offered you any idea on when you might know about funding?
  15. Like
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from Justice4All in Fall 2020 Psychology Acceptances   
    School: University of Iowa
    Type of Program: Clinical Psychology, PhD
    Acceptance Date: 2/21/2020
  16. Like
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from xChrisx in Fall 2020 Psychology Acceptances   
    School: University of Iowa
    Type of Program: Clinical Psychology, PhD
    Acceptance Date: 2/21/2020
  17. Upvote
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from detectivepikachu in Fall 2020 Psychology Acceptances   
    School: University of Iowa
    Type of Program: Clinical Psychology, PhD
    Acceptance Date: 2/21/2020
  18. Like
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from psychedoncafe in Interview Tips!   
    Hey, that's exceedingly unfair and unkind. 
     
    Honestly, if a school decided against me for my use of a perfectly valid word...that seems like a place that would be way too high stress and judgment for me. 
  19. Upvote
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from k0909 in Teachers College Columbia University Counseling Psychology Phd Debrief and Updates   
    Lol, well optimism is always good.
     
    I wouldn't stress the Ivy thing, there's really no ranking system at PhD programs. It's more about fit and making sure you're productive in the ways that will suit your ultimate goals. 
  20. Like
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from PsycAdvocate in Teachers College Columbia University Counseling Psychology Phd Debrief and Updates   
    Lol, well optimism is always good.
     
    I wouldn't stress the Ivy thing, there's really no ranking system at PhD programs. It's more about fit and making sure you're productive in the ways that will suit your ultimate goals. 
  21. Upvote
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from Coffee_and_Psychology96 in Teachers College Columbia University Counseling Psychology Phd Debrief and Updates   
    Lol, well optimism is always good.
     
    I wouldn't stress the Ivy thing, there's really no ranking system at PhD programs. It's more about fit and making sure you're productive in the ways that will suit your ultimate goals. 
  22. Like
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from leeners in Teachers College Columbia University Counseling Psychology Phd Debrief and Updates   
    Lol, well optimism is always good.
     
    I wouldn't stress the Ivy thing, there's really no ranking system at PhD programs. It's more about fit and making sure you're productive in the ways that will suit your ultimate goals. 
  23. Upvote
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel got a reaction from PsyHike in Teachers College Columbia University Counseling Psychology Phd Debrief and Updates   
    Lol, well optimism is always good.
     
    I wouldn't stress the Ivy thing, there's really no ranking system at PhD programs. It's more about fit and making sure you're productive in the ways that will suit your ultimate goals. 
  24. Upvote
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel reacted to Ppkitty in Teachers College Columbia University Counseling Psychology Phd Debrief and Updates   
    This is just an inappropriate comment that I would encourage you to reflect on. It is  invalidating of Justice's efforts and abilities. Of course we always strive for diversity in Counseling Psychology, just as we strive for other social justice goals. And even the most qualified applicant can always do more to have a stronger application: more pubs, better scores, etc. At the end of the day, it's fit that matters. 
  25. Upvote
    andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel reacted to Aghhhhh in Teachers College Columbia University Counseling Psychology Phd Debrief and Updates   
    Yikes. I really understand your frustration, having also interviewed at just one place. However, I think you should take more time to focus on your social and interpersonal skills--things that can't be measured on paper. To me, this comment comes across as arrogant, while also reducing Justice's qualifications to just having an "upper hand" by being a minority. (whether you intended for it to come across that way or not). I'm sure you interviewed extremely well, but it's insinuating comments like these that can potentially tank your chances...
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