andhowdoesthatmakeyoufeel

I’m not sure if I would mention “all my schools.” In past experience, I have heard that holding on to more than one offer at a time is considered taboo, and this may suggest you’re planning on doing that. I would rather just be vague and say you will get back to them with a decision as quickly as you can.

I would agree with this. 
 
 
The reality is that none of us know, we aren’t admissions committees. But looking at historical averages for the programs you apply to is, I think, the best option for most applicants. 
 
GRE being fair or not is a completely different topic of discussion, but the reality is that it IS frequently used for narrowing down the pool. 

I would agree with this. 
 
 
The reality is that none of us know, we aren’t admissions committees. But looking at historical averages for the programs you apply to is, I think, the best option for most applicants. 
 
GRE being fair or not is a completely different topic of discussion, but the reality is that it IS frequently used for narrowing down the pool. 

I think the best thing you can do is just be honest in your answers. Be who you are, don’t over stress your answers, try to just have a nice conversation. 

I would agree with this. 
 
 
The reality is that none of us know, we aren’t admissions committees. But looking at historical averages for the programs you apply to is, I think, the best option for most applicants. 
 
GRE being fair or not is a completely different topic of discussion, but the reality is that it IS frequently used for narrowing down the pool. 

Of course! 
 
For example questions and such, I strongly recommend Mitch's guide:
http://mitch.web.unc.edu/files/2017/02/MitchGradSchoolAdvice.pdf

Same, mine was before Christmas, but it could be PI specific. 

Nevermind, just received an invite ?

26 here, turning 27 this year. I have a lot of anxiety about going back at this age---especially because I want children----so I totally understand your stress. But you can't second guess yourself, it was the right decision for you at the time and it might still be the right decision for you now. Life is an evolving process, and it's gonna be okay. 

26 here, turning 27 this year. I have a lot of anxiety about going back at this age---especially because I want children----so I totally understand your stress. But you can't second guess yourself, it was the right decision for you at the time and it might still be the right decision for you now. Life is an evolving process, and it's gonna be okay. 

You're gonna be asked way less than you expect. Prepare yourself to ask a LOT of questions of the people you talk to. Don't run out of questions. 

26 here, turning 27 this year. I have a lot of anxiety about going back at this age---especially because I want children----so I totally understand your stress. But you can't second guess yourself, it was the right decision for you at the time and it might still be the right decision for you now. Life is an evolving process, and it's gonna be okay. 

Of course! 
 
For example questions and such, I strongly recommend Mitch's guide:
http://mitch.web.unc.edu/files/2017/02/MitchGradSchoolAdvice.pdf

I need to reread this every time I get stressed out.

You're gonna be asked way less than you expect. Prepare yourself to ask a LOT of questions of the people you talk to. Don't run out of questions. 

I just left a nice, hand-written thank you note. I think it went over well. 

I just left a nice, hand-written thank you note. I think it went over well. 

I just left a nice, hand-written thank you note. I think it went over well. 

ha! That’s my answer too if I get asked. Always wanted to open a bakery if nothing else worked out. 

Sure!
 
This particular interview was fairly short with each PI. 15 minutes with professors I wasn't applying to work with, 30 minutes with my POI. In essence, they all asked "tell me about yourself, why are you here?" And then my POI just held a normal conversation. I wasn't quizzed on anything, no one asked about my previous research (except that I had done it, and in brief what my experience was). The only real question my POI asked me was "What would you say makes you happy?" which was interesting. They were very firm on the fact that they only want to work with pleasant people, and seemed fairly interested in who I was as a person. 
 
You'll definitely be asking most of the questions if it's anything like mine was. 

I just left a nice, hand-written thank you note. I think it went over well. 

There's been some debate about Rutgers having sent out all their invites, but no one is real sure what's going on. I reached out but haven't heard back yet. 

I don’t attend those programs, but the remaining element I’m wondering about is your choice of mentors at these programs. Some professors are going to be more competitive than others to apply working under in their lab. Also, a lot of the time, professors tend to lean towards choosing mentees of their friends from outside institutions. 

I need to reread this every time I get stressed out.

Of course everyone is grateful for the opportunities they are given, but I don't think it's fair to tell everyone they can't be upset. I absolutely understand where you're all coming from and your words are kind---but everyone handles grief and frustration and disappointment differently, so let's give everyone the space to be upset if they need to be.