gooniesneversaydie

Here are some of the things I learned after going through 2 application cycles:
-Get application fee waivers (should you be eligible) asap. Some programs only give out a set amount, and they could be gone by Sept/Oct. I did this in my second app cycle and saved a lot of money.
-Not to sweat GRE’s/Subject scores. My GRE scores weren’t great (V 154, Q 137, A 4.5) and my Subject was abysmal (400). I have terrible test anxiety. The two schools I was accepted to this round required both, so obviously it wasn’t weighed heavily. Many programs are ditching this requirement anyway.
-I did not do this but read this on the forum and wish I did – reach out to POIs before you submit apps to foster a connection. Even if you don’t get accepted, who knows what could come out of your reaching out.
-Try to make your SoP/PS as personal as possible and not just a list of accomplishments. Get as much feedback from mentors/advisors/professors as possible.
-Your past doesn’t define you. As a non-traditional, I was terrified of having to submit transcripts from my first undergrad institution because my last 2-3 semesters before withdrawing were awful, and my GPA suffered. While I’ll never know if that one transcript did influence any decisions, it didn’t stop me from getting into good programs.
-Not to give up hope if it doesn’t work out the first time. After having to walk away from a program in 2019, I did not believe this was going to work out for me again – especially after getting hit with so many rejections this second cycle. However, when I got my Tufts acceptance, I could see light at the end of the tunnel again. If this is the dream, keep going. Try again.
-Do not apply to Boston University unless you have the patience of a monk, mother of 3, or someone who enjoys watching paint dry, because those folks will keep you waiting.
Good luck to all future applicants. This process is crazy stressful, but you can do it! Also, eat as much cheesecake as possible. It helps. It really helps. 

Here are some of the things I learned after going through 2 application cycles:
-Get application fee waivers (should you be eligible) asap. Some programs only give out a set amount, and they could be gone by Sept/Oct. I did this in my second app cycle and saved a lot of money.
-Not to sweat GRE’s/Subject scores. My GRE scores weren’t great (V 154, Q 137, A 4.5) and my Subject was abysmal (400). I have terrible test anxiety. The two schools I was accepted to this round required both, so obviously it wasn’t weighed heavily. Many programs are ditching this requirement anyway.
-I did not do this but read this on the forum and wish I did – reach out to POIs before you submit apps to foster a connection. Even if you don’t get accepted, who knows what could come out of your reaching out.
-Try to make your SoP/PS as personal as possible and not just a list of accomplishments. Get as much feedback from mentors/advisors/professors as possible.
-Your past doesn’t define you. As a non-traditional, I was terrified of having to submit transcripts from my first undergrad institution because my last 2-3 semesters before withdrawing were awful, and my GPA suffered. While I’ll never know if that one transcript did influence any decisions, it didn’t stop me from getting into good programs.
-Not to give up hope if it doesn’t work out the first time. After having to walk away from a program in 2019, I did not believe this was going to work out for me again – especially after getting hit with so many rejections this second cycle. However, when I got my Tufts acceptance, I could see light at the end of the tunnel again. If this is the dream, keep going. Try again.
-Do not apply to Boston University unless you have the patience of a monk, mother of 3, or someone who enjoys watching paint dry, because those folks will keep you waiting.
Good luck to all future applicants. This process is crazy stressful, but you can do it! Also, eat as much cheesecake as possible. It helps. It really helps. 

BU decided to grace my inbox with a rejection today! I never thought the day would come when I would shout-out with excitement for a rejection. What a bizarre cycle it has been.  

I've officially accepted my offer to Tufts!
What a wild ride. I was quite petrified when I decided to decline the deferral Oregon offered me for 2020, but deep down I knew I wouldn't attempt that move for a second time after the first was such a nightmare. I think Tufts is a better fit, and I'm looking forward to having a more personal experience with my POI's and the department in general. The substantially higher stipend and lighter teaching load don't hurt either! Thank you to everyone who has endured my complaining, poor attempts at humor, and obsession with my cats over the last few months. Not being alone this time made the experience much more tolerable. For those of you who have a place to go in the fall, I wish you the best of luck! For those who will be trying again next year, don't give up if this is truly the path you want! It doesn't always work out the first time (even with offers!), but each setback provides new lessons to learn and overcome.
You know what this means? Celebratory cheesecake!

Here are some of the things I learned after going through 2 application cycles:
-Get application fee waivers (should you be eligible) asap. Some programs only give out a set amount, and they could be gone by Sept/Oct. I did this in my second app cycle and saved a lot of money.
-Not to sweat GRE’s/Subject scores. My GRE scores weren’t great (V 154, Q 137, A 4.5) and my Subject was abysmal (400). I have terrible test anxiety. The two schools I was accepted to this round required both, so obviously it wasn’t weighed heavily. Many programs are ditching this requirement anyway.
-I did not do this but read this on the forum and wish I did – reach out to POIs before you submit apps to foster a connection. Even if you don’t get accepted, who knows what could come out of your reaching out.
-Try to make your SoP/PS as personal as possible and not just a list of accomplishments. Get as much feedback from mentors/advisors/professors as possible.
-Your past doesn’t define you. As a non-traditional, I was terrified of having to submit transcripts from my first undergrad institution because my last 2-3 semesters before withdrawing were awful, and my GPA suffered. While I’ll never know if that one transcript did influence any decisions, it didn’t stop me from getting into good programs.
-Not to give up hope if it doesn’t work out the first time. After having to walk away from a program in 2019, I did not believe this was going to work out for me again – especially after getting hit with so many rejections this second cycle. However, when I got my Tufts acceptance, I could see light at the end of the tunnel again. If this is the dream, keep going. Try again.
-Do not apply to Boston University unless you have the patience of a monk, mother of 3, or someone who enjoys watching paint dry, because those folks will keep you waiting.
Good luck to all future applicants. This process is crazy stressful, but you can do it! Also, eat as much cheesecake as possible. It helps. It really helps. 

Here are some of the things I learned after going through 2 application cycles:
-Get application fee waivers (should you be eligible) asap. Some programs only give out a set amount, and they could be gone by Sept/Oct. I did this in my second app cycle and saved a lot of money.
-Not to sweat GRE’s/Subject scores. My GRE scores weren’t great (V 154, Q 137, A 4.5) and my Subject was abysmal (400). I have terrible test anxiety. The two schools I was accepted to this round required both, so obviously it wasn’t weighed heavily. Many programs are ditching this requirement anyway.
-I did not do this but read this on the forum and wish I did – reach out to POIs before you submit apps to foster a connection. Even if you don’t get accepted, who knows what could come out of your reaching out.
-Try to make your SoP/PS as personal as possible and not just a list of accomplishments. Get as much feedback from mentors/advisors/professors as possible.
-Your past doesn’t define you. As a non-traditional, I was terrified of having to submit transcripts from my first undergrad institution because my last 2-3 semesters before withdrawing were awful, and my GPA suffered. While I’ll never know if that one transcript did influence any decisions, it didn’t stop me from getting into good programs.
-Not to give up hope if it doesn’t work out the first time. After having to walk away from a program in 2019, I did not believe this was going to work out for me again – especially after getting hit with so many rejections this second cycle. However, when I got my Tufts acceptance, I could see light at the end of the tunnel again. If this is the dream, keep going. Try again.
-Do not apply to Boston University unless you have the patience of a monk, mother of 3, or someone who enjoys watching paint dry, because those folks will keep you waiting.
Good luck to all future applicants. This process is crazy stressful, but you can do it! Also, eat as much cheesecake as possible. It helps. It really helps. 

Thank you, all! I’m off to celebrate with some eclairs! 

Accepted off the Michigan waitlist! Beyond thrilled.

I've officially accepted my offer to Tufts!
What a wild ride. I was quite petrified when I decided to decline the deferral Oregon offered me for 2020, but deep down I knew I wouldn't attempt that move for a second time after the first was such a nightmare. I think Tufts is a better fit, and I'm looking forward to having a more personal experience with my POI's and the department in general. The substantially higher stipend and lighter teaching load don't hurt either! Thank you to everyone who has endured my complaining, poor attempts at humor, and obsession with my cats over the last few months. Not being alone this time made the experience much more tolerable. For those of you who have a place to go in the fall, I wish you the best of luck! For those who will be trying again next year, don't give up if this is truly the path you want! It doesn't always work out the first time (even with offers!), but each setback provides new lessons to learn and overcome.
You know what this means? Celebratory cheesecake!

I've officially accepted my offer to Tufts!
What a wild ride. I was quite petrified when I decided to decline the deferral Oregon offered me for 2020, but deep down I knew I wouldn't attempt that move for a second time after the first was such a nightmare. I think Tufts is a better fit, and I'm looking forward to having a more personal experience with my POI's and the department in general. The substantially higher stipend and lighter teaching load don't hurt either! Thank you to everyone who has endured my complaining, poor attempts at humor, and obsession with my cats over the last few months. Not being alone this time made the experience much more tolerable. For those of you who have a place to go in the fall, I wish you the best of luck! For those who will be trying again next year, don't give up if this is truly the path you want! It doesn't always work out the first time (even with offers!), but each setback provides new lessons to learn and overcome.
You know what this means? Celebratory cheesecake!

Officially signed my SIR for UC Irvine, and I'm super excited!!! 

I've officially accepted my offer to Tufts!
What a wild ride. I was quite petrified when I decided to decline the deferral Oregon offered me for 2020, but deep down I knew I wouldn't attempt that move for a second time after the first was such a nightmare. I think Tufts is a better fit, and I'm looking forward to having a more personal experience with my POI's and the department in general. The substantially higher stipend and lighter teaching load don't hurt either! Thank you to everyone who has endured my complaining, poor attempts at humor, and obsession with my cats over the last few months. Not being alone this time made the experience much more tolerable. For those of you who have a place to go in the fall, I wish you the best of luck! For those who will be trying again next year, don't give up if this is truly the path you want! It doesn't always work out the first time (even with offers!), but each setback provides new lessons to learn and overcome.
You know what this means? Celebratory cheesecake!

After much deliberation, I have decided to accept UNM's offer! Albuquerque, here we come!  
Best of luck to everyone else who is still considering their options, and a BIG congrats to everyone who has already made their decision!

Very happy to announce that I have accepted Washington University's offer of admission! It was an immensely tough choice, but I am thrilled to be joining such a welcoming and supportive program.  

I've officially accepted my offer to Tufts!
What a wild ride. I was quite petrified when I decided to decline the deferral Oregon offered me for 2020, but deep down I knew I wouldn't attempt that move for a second time after the first was such a nightmare. I think Tufts is a better fit, and I'm looking forward to having a more personal experience with my POI's and the department in general. The substantially higher stipend and lighter teaching load don't hurt either! Thank you to everyone who has endured my complaining, poor attempts at humor, and obsession with my cats over the last few months. Not being alone this time made the experience much more tolerable. For those of you who have a place to go in the fall, I wish you the best of luck! For those who will be trying again next year, don't give up if this is truly the path you want! It doesn't always work out the first time (even with offers!), but each setback provides new lessons to learn and overcome.
You know what this means? Celebratory cheesecake!

I've officially accepted my offer to Tufts!
What a wild ride. I was quite petrified when I decided to decline the deferral Oregon offered me for 2020, but deep down I knew I wouldn't attempt that move for a second time after the first was such a nightmare. I think Tufts is a better fit, and I'm looking forward to having a more personal experience with my POI's and the department in general. The substantially higher stipend and lighter teaching load don't hurt either! Thank you to everyone who has endured my complaining, poor attempts at humor, and obsession with my cats over the last few months. Not being alone this time made the experience much more tolerable. For those of you who have a place to go in the fall, I wish you the best of luck! For those who will be trying again next year, don't give up if this is truly the path you want! It doesn't always work out the first time (even with offers!), but each setback provides new lessons to learn and overcome.
You know what this means? Celebratory cheesecake!

I've accepted NYU! In light of the pandemic, staying close to home is a big plus for me right now. And, having the ability to commute (though I'd really rather not) in light of the present day-to-day ambiguity is a versatility I couldn't say no to. 
The funny thing is that NYU was my dream choice for undergrad and they rejected me. A no isn't a no forever

I've officially accepted my offer to Tufts!
What a wild ride. I was quite petrified when I decided to decline the deferral Oregon offered me for 2020, but deep down I knew I wouldn't attempt that move for a second time after the first was such a nightmare. I think Tufts is a better fit, and I'm looking forward to having a more personal experience with my POI's and the department in general. The substantially higher stipend and lighter teaching load don't hurt either! Thank you to everyone who has endured my complaining, poor attempts at humor, and obsession with my cats over the last few months. Not being alone this time made the experience much more tolerable. For those of you who have a place to go in the fall, I wish you the best of luck! For those who will be trying again next year, don't give up if this is truly the path you want! It doesn't always work out the first time (even with offers!), but each setback provides new lessons to learn and overcome.
You know what this means? Celebratory cheesecake!

I've officially accepted my offer to Tufts!
What a wild ride. I was quite petrified when I decided to decline the deferral Oregon offered me for 2020, but deep down I knew I wouldn't attempt that move for a second time after the first was such a nightmare. I think Tufts is a better fit, and I'm looking forward to having a more personal experience with my POI's and the department in general. The substantially higher stipend and lighter teaching load don't hurt either! Thank you to everyone who has endured my complaining, poor attempts at humor, and obsession with my cats over the last few months. Not being alone this time made the experience much more tolerable. For those of you who have a place to go in the fall, I wish you the best of luck! For those who will be trying again next year, don't give up if this is truly the path you want! It doesn't always work out the first time (even with offers!), but each setback provides new lessons to learn and overcome.
You know what this means? Celebratory cheesecake!

I have a lot of hard emails to write over the next few days, but I will be officially committing to Yale on Monday. It really hurts my heart to walk away from all the lovely people I met at both Northwestern and Michigan (not to mention Michigan's Rackham Merit Fellowship!), but I think deep down I've known Yale was where I most wanted to be since even before I applied. In spite of all the turmoil in the world right now, this really is a dream come true.
Best wishes to all who are making tough final decisions in the next few days!

Heading to Yale!!!!!!!!!
Was genuinely so tough to decide between Yale, Princeton and Columbia, as they were all legitimately tied as #1 in my mind and each had unique strengths for me personally, but something about New Haven just already felt like home. Whether that was just because they had their visit days and Princeton/Columbia didn't, it's a little hard to say, but at one point I just had to say to myself that counterfactuals aren't helpful in this scenario, it is what it is, and I have to go with my gut. If I'm honest I'm going to feel pretty sad about turning down Princeton/Columbia for a long time, but still feels like the right decision, if that makes any sense... 
Good luck to everyone in the next few days! Hang in there.

I've officially accepted my offer to Tufts!
What a wild ride. I was quite petrified when I decided to decline the deferral Oregon offered me for 2020, but deep down I knew I wouldn't attempt that move for a second time after the first was such a nightmare. I think Tufts is a better fit, and I'm looking forward to having a more personal experience with my POI's and the department in general. The substantially higher stipend and lighter teaching load don't hurt either! Thank you to everyone who has endured my complaining, poor attempts at humor, and obsession with my cats over the last few months. Not being alone this time made the experience much more tolerable. For those of you who have a place to go in the fall, I wish you the best of luck! For those who will be trying again next year, don't give up if this is truly the path you want! It doesn't always work out the first time (even with offers!), but each setback provides new lessons to learn and overcome.
You know what this means? Celebratory cheesecake!

I've officially accepted my offer to Tufts!
What a wild ride. I was quite petrified when I decided to decline the deferral Oregon offered me for 2020, but deep down I knew I wouldn't attempt that move for a second time after the first was such a nightmare. I think Tufts is a better fit, and I'm looking forward to having a more personal experience with my POI's and the department in general. The substantially higher stipend and lighter teaching load don't hurt either! Thank you to everyone who has endured my complaining, poor attempts at humor, and obsession with my cats over the last few months. Not being alone this time made the experience much more tolerable. For those of you who have a place to go in the fall, I wish you the best of luck! For those who will be trying again next year, don't give up if this is truly the path you want! It doesn't always work out the first time (even with offers!), but each setback provides new lessons to learn and overcome.
You know what this means? Celebratory cheesecake!

I've officially accepted my offer to Tufts!
What a wild ride. I was quite petrified when I decided to decline the deferral Oregon offered me for 2020, but deep down I knew I wouldn't attempt that move for a second time after the first was such a nightmare. I think Tufts is a better fit, and I'm looking forward to having a more personal experience with my POI's and the department in general. The substantially higher stipend and lighter teaching load don't hurt either! Thank you to everyone who has endured my complaining, poor attempts at humor, and obsession with my cats over the last few months. Not being alone this time made the experience much more tolerable. For those of you who have a place to go in the fall, I wish you the best of luck! For those who will be trying again next year, don't give up if this is truly the path you want! It doesn't always work out the first time (even with offers!), but each setback provides new lessons to learn and overcome.
You know what this means? Celebratory cheesecake!

I've officially accepted my offer to Tufts!
What a wild ride. I was quite petrified when I decided to decline the deferral Oregon offered me for 2020, but deep down I knew I wouldn't attempt that move for a second time after the first was such a nightmare. I think Tufts is a better fit, and I'm looking forward to having a more personal experience with my POI's and the department in general. The substantially higher stipend and lighter teaching load don't hurt either! Thank you to everyone who has endured my complaining, poor attempts at humor, and obsession with my cats over the last few months. Not being alone this time made the experience much more tolerable. For those of you who have a place to go in the fall, I wish you the best of luck! For those who will be trying again next year, don't give up if this is truly the path you want! It doesn't always work out the first time (even with offers!), but each setback provides new lessons to learn and overcome.
You know what this means? Celebratory cheesecake!