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Yep -- but the side effect of that is I now feel more immature than I did 10 years ago. I am working so hard to learn all this new material and figure out what I want to get out of this program. It really does feel like, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" So...I have regressed, and am no longer a "grown-up." Also, all this new learning/new experiences make me feel quite giddy at times, because I wasn't sure I'd be taken seriously as an applicant and actually be admitted somewhere, and it's still somewhat hard to believe this is all real.

I was told by one interviewer that I would not get an offer from their program in part because they liked letters from people they knew (that was just one of several reasons that made me "too different" for that program). It happens.

Anyone who has been in academia knows what it's like. I think multiple applications and the ongoing need for letters of recommendation are just part of the life. It's great that you have people who believe in you and your abilities and who want to see you do well. Don't be afraid to keep going back to them, but do make sure to express your appreciation and to share news/updates -- especially good news!

Unless you make a big deal of it when you start your program, I doubt anyone will give it a second thought. To us old folk, you all look like babies ;-) -- and yes, (most) profs count as old folks (and the young ones will be too stressed and busy to notice you).

I would say that in programs like social work, older applicants are more common, and in the sciences it's still somewhat unusual. However, we do exist. I agree with PanicMode, however, that it is a bit of a battle to get accepted.

Don't give up hope -- I'm a 2nd year PhD student and older than you are :-)

Try not to worry about it -- at least you know the letter is good!

If they haven't actually sent out any decisions, then something is odd. Maybe the applicant was rejected and is bitter? I don't know. Nothing I have heard would indicate the UW program is "a joke." It is possible the applicant applied to the wrong program, as you suggest.

Yes, I would recommend sending little notes expressing your appreciation that they took the time to speak with you. It's just good manners :-)

I think you are probably more concerned about this than you need to be (and it may not have seemed as awful to the audience as it felt to you). Unless your program is really cutthroat, I'm sure your professors have seen many, many nervous student presentations and may even still get nervous in front of groups, themselves. Maybe you should look for a Toastmasters group or something similar to become more comfortable speaking in front of a group, or maybe it was just THIS group that made you nervous. Grad school is stressful, after all. It can be hard when everyone else is in a separate group and you are the only new person, but presumably you are in this class because you want to be or need to be. So, continue making efforts to be pleasant and friendly, and I'm sure people understand about public-speaking jitters. (I bet your slides made a positive impression!)

No advice, just sorry to hear you are going through this. It is a shame she agreed to be your advisor if she did not have any interest in helping you be successful.

People get in off waitlists all the time. Consider, you are all applying to multiple programs, many getting multiple interviews. Some people will get multiple offers, and will have to turn down schools. The schools will still want to fill those places. Don't feel badly if you did not make the first cut. Be ready to take a spot off the waitlist if you are offered one by a program you want to attend. People are accepted off the waitlist nearly every year by my program, I think.

Those scores seem pretty low. At the schools you've listed, I'd be surprised if they were good enough. You might seriously consider studying more or taking a prep course, if you can. However, if you can afford the money and don't mind making the effort, I don't see why you can't try applying to those schools as well as some less competitive schools. All they can do is say no... (that was my rationale for applying as a non-trad)...and you only need one school to say yes. Good luck!

Perhaps, if you are still in the area, you could go back to your school and ask profs/directors of grad programs for advice about applying to grad school. Your GPA seems as though it might be a problem, but perhaps you could take some additional classes and do well. I was applying after >10 years out of school, and even though my grades had been fine, that was a recommendation that was given to me.

The concern when there is a GRE/GPA mismatch is that adcoms will think your undergraduate program was not rigorous. The TOEFL may save you here, as your score is not abysmal for a non-native English speaker. Good luck, you do sound well qualified!

I gave gifts, but I felt my LOR writers went above and beyond for me. One note of warning -- some people feel uncomfortable being given gifts. This may be less of an issue if the gifts are mailed, but I gave the gifts in person to two of my professors, and one was reluctant to accept initially.

Send it -- I doubt it will hurt you, whereas NOT sending it could.

If you are applying now, retaking won't help with admissions for this year -- the grades won't be back in time, I think. In my opinion, you are facing an uphill battle, unless the rest of your grades are excellent and you have great LORs. The area you are applying to is very competitive. Since retaking probably won't help your applications, you need to decide if you know the material well enough now, or if you need to get a strong foundation still. That should determine whether you retake these classes or go on to more advanced ones. Good luck!

Lack of funds is a legitimate reason to leave a program. How the program deals with your absence is really not your concern. You have to do what is best for you.

I think it may depend on when the committee meets. If your score gets to them before the meeting, I think it would be considered. If not, you'd be out of luck.

Well...I have to say I agree with the university's stance. The test is partly a test of endurance, so it's not really a level playing field if you opt out of a section. I'd say do it over and make a proper attempt at it. My two cents.

I also "updated" my list when I was applying -- adding a program WITHOUT removing any, thus making MORE work for my professors. They didn't seem to mind one iota. If they enthusiastically agreed to write letters for you, they WANT you to do well, and they understand what you need from them. Just make sure to tell them when you do get good news. :-) Good Luck!

They sound pretty darn good to me -- Congratulations!

I think it's good to have backup plans -- I had a couple. It helps take off some of the stress if you know what you'll do if you don't get in. Part of my plan was definitely to reapply. But here's hoping none of you need your backup plans -- Good Luck, everyone!

Agreed -- your program does not sound like one that would overlook a dismal Q score. Anything relating to management or development sounds like it would involve budgets etc.