animalpaws96

Hi there! ? I can completely understand and relate to where you are coming from! If I have any advice to give from my experience, it would be to continue working for another year, building up your CV and experience that much more, and then preparing to apply again for another cycle! This was my 3rd application cycle (the previous two years I received all rejections), but this year I also applied to a Master's program as a backup, just in case I didn't get into one of the PhD programs I applied to. I got accepted into the master's program with a full-time research assistant position, and I really liked the school and the research/PI... but I also knew I would be settling a bit because my goal is to ultimately go on the PhD track. However, to my surprise, shortly after receiving my master's program acceptance, I also got waitlisted for two of the PhD programs (after interviews in February)... (I felt mixed emotions about being waitlisted... for a while, I was just disappointed and frustrated, but eventually I found peace with it, because it was just a waiting game at that point)... But now, several weeks later (about a month!), I just received a call from the PI at my top-choice PhD program -- and they extended an offer of admission to me with a full tuition scholarship, teaching assistantship, doctoral summer fellowship, and a stipend! (Turns out the delay in acceptance was due to waiting for funding approval!) I also had a great deal of involved research experience (3.5 years) in various labs; two 1st author papers, eight conference presentations, and only minimal lay counseling/clinical experience (~2 years). I'll admit that going through a third cycle was tough... I really hunkered down and focused pretty much solely on applications from August-December whenever I got home from work... And then it especially got tough when it got to the waiting period (over the past few months!)... And of course, receiving more rejection letters was certainly not fun ?, but honestly, I felt more prepared this time around and like I had stronger personal statements/better application materials all around -- plus, I was able to use my persistence and perseverance (in applying again and again despite rejections) as evidence of my passion for pursuing the PhD and for my ability to not give up even when it gets tough! ❤️) This cycle was the first time I got interviews, waitlists, and acceptances -- I'd say it's great you've already gotten a couple interviews and an acceptance (even if to a Masters program) on what I presume to be your second application cycle! So, my advice would be to not give up if you know this is what you really want! One thing that kept me going was how one of my favorite professors from undergrad told me that it took him a few cycles to get in to his program -- yet he was one of the best professors I ever could have asked for!! - and so I used that as my motivation, and I'm so thankful I did!! I hope this helps -- try to listen to your heart and whatever gut feeling you have! If you have any more questions, I'd be happy to answer them!! You're definitely not alone!! Don't lose hope!