PsyDInDistress

HaHa, I must be the oldest one here. I will be turning 42 and I just got an admission offer today from my top choice. I had happy tears this morning as this is my second cycle trying and it has been my dream since my undergraduate. 
The matter of age could not stop me pursuing my life passion. Because of my age, I have more life experiences (both personal and professional) and I have a huge support from my spouse and two kids who are pretty independent now. I know some people may think I am crazy going into doctoral program in my 40s, but I feel very grateful that I get to do what I really want to do even at this later life. My goal is to graduate before 50.  
 

I posted this on Friday and I just received an unofficial acceptance email from my PI. I have been crying tears of joy for the past hour. 
this is my third cycle trying and I’m so glad I never gave up. I am beyond excited for this. I want to make my kids proud!
please please don’t give up! Even if you don’t get in this round, so what..start now getting things together and ready for next cycle! 
 
please pm me if you have any questions/feedback/tips, anything!!!!

I broke down and emailed my PI (waitlist) yesterday and she warmly responded back saying I am the next to be offered a spot with a few outstanding initial offers still out there. My fingers are crossed so tight. I'm a 31 year old single mom and I don't think I can take another cycle of this ? these next 2.5 weeks are going to do me in, I can feel it!
Good luck everyone!!

Is anyone interested in researching or working with kids with autism? I would love to connect! PM me  

Thanks friend. I love working with animals and have loved the farms I’ve worked on so if I ever finally have my full mental breakdown and leave society you know where I’ll be. 

Can't believe it's only been 12 days since I've been waitlisted from my top pick. It feels like it was 2 months ago. ?. Time is going way too slow. 

Naah, got you. I'll be turning 36 April 4th. If you're an old fart, I'm ancient as eff. Also have two kids, one who turned 1 today and an almost 5 year old.

Unsure about your specific program's qualifications, but I have been to an interview like the one you explained. Basically a group of maybe 10/15 of us were in a session together. The committee members will ask you all questions like "how would you approach (_____) situation?" "What are your thoughts on XYZ" etc. Basically- yes, a discussion group. I was under the impression that the committee was trying to get an idea of what we would be like in a group settings, and trying to gauge our current knowledge/investment in topics in psychology. Lots of ethics-type questions. Just be yourself, and make sure to not let the group setting intimidate you. Make sure to complement other's responses and to be personable. I actually liked this format better because it was less of me trying to sell myself, and more just talking on the topics I am passionate about.
Best of luck to you! 

I got the news today that I was accepted off the waitlist for UMSL! 
I am proof that determination and persistence pay off. If you are feeling discouraged after this cycle, I just want you to know that there is hope. It might not happen on the timeline you thought it would, but please don't give up. Take time to grieve and then kick your ass into overdrive prepping for the next cycle. It's a grind, but I promise it's worth it. 
I've been round these parts for three years now, and I really appreciate this supportive community. I'm excited to stick around and hopefully help others persevere and realize their dreams. I believe in all of you! I'm always here if you need to vent, have questions, or just want a buddy. 

Unsure about your specific program's qualifications, but I have been to an interview like the one you explained. Basically a group of maybe 10/15 of us were in a session together. The committee members will ask you all questions like "how would you approach (_____) situation?" "What are your thoughts on XYZ" etc. Basically- yes, a discussion group. I was under the impression that the committee was trying to get an idea of what we would be like in a group settings, and trying to gauge our current knowledge/investment in topics in psychology. Lots of ethics-type questions. Just be yourself, and make sure to not let the group setting intimidate you. Make sure to complement other's responses and to be personable. I actually liked this format better because it was less of me trying to sell myself, and more just talking on the topics I am passionate about.
Best of luck to you! 

Definitely couldn’t hurt to reach out to the program you're waitlisted at and could possibly help. I would mention you have an acceptance at X, and are wondering if they could give you any info about your standing on the waitlist because you’re still very interested in the program and are waiting to hear back before making a decision. Couldn’t hurt! I say go for it. Good luck

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!

Omg yes!!! This has made me crazy!

Yo - programs aren't supposed to pressure applicants to make a decision before April 15th, so we shouldn't be pressuring people to make decisions, either. I keep seeing a lot of posts in the results section telling people to hurry up and accept/decline which isn't cool. Of course I'd love to have closure, but I would never pressure another applicant to make a decision. Hopefully it's no one from these threads but just in case, I wanted to reiterate this point.