catherine666

Hello everyone! This cycle's been tough by so far. Me myself was shocked by the results and frustrated. I've been accepted to one good program in the top-100 of national schools. The fit is great, and the POI is absolutely brilliant researcher and educator. But I cannot leave the thought that I could do better. I had two public schools in mind (in the Midwest) where I really dreamed to go. I think my biggest mistake was SOP, and I'm going to work on it to show better fit and publish articles (I currently have three co-authored articles published). So, my current academic advisor strongly recommends me to re-apply this year and offers full support (like keeping to pay me, because I am an international student in my current place now; help to publish and collaborate with American professors). On my side, I have additional resources to invest in application fees and TOEFL, perspectives to publish as a first author an article or even two (I am almost done...). On the other hand, my father is against the reapplication and wants me just accept the current offer. His argument is that the economy is going worse and worse, so it is important to accept a chance that is given to me right now. He thinks that universities might significantly reduce the funding for PhDs or just stop accept international students (lol). I must admit that I'm not good at economic predictions, but this seems to me too radical. Like what university or program would stop to accept international students over a year?? Huh? What are your thoughts? And one more problem. Due to visa problems I am now enrolled in PhD program in my current university. Is it true that universities don't care if you are already PhD student somewhere? Thank you in advance! And wish everyone good luck!

They've sent out all acceptance offers. It's better to move on...

Oh..I am so sorry for you :((( Thank you for your reply!! And wish you good luck with other universities!!! Let's stay strong!! I was already thinking that I got something wrong with my application haha

Did you guys got an email about rejection from Indiana Bloomington? I did not get anything...and my portal's not changed

Thank you for your response!! I will try hard!

Hi everyone! October is about the end, and I am starting shaking and trembling about upcoming deadlines! I am a student from an East European country and got my BA at the other non-English speaking Asian country (with a full scholarship since I am poor, actually). I am still here attending grad school. I have 3+ years of research experience (I managed some projects, not only assisted), 3 peer-reviewed co-authored publications, one as a first author under review + I have a lot of experience with statistics and programming (I am a quant researcher in the sociology of medicine and health) and a lot of related coursework. I am applying to some of the top20 schools in the USA (Princeton, UPenn, Chicago, Stanford, etc.), and I am curious about my chances to get in. The problem is that I am not satisfied with my GRE scores (Q 156, V 161, W 3.5). The exam is super expensive, so I decided to focus on the other parts of an application (writing samples, publications). My TOEFL is okay (105 in total). So, many schools say that GRE is optional this year, but, you know, if the school is in the top 20, it is hard to say that something is optional haha I am about to regret my decision not to take GRE again... so my question is: 1. What do you think are my chances to get into? (I know it is super vague, but still...) 2. If you do, how would you explain these low GRE scores?? (my real reason is financial..) 3. Would you send these scores to schools that say that it is optional? Thank you!! Have a good look everyone!