dherres

Joss Whedon is my g-d.

Why not apply for them anyway? It's good to set foundations for some back-up plans, and if it costs nothing to apply, all you've lost is energy. There are a couple of jobs I might be interested in that I've marked the application deadlines for on my calendar, and I'm still looking up info on teaching english overseas, just in case.

I might imagine it's a good thing. Like maybe they know enough to know that they want you, but some sort of interview is required regardless, hence the informalness. But I really don't know, I'd just be optimistic, personally. Out of curiosity, which school was it?

Haha so do mine! I mentioned to an old coworker the other day that I enjoy being in school and academia, and she gaped at me in silent horror.

Straight through.... although it can be argued the other side, given that my break was pre-BA acquisition.

I'm grateful to be in school right now -- I took several years off from my undergrad and it was a surprising relief to return. I remember how much I desperately wanted to get out of school before my hiatus, but that was all because I just wanted to party (ahh, the follies of youth). I've since discovered that I never want to leave academia, I love love love the university environment. (Unfortunately, that somewhat conflicts with the applied career route I'm heavily leaning towards.) A week into this past Winter Break, I wanted classes to resume, if nothing else so they would give me something to DO, to focus on! So I know where you're coming from as well.

Is anyone else constantly mentally reviewing their GPAs/GREs/other qualifications as compared to those of accepted students for their top programs? I'm lucky(?) enough to be in a field that provides me with quick access to such information (I/O psych -- the APA's website offers a concise summary for every school with this program. Plus there's a convenient book out there [APA Graduate Study in Psych] that's published yearly with all sorts of info on funding, minimum/average scores, post-graduation opportunities, etc., for all psych programs). It's driving me crazy that I do this, over and over and over...... Along those lines, does anyone know how much the name of the undergraduate institution might affect one's chances for acceptance? Obviously, what really matters are things like research experience, recommendations, etc., but would coming from a VERY well-respected top-tier school sway the faculty's decision about a student's acceptance? I like to think that it would, but really, what do I know.....? I don't want to wait for another month.

Oh my god, I know your pain. I took several years off from school to get my life back on track and recover from some serious stuff, and have been waiting tables during that time. Before I went back to school and realized that I'm actually going to finish this segment of my life (graduating with my BA in May, after starting in 2000, lol), I had several crying bouts and pleas to my Higher Power in one of the side kitchens of the restaurant, terrified and hopeless that I would be waiting tables for the rest of my life. I yearn for an acceptance to any of my schools, if nothing else for an escape from working with the general public in that (and any) fashion. That being said, I haven't indulged myself with (m)any fantasies about what I'm going to do if I get accepted. On the contrary, I've been silently composing rejection letters in my head, anticipating the worst and trying to lessen the blow. Yeah, really pessimistic, but.... meh. And hearing about people getting letters/emails/interviews right now REALLY makes me anxious! Lol.

Congrats indeed! I haven't heard anything either, but I'm not surprised.... I wasn't counting on stuff for another month, month and a half, if not later. Trying to find stuff to occupy my mind until then, lol (plus lay down more solid foundations for back-up plans). A friend of mine who started at GA Tech this past fall said she didn't hear until mid-April, WELL after the others had sent responses! I don't know if I could wait that long....

Hi all! New to the forums here. I'm applying to several I/O programs as well. There seems to be a lot of diversity in those programs chosen by folks on here! Top choice: Teachers College of Columbia University (although it's social-organizational rather than traditional I/O) Penn State U. of Connecticut U. of Akron Michigan State U. of Minnesota I was going to apply to NYU, but it's expensive ($85!) and I'm about 98% certain I wouldn't get in. I feel like I'm shortcutting myself by only applying to 6 programs.... cut down from my original 8. But at this late date, I'm limited in selections, as my geographical requirements are rather specific (nowhere in the South/Southeast -- I'm in Atlanta right now, and except for my school, hate it). Does anyone have any experience in asking their recommenders to write MORE recommendations for them after they've already completed what you and they thought would be all? Thanks!

I can commiserate, I'm in a similar situation. My first few years at my school are far less than exemplary, due to struggles with depression/alcoholism, and later mild addiction. I took a few years off, though, and had stellar performance after that, but my GPA at my current school (Emory) is still a 3.155 (I took some classes at Georgia State University during my hiatus and made a 4.0, so if I include those -- which I have been doing for most applications! -- it's still just a 3.28). I have found, however, that it can help to email some people at the programs to which you're applying and describe your situation. U. of Akron, for example, has a GPA requirement of 3.25. Before I factored in my GSU grades I didn't meet it, so I emailed the program coordinator and explained (some of) the situation, qualifying it with my most recent performance and other qualifications. She told me to still apply, as exceptions and wavers are made when other areas may compensate. And I don't think U. of Akron would be described as a low-tier program...... So long story short, don't be discouraged!