Goegraphy Tutors

What is this? I can't understand that statement.

Thanks for sharing this—it resonates. Rejections, especially from places where you've poured your hopes and effort, can hit hard. I’m sorry to hear about Berkeley and Hopkins. Those are incredibly competitive programs, and it’s completely valid to feel disappointed. I went through something similar last cycle, and what helped me was reframing the rejection as part of the process, not a reflection of my worth or potential. A 3.7 GPA, a decade of experience, and research work? That’s already a strong, meaningful record. Sometimes it’s not about what you lack, but about how you fit within a department's very specific needs that year.

Hi there, I’m sorry you’re going through this — it sounds incredibly tough, and unfortunately, not uncommon, especially for international students. You’re definitely not alone. A few things that may help: Document everything: Keep records of emails, missed deadlines, and meeting notes. It’s useful if you ever need to escalate formally. Talk to your second supervisor or PGR coordinator: If you have one, they can often act as a buffer or advocate. Use support services: Most universities offer counseling, ombudspersons, or graduate advocacy services — don’t hesitate to reach out. Look for alternative mentorship: Even if unofficial, try building relationships with other faculty who might support your research or career goals. Funding: If you're thinking of going around your supervisor for funding, check if there are internal grants, travel funds, or external fellowships that don’t require supervisor sign-off. You’re doing incredibly well to keep pushing forward in such an environment. Please don’t let this experience define your worth or ability. Keep going — you deserve to finish strong. 💪

Hi! Your profile already looks very strong — with a great GPA, a solid research background, and impressive systems-level projects. To boost your chances further for the top 50 PhD programs in the US: Aim to publish in top-tier CS conferences (like PLDI, OSDI, SIGMOD, etc.) — this carries more weight than national journals. Secure strong letters of recommendation, ideally from well-known researchers in your field. Tailor your SOP to match specific labs/faculty and emphasize your relevant projects. Consider open-sourcing your work (like the OS or compiler) to show real-world impact. Apply to research internships (MPI-SWS, ETH Zurich, GSoC, etc.) — they can lead to collabs and publications. You’re definitely on the right track. Good luck!