Zouzax

THIS. times 1000.

I'm doing exactly this. Although its still early, it seems like I struck out this year in terms of Ph.d apps. I have a Master's in another, related field but I think I will pursue a Master's in Linguistics. I talked to a few knowledgeable people about this and they all think getting the additional experience will be worth it. I also think it will make me more competitive when I apply for Ph.d programs again. As you said, we're working towards a "final goal" -- so why rush it? I'm in academia for the long haul. So as long as the finances work out, that's what Ill be doing!

Thanks guys for all your positivity!! Ive learned so much from this forum. I really wish I joined before I had sent out my applications because there is a plethora of great advice here. Good luck to everyone, can't wait to hear what your final decisions will be!! And how your first years go! The Skype chat with the professor in Europe has been set up for tomorrow night. I'm so nervous! I don't know what to expect at all -- maybe he'll just want to give me information, but maybe he'll want to know more about my research background and interests, so I'm preparing for everything. I want to be ready because I have a tendency to go off on tangents while talking, then completely forget what the original question of my conversation partner was in the first place. So I want to have some bullet points ready

Actually, I think the OP has a very valid argument. However, as a Puerto Rican & thus a minority I was a bit offended. Therefore, l feel compelled to add that ¿ç<ñÇ?? and ¿¡¡=!!!!!. I hope that clears things up.

I brought 6 suitcases at around 25 kg each, a cat, and a carry-on for 600$... but this was 2 years ago

nor did I. its definitely a long shot and it seems like a lot of people applied for a spot there. This application year wasn't a successful one for me, but I'm willing to do it all over again just to apply to MIT again. I really, really loved the program. Will use it as inspiration to take the next year to improve my app

i agree! throughout this whole process ive been on the fence about moving back to the States. of course, to move back to do a ph.d at an awesome school is one thing; but to move back with no prospects of a job & no idea what I'm going to do is another! and i really do love living in Europe. let's see what happens!!

thanks guys! we havent set up an interview time yet but ill let you know how it all goes

lovvedddd it. TOO CUTE!

haha oh yes, its working just fine. ive been getting my rejections with no problem

that's great! best of luck

you're all right, of course! i think the stress of waiting has finally infected my brain @marina: no, i don't think it's a definite rejection. But the fact that they've already held interviews & invited people to an open house isn't the best sign, in my opinion. I agree with Fuzzylogician, they'd notify everyone about the open house, and if you can come from overseas, that's great. Of course, I'm just talking about my situation & yours could be completely different. At this point I'm hoping im on an informal waitlist at some of these places. Psycholinguist, your story was a real confidence-booster. On another, positive note, I had started looking into Plan B options - 1 year Master's programs in Linguistics in Europe (I have a Master's in Translation - and even though I've studied some Linguistics in my program, most of it has been self-study -- so I'm thinking a 1-year research program would be very helpful to my Ph.D application). Anyway, I found one awesome program and had written an email to the professor in charge, explaining my background and research goals and asking if he thought the program would be a good fit. He wrote me back yesterday, asking if we could talk on Skype. Of course, maybe he just wants to give me some more information over the phone, but deep down inside I'm thinking of the possibility that he liked my email & wants to learn more ... I'm going to prepare for the call as if it's going to be an interview, just in case

aw thanks guys, this was too sweet received my second rejection last night, and it was to one of the programs I was really excited about. 3 other schools havent sent me formal rejections but I know they already had their open houses so ... that's not looking so good. And my last option, my dream school, is such a far reach that my chances of being selected out of all the other, more experienced applicants is slim to none ... but I'm still holding out hope hope everything is going well for you guys!!!

ugh .. think I'm giving up. Doesn't look like I'm getting accepted this year.

COMPLETELY agreed. This is really ridiculous to make us wait so long for a rejection. It's not even nice at this point. I've gone from feeling hopeful, to despair, to just plain ANGER PS I wish something could be done to streamline this process. To have wait 2-4 months for a decision is crazy, no? If I have to do this all over again next year, I am DEFINITELY not going to jump the gun and send all my apps in November like I did this time. I'm going to wait until the last possible day and casually send everything in then.

this might sound a little crazy, but I got my second rejection today and ... I felt a little relieved. Although Ive only been formally rejected from 2 out of the 6 schools Ive applied to, I know 3 of the others already held interviews and the last one is a VERY long shot ... so, although I'm trying to stay positive, it looks like this year might be a bust for me. The good news is that Ive spent a lot of time working on a plan B, which consists of my staying in Europe and continuing my Master's studies. I found some amazing programs that have deadlines in March-June that Ill apply for. I dont know, maybe things are meant to be? Of course, if my long shot school decides to take a chance on me & send me an acceptance ... Ill pack all my stuff tomorrow & camp outside until the fall semester

oh no!! the website is slowing down! it cant handle this many members!! helppp i cant survive

It's true, I feel like we've lost a friend. And seriously psycholinguist, don't blame yourself, you were just trying to be helpful and saying what anyone else would say to someone who was going to San Diego for the first time. My condolences to her family and friends as well ...

avitamin, how did you hear such news????