[Percentage of applicants admitted]

I figured that most of the programs I applied to have a 5-10% acceptance rate. Closer to 5 than 10. The highest acceptance rate of the programs I applied to is like 12%. Incredible.

Acceptance rates are much higher for "lower tier" programs though as well as master's programs. Surely the percentage of graduate schools applicants who get in at least one school can't be that low, right?

[Percentage of applicants admitted]

its like 2-5 percent

You're joking right?

[PhD Public Health (epidemiology)]

Congrats Rutabaga for getting into one of the top schools of public health! I'm jealous, a bit.

[SOP for MS applicants]

For the sciences, I don`t think an anecdotal SOP is the way to go. Be as objective as possible re: your research interests, why you want to pursue studies at whatever university you are applying to, what your qualifications are, and your career aspirations.

[PhD Public Health (epidemiology)]

Really? Darn, that's bad news.

[What are you reading?]

I'm thinking of reading The City of Ember trilogy. Really curious to see how good the books are after watching the horrible movie rendition.

Any other "living in post-apocalyptic world" books you guys recommend?

[The money pit poll]

I've personally spent OVER NINE THOUSAND

Was that what the scouter said?

[PhD Public Health (epidemiology)]

I'm surprised the coordinators are kind enough to do that, hehe. I'm curious to know from what department to what as well.

[What are phone interviews like?]

Ah, thanks everyone for your responses! Very helpful. I guess the general consensus on preparing for phone interviews is to know your work and interests well. Thanks!

[What are phone interviews like?]

Hi everyone,

Out of curiosity, what are phone interviews like (in general)? Does the interviewer usually ask you to describe your own project and interests? They won't ask obscure questions from text book studies like "can you tell me the difference between blah blah and blarg blarg?".

Any other tips? Thanks!

[The Worst Time to Quit Smoking...]

I'm watching more TV shows than usual and I am sleeping a lot later these days than before.

[The waiting is the hardest part]

Just remember, every day that goes by without being informed of any decision increases the chances that you'll find out tomorrow!

That's a good thought.

[Interpreting Application Status?]

"Your application has been sent to the Admissions Committee for review. Please note that the length of review can vary; a representative from the Department will contact you and notification will be posted on this page when a decision has been made. If you have questions during the review process you may contact the Academic Coordinator within your Department / Program. The Admissions Office does not release decision information. Note: Incomplete documents below are still required."

That's mine too, but we applied through Bloomberg SPH rather than JHU GSAS.

[SSHRC]

Not sure about SSHRC, but I can tell you NSERC comes out mid-March. CIHR comes out in July sometime because of their much later application deadline.

[Interpreting Application Status?]

^Mine too. Except JHU has a blurb underneath and Columbia doesn't.

[The money pit poll]

Spent too much... I just ball-parked it and chose 600-799. That's the cost of a new computer that I need.

[PhD Public Health (epidemiology)]

First Berkeley result up, but for MPH. Unfortunately past PhD results for UCB have all been rejections and they came in March... looks like it's going to be no news in February=bad news.

[The waiting is the hardest part]

Tomorrow is a workday again, yay!

[Communicating with potential advisors while waiting?]

I doubt it'll help your situation much. I recommend not contacting at this stage of the game.

[Forum Stats for Jan '09]

lol, you top posters need to find a hobby, besides gradcafe.

[Because there hasn't been a pool for a few days]

I'm not sure I understand what we're supposed to be responding to?

[Doubt over recommendation provider]

I know exactly how you feel as I was in a similar situation when I was applying to master's programs. If you have better options, be sure to use them for the rest of your applications.

[Publications submitted]

I wouldn't worry about it dude.

[Grad school food... Mmmm]

mmm burgers

[PhD Public Health (epidemiology)]

The worst part about admissions in our field seems like acceptances are sent out first followed by rejections. So not hearing when other people are getting accepted spells certain doom.