Langoustine

Don't fret about it now. And don't put too much value in rankings. Like Dr. Pepper said, each app is an independent event and you know it all depends on your fit to the faculty, whatever money issue they have, etc. I know I've read about lots of people here that were rejected from school they thought were 'lower' ranked and got accepted to 'higher' ranked ones. So chin up, it is still early in the season!

Helm's Deep

GENIUS! Omg that was soooo cool!

Wow, this is really informative, whenever I see people complain about adcomms now I'll think of this...Again, thanks for taking the time to explain the process to everyone, it is greatly appreciated!

Whoops just realized I am in a History thread but yeah, DO IT DO IT!

I am flying across the Atlantic for an interview. I def would not have done it if they did not say they would reimburse me! Plane tix are expensive! My thinking is I will not go to a pre-acceptance interview unless they pay for it (I'm pretty broke). If it happens they cannot fly me in but they give me an acceptance then I would def try to scrounge up the money to visit before I accept. My only concern is looking like a fool in front of people I want/need to impress! Ugghhh...oh, and dress code. I know there are tons of threads out there and I need to find them...most people in my field tend to stay casual or business casual but this place is not so much a university as it is a research institute so that may mean I should step up my game...Rarrr I'll figure it out.

I'm waiting for IU too, so far for my field there have only been 2 rejections.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA OOMG!

I feel the same way! I love this website - I stalk it enough now that I find myself 'running into' the same people! It's nice to have other kids going through this too! That said my heart was just broken this day of all days...by Duke. *Tear* It's alright though, we wish each other well and there are other prospects...

My good friend is a Sociology major and is ALWAYS having to defend her major not only to hard science people but those in business, law, etc. But she is working with immigrants, poor people, and kids. Her success may not be as obvious as inventing a new a new seizure drug or something but I feel as long as you know you are improving lives that ought to be enough right? I mean she definitely ain't in it for the money!

I'm itchin to email mine too but I will refrain as it might look desperate and I don't really have anything to add to my file... :/ Arrrrr

Damn. I totally forgot to look at schools in Slovenia! Seriously this place is something out of a fairytale!

There is a lot of bad stuff out there. Technology, weapons, chemicals, things done in the name of science are not always for the betterment of humanity. And just so everyone feels included, let's not forget there are philosophies, books, thoughts in general and the creative expressions of these thoughts, that are not for the betterment of humanity too. Take the Twilight books for instance. (Harhar sorry couldn't help myself!) I'm just saying it's kind of silly to argue which is worse when the answer is obviously....PEOPLE SUCK A**. People believe in things, and sometimes this drives them to produce terrible stuff. Like chemical warfare or the Tea Party. (OK, OK I'll stop) So whatever avenue you choose to do your career, just try and be a decent person eh?

Yay!

I always go right under the limit, I'm sure they don't give a crap whether you are a little bit over but for some reason it has always been a little thing of mine to get it right up to the edge

Winner for most surprising answer! I wish I could be in a drug induced stupor on V-day...really, I will probably buy myself some really good cheese and watch Bridget Jones' Diary. I know, I am one sad little specimen but I am really looking forward to it! Bring on Colin Firth!

Phalanges

I just found out a program I really liked and thought I had a good chance at getting invited for an interview (coming up end of Feb) sent out invites 3 WEEKS AGO! FML!!!!!!!!! I can't complain too much, I have an interview at another great place but so far none in my own freaking country!!!! AAAAACCCKKK!!!!

3 weeks ago?!?!?! !%$#&%@#*#%$@! Oh POOOOOOOOP!

Hey Kathiza! Like other issues on Grad Cafe I think this is an issue with fields. For the sciences I think it's considered very lucky if you get out in 4 years! Generally I have heard 4-6 years. A lot of funding packages are 4-5 years...I am crossing my fingers I am done in 5! My mom last night was talking and it turned out she thought my PhD was only going to be 2 years! 2 years!!!! Not a Masters, a PhD!! I had to correct her and at first she did not believe me...like why would I lie. Anyways, I think they are longer in the US because of more coursework in the beginning. There is also the qualifying exam you need to pass too after the 2nd year....

Hahaha, "overqualified" is definitely not a word they probably used when looking at my application!