CogEdPsych11

I'm in a similar situation. I'll be going to UCSB for the Psych PhD program, and I was thinking the same thing regarding housing. I'm pretty sure that I'll go with San Clemente for at least the first year, just to get settled and meet some people. SB is obviously really expensive, and like you, I'd be coming from far away (Florida), with no furniture and without knowing anyone. I think that the grad student housing is probably the best way to go in terms of price and meeting other graduate students. I'd be curious to hear what you decide, as it'd be nice to meet other people in the same boat .

Congrats! I just got the same letter.

I don't see anything wrong at all with emailing your POI. As long as you're sincerely asking for ways to improve your application, rather than suggesting they should reconsider, I actually think it's a good thing to do.

I went through the same process. It started by saying "No decision" through mid-January and then "action-dept decision pending." Less than two weeks ago, I was notified by the department (Psychology) of my acceptance via phone. Only a couple of days ago was my status changed to "Admitted." I think all departments at Tech probably go through the same general stages but just at different times. Your change in status hopefully means you'll be hearing a decision soon. Good luck!

I am in a similar position: I have been invited to two recruitment weekends (expenses paid for both). I was definitely accepted to one of them. For the other one (my top choice), I was contacted by my POI very early in the application process and everything indicated that I would be accepted - but I haven't been officially. My POI made it sound like the recruitment weekend was basically to do just that, recruit me - show me the campus, the lab, meet students, etc. I think it just depends on the school. I would say, however, that it seems like there is a reason why schools call it a "recruitment" versus "interview" day/weekend. From what I've heard, recruitment means you are in or will likely be, and interview means, obviously, that you are being considered and they are still making cuts. It also can't be a bad sign that they are paying for expenses. I haven't had any "interview" visits, so I don't know if those are often paid for by the department. Anyway, I hope that helps.

I agree - I should point out that I was informed of my acceptance directly from my POI after a phone interview (not by the department via email or USPS). He said that I will recieve something official in the mail, so they may not have sent out official acceptance letters yet. Other professors might be contacting students at different times (I was told Tuesday of last week), so I definitely wouldn't give up hope.

Earlier in this thread, a couple people (including me) said that they were accepted to the Psych Studies in Education PhD, if that helps.

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UCLA is probably my second choice. The Cognitive Psych program at UCSB is my top choice, and they invited me to their recruitment weekend. My POI at UCLA didn't say anything about a visit, but I might try to setup something while I'm already in CA for UCSB.

Thanks! And sure - GRE: 670V/700Q/4.5AW, 3.8 GPA undergrad, 3.9 GPA master's, 3 years experience, a couple of pubs in preparation (including master's thesis), strong LORs

Another update: I was accepted today during the phone interview

I applied to the Psych Studies in Education PhD at UCLA and was accepted today during a phone interview I also applied to the Cognitive Studies in Education PhD at TC Columbia but haven't heard anything from them yet.

Thanks!

Update: I just got an email from my POI for the Psychological Studies in Education PhD program to setup an informal phone interview.

I applied to the Cognitive Studies in Education PhD.

I applied to work with either William Sandoval or Noel Enyedy. How about you?

Same to you! Do you know where to check the status of your application? I only knew that mine was complete because someone from the department emailed me. However, it doesn't look like the Education department uses the UCLA Graduate division site (https://www.gradadmi...ssionStatus.asp) to update the status of applications in terms of whether we were accepted or not. I was wondering if there might be another place to check.

I know what you mean. I spent sooooo much time on my SOP for UCSB. It has the perfect POI for me too, and of course, you can't beat the location. I hope to see you at the recruitment weekend. If I do end up at UCSB, it will be about three thousand miles away from anyone I know. So, I figure I better get started meeting people that at least might be going there too.

I haven't heard anything either. Like the other poster said, it looks like they start contacting people in early February. I applied to the Psych. Studies in Education Ph.D.

Yes, I've been warned about how expensive it is to live in SB, so it will be interesting to see what they offer. I noticed the graduate student housing option, which seemed reasonable, and that might be what I would do for at least the first year. I was accepted to UCF, where I went for my bachelor's and master's (and where I still live) and received a nice fellowship offer. However, It was kind of my "safety" school. UCSB is my top choice, and it has been for the last couple of years. It looks like you'll probably have some good options. Good luck with the other programs! How does UCSB rank on your list?

The only information I have regarding financial aid is from UCSB's Psych website (http://www.psych.ucsb.edu/graduate/support/support.php). The professor that I talked to just reiterated what it says on the site: five years of support in the form of teaching assistantships or working as a graduate student researcher. They both include a monthly salary, fees, and health insurance benefits. Everyone admitted is also considered for campus-based fellowships that would include some kind of stipend, but I couldn't find any details about it. Hopefully we'll learn more about it over the recruitment weekend. I've never been to Santa Barbara, but everyone tells me it's amazing. What other schools did you apply to?

I went to UCF for my bachelor's and master's degrees (and was just accepted there for my Ph.D.). I agree with the other posters that 1.) apartments close to campus are everywhere and new ones are being built seemingly everyday (I live in Waterford, which I think is the ideal location, about 10 minutes from campus) and 2.) you don't have to worry about tourists at all because they are all about 20-30 minutes away from you at Disney, Universal, etc. As far as the grad school feel, I think it depends on the department/program. What program did you apply to?

Yeah, everything seems to point toward it being an orientation. Also, UCSB does seem to have a very good psych department, and for me it is all about working with my POI, who is very well known in his field and matches my interests perfectly. So, needless to say, I was thrilled to talk with him and get the invite. I'm from Orlando, FL and went to the University of Central Florida. Where are you from?

Yes, I was invited to the recruitment weekend at UCSB for the Cognition, Perception, & Cognitive Neuroscience PhD program. I was wondering the same thing. Based on the interactions I've had with my POI (via email and phone), it seems like it is more of an orientation. I would imagine they're only inviting students who they're definitely or likely going to admit, considering that they're paying for our travel/hotel (I'm assuming this is the case for you, too). So, I think (and hope) there is a reason why they called it a "recruitment" rather than "interview" weekend. Either way, maybe I'll see you there. What program did you apply to?