[Harvard Earth & Planetary Sciences/Yale Geology]

I didn't apply to either of these schools (I hang on the edge of environmental science, biology and geology and applied to environmental and geology programs), but I just wanted to pop in and say best of luck that the applications are surprise admissions!

If they aren't admissions, my best advice is to have a back-up plan thought out. And if you're still interested last year, I don't think there's a problem with re-applying, I certainly did it. I was actually universally rejected from PhD programs the last two times I applied (granted, I only applied to one program last year, I applied to like 7 the previous year). In between the first application round and now, I worked on a Master's and have done a fair amount of research for that and any other projects I can pick up, as well as volunteered with various environmental-type things. So far, this year is turning out better!

Again, best of luck and don't give up hope until you get the letter, but start looking into your back-up plans, just in case. Never hurts to b prepared.

Thanks for the encouragement, it gives me hope for next year! On the plus side, this has been a valuable experience as a practice run, I will apply to more schools next time and at least I know what to expect of the process.

[Harvard Earth & Planetary Sciences/Yale Geology]

Rejection letter waiting for me when I got home, oh well. It's all over for this year. I had better start working on those Masters applications.

See you next year!

[Harvard Earth & Planetary Sciences/Yale Geology]

Hi!

I suspect there are more lurkers, I was one to start with.

Whilst trying to hold out hope, I am already turning to Plan B, but it's hard to focus and making me very grumpy.....!

Good luck

[Harvard Earth & Planetary Sciences/Yale Geology]

The Earth Sciences forum is pretty quiet so I thought it better to post here - I can see there have been a few results posted for Harvard Earth & Planetary Sciences now (and also Yale Geology & Geophysics). I applied to both and got the rejection from Yale last Friday by email (yet to find out exactly why), still waiting for my rejection notification from Harvard which I assume is winging its way to me across the pond by postal service which is why it is taking a bit longer to get here.

I was just wondering what the backgrounds are of my fellow applicants if any of you are willing to share details off the results forum (which I don't think is the best place to do it)? I don't know anyone else who is applying for a PhD/in these areas, so it is hard to judge whether I am wasting my time or in with some small chance!

My background is non-traditional: first degree from Cambridge University about 20 years' ago in Archaeology with high GPA when converted, then 17 years' work experience in investment banking, recent undergrad classes in geology (Distinctions) and will finish this second degree this year. GRE was not good, only 600 Q and 640 V, 5.0 AW, but I will take it again this year for the next application season. LORs are from my old professors, which are good but relate to a different subject. Of course no recent research experience or publications, so I probably didn't stand much of a chance. I am planning to do a Masters next year if I can afford it to redress these problems.

Commiserations to those who got rejected as well, and congratulations to those who did get in (haven't seen many on this board though).

[Today has been a day of silence.]

You're lucky, my wave has aleady hit, all rejections. Hope you all get in this year!

[Let's get rejected!!!!!!]

Just got first rejection, 1 of only 2 schools I applied to so I am out this year I think. I have no chance with the other one either, judging by admits on this board. Sigh. I think I am going to leave this website now and maybe revisit next year, if I have the energy to reapply. Good luck everyone.

[not being able to tell people]

Glad it's not just me..... I spend all day alternating between the Results page, this Forum and finishing off assignments for my courses that I am studying for part-time when I should be focusing on my day job.....I still manage to get everything done for work (which just proves I am not fully utilising all my skills in this job) but it's exhausting.

I'm basically at the point where I show up, stare at the Results page for 7 hours, and then leave. Thankfully, we're extremely slow right now, so nothing is actually suffering.

To be honest, after coming in exhausted and twitchy for the past year - first studying for the GREs, then completing the apps, now waiting for results - I assume that they suspect I've developed a drug addiction and/or a personality disorder, and will be relieved when I finally quit.

[What is your method of madness??]

me too!

DITTO!

[not being able to tell people]

Yes, this is my nightmare every day. I probably won't get in this time around and will have to reapply next year (not being pessimistic, just realistic as I am a non-traditional applicant and only applied to 2 schools this year). So I have to stay in my job, which I don't mind but obviously would give up in an instant if I got accepted. My boss will take it very personally when I tell her I am leaving, just her personality, so I cannot tell anyone. Even if I got accepted tomorrow I would have to keep quiet until June when I would give notice to leave at end of July - it would be torture! I can't talk to anyone about the waiting game, even though I check my email and gradcafe every 5 mins at work (no-one can see). I just wish the rejections would come through soon so that I can relax and just plan for next year!

[Interviews for international applicants]

I'm curious, as an international applicant to the US, should I even have expected to get an interview? I haven't been invited to any so far, but all those that have been invited to the programmes I applied to so far are American. I didn't think they would pay for me to go across the pond. I am assuming a rejection I suppose, I don't think they will make an offer without actually meeting me first. Maybe next year I should arrange to be in the US for a few months during application season.....

[Best/Worst Case Scenarios]

My cat is called Chewbacca.......or Chewie for short.......

I have to say, Chewbacca is the most awesome name for a dog, ever. If you don't mind, I may steal that for when I get a dog someday!!

[How old are you?]

I'm 40+, and I've just been on one interview, but I have not had that reaction at all. One interviewer DID ask why I wanted a PhD when I could do consulting and conceivably earn a lot more (As if THAT would be so easy!), but that was still a complimentary kind of comment, I thought. Sorry you've been getting less encouraging feedback. Still waiting to hear back, though, since interview was this week, so we'll see how it works out.

I turned 41 last week, and haven't heard a peep from the schools I applied to yet so can't help feeling I am already on the reject pile due to my age. So your experience is encouraging! I used to be a consultant actually, in investment banking, and whilst I could go back to that I would rather do without the money (+ stress + long hours) to do my PhD instead. I often find people who haven't earnt large salaries are a bit envious, but if only they knew the true personal cost of some of those high-flying careers.....

[Is 30 too late to start a PhD?]

I guess I would hope that what exactly one spent those years out of school doing and how it was related to the program would be a factor. If you spent 15 years being a Tax Accountant, then suddenly decided you wanted a PhD in English Literature or something, I can see how that might work against you, but I'm hoping that ones relevant work experience comes into play.

The first thing I wanted adcomms to look at was my resume, then my master's thesis, then my grades from my master's program.... and then my dismal undergrad grades, and then I wanted them not to look at my GRE scores at all.

Well, I will be 41 in a couple of weeks and applying to start a PhD in Fall 2011. I did my undergrad BA in Archaeology, then worked for 17 years in investment banking as a Chartered Accountant in the City of London. Applying to do a PhD in palaeontology/geology....... I don't see why the work experience must be relevant to your field, experience is experience after all. Here's hoping.