Lisa44201

I'm guessing English is not the OPs native language. Sorry, I don't have any answers either.

Still not sure about the ethics. You accepted a spot. That means someone has been rejected. They are not hanging out on a wait list somewhere - they are done, because you accepted the spot. Furthermore, just because you're going to "try to squeeze in a Master's in 1.5 years" doesn't actually mean you're going to be able to do it; the program might defer for a year, but 2? Besides, just because School B has a track for students who want to get into a PhD program eventually, doesn't mean you're going to get into that track. Even if you do, it seems like your main reason for not accepting the PhD program is because it's away from home. Let's assume for the moment that you do finish this Master's in 1.5 years, and they let you defer: in 1.5 years, that school is not going to be any closer to home. Also, when you defer a program, it means that, assuming they allow it, you're going to be going there the following year, not "considering" it.

Your stats are pretty good; have you taken the GRE? Ditto what Bren2014 said w/r/t Master's programs, too; the career prospects for someone with a Master's in I/O are very, very good. I will send you a PM, too.

In my field, unfunded PhD programs are a red flag. There are several which don't provide "enough" funding, where folks need to take out loans to meet Cost of Living expenses, but completely unfunded programs are not well regarded. Are there other internship opportunities available on campus outside your department which will provide you with at least a tuition waiver and some funding?

At the institution where I received my Master's degree, there was an entire orientation specific to TAs; at my PhD institution, we're advised to touch base with our mentors several weeks before the start of the semester to go over the textbook, expectations, & etc.

The grant applications part, in particular, caught my eye. Even if you didn't write them personally, you are familiar with the wording. Definitely can't hurt.

Er, you just do. Kwest made some good points - try to find a funded program; there are funded Master's programs out there (I attended one), but I don't know of any off the top of my head in Texas. It is difficult to attend school and work at the same time - there are only so many hours in the day. I'm not so sure what you mean about living away from home & how that could be an issue, but that may be just me; you make friends with the folks in your cohort, and you keep going with your life.

It was awfully nice last year having mine submitted by Halloween - I got to relax for the last six weeks of the semester. It won't matter as far as your chances of getting an interview, but it's nice to have a buffer in case the school doesn't receive something (LORs, transcripts, GREs, etc).

Look into funded Master's programs, too.

Oklahoma State

Research experience is better than nothing. Pubs certainly help, but aren't required. I would retake the GRE, though.

This. RESEARCH, and the authorship cred for the poster presentation, are invaluable.

I work 8AM to 4PM every week day, 12:30PM to 2PM on weekends (toddler's nap-time), and 7PM to 10PM or so most nights as well. In addition to homework, I've got a RA position which sometimes gets busy enough where I need to work on something at home (like tonight), and I'm working on some publications as well. Having said that, I'm also a mom with two kids, and I have to structure my time so that I've got time for my children. When they're asleep, though, I get back to work.

Check on the program websites of the schools you're going to apply to, to see what the Student Admission & Outcome data is for prior years. That'll give you an idea of where you are numbers-wise. Also, keep in mind that numbers aren't everything; FIT is huge.

It would suggest the person should see a psychologist in person, as opposed to seeking a diagnosis over the internet.

I would re-consider. http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120518/NEWS04/305180038/Forest-Institute-Missouri-State-University-possible-merger-Springfield http://articles.ky3.com/2012-10-05/forest-institute_34285088 So, they would have had to raise tuition drastically before the possible MSU merger (see first article; because $750/credit hour is cheap???? http://www.forest.edu/resources/1/Forms/Fee_Schedule_12_13_SGF.pdf). Notice the merger did not happen, per the second article. So.... how much is it going to cost now? Aside from the whole on-probation thing being awful for one's job prospects. STUDY. Get better GRE scores. The GPA is not completely out of line - mine was a 3.53. Also, research experience, if you can.

It's before the deadline.... I'd want to see the place, myself. For what it's worth, I made the move from NY to Missouri two years ago for a Master's degree. I still get "culture shock" moments, but it's been great overall. Good luck!

Maybe. Where I am currently, I was able to apply to grants provided by the Graduate College and the Psychology Department for travel funds; if I didn't have those funds, yes, I'd be paying.

I don't know much about IIT specifically, but the phrase "tech school" makes me wary. I would go for the Master's program if I were you, provided you can get research experience in the form of a Master's Thesis and/or your name on a few publications, both of which will help you if you decide to apply for a PhD again; 110K before CoL & etc. is a lot of money. Schools vary as far as transferring credits from a Master's degree to a PhD; from what I've seen, most places will transfer in at least some credits. You may have to do a second Master's thesis in a future PhD program, as some schools will transfer in the course credits, but not the degree; this varies by program. I would still go for the Master's degree.

+1. Especially in your SoP. Your research grant will be a bonus on your app. Your GPA after you switched majors is good; I'd be surprised if you had problems with the GRE. You may not get into an Ivy, but if you keep up this level of effort, you should do well for yourself.

I think there's a difference between talking about research ideas versus everything-but-data-collection sort of work (i.e., writing up the IRB, beginning a literature review, etc.). I personally would enjoy the opportunity to talk about future research ideas, even going so far as to sketch out a basic research design so you can hit the ground running in the fall, but I suggest flat-out asking if these ideas are for projects for once you're enrolled/employed. I think your point with the time constraints of having to work an outside job for now so not being able to commit to more work currently is certainly valid.

Is there a chance you'd take one of the other offers, even if it's not as good an offer? (I assume we're talking about funding).

Wow.... that's a good question. Money is obviously important; news articles abound about student loan debt, and it's obviously ideal if you can get enough money from a program such that you don't have to take out additional loans. I'm kind of "meh" about the fame thing; to me, research and personality fit are more important. What is the cost of living like at the place that's offering more money? Is the cost of living in that area higher, too, such that the practical result is that the extra money covers the higher COL? I personally would go with the first program you mentioned, and look at outside sources of funding (i.e., research grants, competitions at conferences, etc.; during a group interview at one program, the program director actively encouraged us to do so). I view the extra TAing as a bonus, rather than a setback; sure, it's a lot of grunt-work, but it'll look good on the CV.Also, don't they have to pay to TA? That's funding every semester you teach, yes?

I would avoid C. If one or two students are miserable, I chalk it up to the students. If a lot of them are miserable..... Were you happier at school A or B? I'd go with whichever one fit you better; I think the relative positives and negatives of each are negligible.

- Personal fit (note: I am married & have two small children; the fact my future mentor has three children of his own, and one of my future lab-mates has a toddler is very comforting to me as a mother) - Research fit - Employment opportunities for my husband - Funding