[Manuscript Prep time]

I know any answers to this question will vary greatly depending on one's discipline, but figured maybe some of those in the humanities could offer their experience.

 

I am entering my 3rd year as PhD student and quickly realizing how nearly impossible it seems to submit a manuscript in what I would deem a timely manner. I am currently working on a manuscript (really the only major thing I have been trying to submit since i started in this program) for a little over a year now. Lately it had seemed like i was very close to being able to submit to a journal, but today was asked by my advisor to change certain variables and measures - which will in turn result in major revisions to all other sections of the paper. Large changes to the theoretical model or statistical analyses are basically what seem to keep everyone working on manuscripts for many years.

I was excited to think I might submit after a year of work on this, since most in our lab seem to get manuscripts out after 2+ years of revisions.

 

This is my first time working on any manuscript, let alone one I am first author on. I have no idea if my expectations to submit within a year are unreasonable, or if others spend years working in a seemingly endless feedback loop of major revisions to the conceptual or statistical structure of their manuscripts.

 

Thanks for any feedback!

[Has my mentor already lost interest in me?]

when you're actually IN grad school, it can take your advisor a week to get back to you by email if they're busy enough. calm the eff down.

I am currently IN grad school for a masters and my experience has just been a little different in terms of responses from current faculty members I work with which is why I wanted to ask my initial question - thanks everyone for the advice!

[Has my mentor already lost interest in me?]

The 15th is the major commit by date and it isn't quite here yet so some of the incoming class may not even know they are attending this school as of right now! Departments are usually good about making sure first year students are able to get the classes they need. While it is good to be proactive, it is definitely not freak out time

Good point - I forgot all about the april 15 deadline since I accepted.

[Has my mentor already lost interest in me?]

Ok...thanks I feel better. My main concern is classes filling up so quickly for Fall - but I'm sure it'll all work out.

[Has my mentor already lost interest in me?]

I was excited to accept at my first choice 2 weeks ago and up to that point had a good interview with my now mentor, and before officially accepting had exchanged a few email conversations back-and-forth that helped sway me to work with this particular POI. However - I recently was advised to get in contact with my mentor so I could register for classes in the Fall (a lot are already full!!), but have yet to receive any response back about talking to figure out what courses I should register for. To be fair, I emailed 2 days ago, so not too much time has lapsed, but now I am worried my pickings will be slim and am not sure if/when to re-email my mentor - or what I should say!

I hope she hasn't lost interest in her new grad student now that I've officially accepted!

[Interview over 3 weeks ago]

I dont think it's a stupid thing to ask - schools should understand applicants may be juggling multiple offers. Although I've found even when schools have said I should receive a funding offer or admission decision in x weeks, it usually takes longer....

[Interview over 3 weeks ago]

I interviewed at Arizona a month ago, and still no word. I'm debating whether or not to call, but then that gets into the question of "do I actually want that answer?"

haha - I hear you! I think once it rolls over into April if I still haven't heard I'll just wait for the rejection letter in the mail

[Interview over 3 weeks ago]

I interviewed at Univ of Maryland 3 weeks ago and even though was told it should take the admission committee 2 weeks to get decisions out have yet to hear anything. I'm trying to remain optimistic....

[How to Tell Your Boss You're Leaving Work for Grad School]

One thing that really helps is if you make it easier for them to do without you once you're gone. I gave 3 months' notice at my last job, then helped them find a replacement. Then there was some crossover time after he was hired, and I helped him get acquainted with the procedures of the job. I think that really helped with leaving on good terms, and they really seemed to appreciate it.

I completely agree with this. My boss/job has been amazing and I've been working here for about 3 years. I let my boss know I was planning on applying to programs, he wrote me a letter for one school, and when I received my first acceptance I let him know so he could be aware he will probably have to fill my space come this Fall. Because he has had notice FAR in advance we are now in the process of looking to see who we will bring in as a replacement. Luckily the person we are looking to hire will be able to start at least 2 months before I leave so they can be fully trained before I head out.

Once I officially figure out where I am going I plan on letting my boss know ASAP when I think my last day will be.

I know it depends what field you are in - but if your employer is aware that the job you are at is not going to be your career and they are supportive of you moving on I think keeping them in the loop is the best thing you can do. I feel guilty as well because my boss has been so great with everything, but by giving them all the notice they need they will be able to transition more smoothly with the new hire.

[Significant others and the application process]

When I was applying, interviewing etc. I was mentally preparing for the stress an impending move would put on my 4 year relationship. I assumed my boyfriend had been doing the same thing, but we recently broke up (seriously, like 3 days ago) because he didn't think he could deal with another 4-5 years of a long distance relationship (currently we are an hour a part). One of the programs I am considering would still keep me within 2 hours of him, but another would take me across the country. I've been telling myself I have to do what's best for me, and I still will pick the program that will be the best "fit", but it's way harder realizing I will have to sacrifice my relationship.

But life will move on for the better. I would never think twice of giving up going to one of these PhD programs for my relationship - we may have been together for 4 years but everything I put in my application was a work in progress since I entered undergrad.

Best of luck to everyone who has an SO and has been going through this mentally/emotionally exhausting experience!

[Questions to ask current grad students in a lab you want to be in]

Someone in another thread suggested asking them to name one thing the current students like about the program/lab and one thing they dont like as much. I asked that to a few current students.

Also, for one lab I was interviewing for I knew the POI was very busy and involved in other activities so I asked the current students if it was difficult to meet with the POI/if they were absent a lot

[respond to acceptance w/in 2 weeks?]

I was searching the forum to see if this exact question had been asked!

I recently received an assistantship offer with a deadline in 2 weeks. The problem being I am waiting on another funding offer from one school, and I interviewed at a school a few days ago and was told it would probably take them 2 weeks to decide who they are offering admission to. I emailed the faculty member who sent me the assistantship with the deadline and asked if it was at all flexible and explained my situation - I am not about to be rushed into a decision over what school to accept.

I was sort of annoyed they even gave a 2 week deadline - obviously I understand the earlier they know if you are attending the easier it is for them to accommodate other prospective students, but still...

[One on One Interviews with faculty]

Congratulations! I've been to a few of these recruitment events - in my opinion it is the university's way of trying to sway you to actually accepting their admission offer. For the 1:1 faculty interviews I tried to get a sense of what everyone is doing research wise. It's also helpful for asking questions and seeing if you get similar answers.

To prepare I would gather a list of questions that would help inform your decision on attending the university. Definitely try to talk with current students - this has been the most helpful for myself. Like others have been saying, these will be the people you will be surrounded by for a few years, so you want to be sure they will provide a good support system for you.

and definitely relax! you're already admitted, this is their chance to try and woo you over to their program - a lot of the pressure is finally off : )

[What to wear for admitted student visits?]

I recently attended a few recruitment events to universities I was already admitted to. As a mid 20's female (in social sciences) I chose business casual attire and brought a pair of comfortable heels and comfortable but somewhat dressier flats. Some people wore jeans and semi casual t-shirts, one girl wore a full suit, others were business casual.

each event had a casual meeting with current grad students (lunch, dinner), for those I dressed down with dark jeans, a business casual top and flats.

This is my own opinion, but if you're already admitted and a female I would forego the formal suit - which is more appropriate for interviews at places you are not yet accepted. I think business casual is a safe route between too dressy and too casual.

[Location as part of decision]

I declined an offer with funding that was substantially higher than the offer I ended up accepting (think ~15K higher), because I wasn't excited about the fit or location of that school.

This makes me feel a lot better about my own choices!

I applied to a variety of places across the country, and upon applying viewed all of them as places I could see myself living for 5 or so years. However...as acceptances have come in I find myself currently accepted to 2 very different schools and awaiting an interview at another. School A I recently visited and is in a great climate (warm...which I am not used to), near a city, 2 faculty members closely matched my interests, and current students seemed close-knit and sincere. Negative? I am expecting a very low funding offer.

School B - more like the climate I am used to (cold), in a small town (I think I would thrive best near a city of some sort), and the faculty match was one of the lower ones on my list. However, I am expecting a decent funding offer from this school.

Initially before I had any offers I thought funding would be the ultimate choice for me. I was starting to feel guilty even considering turning down more funding for a location I would be happier in. I think fuzzylogician has it right though, you just need to take into account the factors that will make you happy in a place for 5+ years. For myself climate is higher on the list, for others I know they could not care less about what type of climate they end up in.

[Villanova/Philadelphia]

Congratulations! I went to college in Philadelphia and came to love that city over 4 years. At first it wasn't the most thrilling place, but as I explored Center City and Olde City, I really grew to like it. The highlight for me in Philly was definitely the restaurants. Yes, you have the high end stuff, but there's a good bunch of very affordable options as well. Some great Italian BYOBs (Branzino, Bistro La Baia, were two of my favorites), Great Moroccan food at Marrakesh, and for some killer Margaritas and excellent Mexican food, El Vez is a must! I could go on and on!

I grew up in Philly and currently work in west phila - I completely agree with Anxious2011 that the city will make you a total foodie! My friend and I try out a new restaurant every month (get acquainted with Restaurant Week - $35 prix fixe dinners) and have yet to run out of places to choose from!

A list of my personal favorites:

Chifa - latin american tapas

National Mechanics - great bar food with great beer selection

Horizons - vegan, but surprisingly amazing

Sitar - indian; offer a $10 all you can eat buffet!

and aside from food, check out a Phillies game!

[Increasingly Moody]

The phone rang this afternoon and I instantly broke out in a cold sweat. (It was a telemarketer). I got an email from School #2 that was totally unrelated to grad apps, and my first thought was "that's just cruel."

Every week it seems I get an email from 1 school I applied to from one of the admissions coordinators just updating us that she will be "out of the office on...". Which is very nice of her to keep us updated but crushes my rising hopes every time I click to read the email

[Choosing the right POI equivalent to match.com?]

I really hope I'm not the only one who has had this thought run through their mind, but we're approaching/have begun interview season. I know I have been in contact with my POI's throughout my application process (just hoping it'll make them spend 30 seconds more reviewing my app). But because of this I have grown to like and respect the POI's I have been in contact with and am excited to meet them for recruitment/interview days.

Does anyone else feel like telling the ones you DON'T choose that it's like letting down someone who asked you out?

Yes, I am really interested in your program and I think you as a person are totally awesome...but, so-and-so is slightly more awesome and I'd rather spend the next 5 years with them.

I'm sorry if I led you on...but we can still be friends.

[PENN GSE]

cbelle - good luck on hearing from penn gse! I am currently finishing my masters there in another GSE program and I love it!

[Wise to ask grad students questions before the interview?]

I think it would be fine to wait until you meet the grad student - it may be a good way to avoid awkward silences and keep the conversation going. Definitely pick their brain about questions you have related to the program; if they enjoy it, is the environment competitive or cooperative...etc.

[Backing out of commitment]

I have been in a ltr going on 4 years and the majority of the programs I applied to are out-of-state, one even across the country. One thing that has helped me through the process is realizing that I have spent more than 4 years trying to figure out what PhD program would be best for me (through various research labs, internships, etc.). I know I would regret turning down any acceptance and I would probably just become bitter and resentful. I would rather deal with some heartache while in a doctoral program as opposed to being at the same job I've been at for 3 years and harboring resentful feelings towards my sig other.

[Call professors by their first names?]

I agree with the majority of the other responses - unless a professor directly says to me "call me (first name)" i always use Dr.

[Increasingly Moody]

I realized 2 years ago that my job it is in no way how I want to spend my future and find that things which used to be slightly annoying now seem like insurmountable tasks I don't have the patience to deal with. however, since my 1 acceptance I have become *slightly* better, and instead try to spend my energy holding back from telling off all of my obnoxious coworkers

[Accepted...or am I?]

A week after a phone interview with my POI he called to say they were accepting me into their program. HOWEVER...I was told the decision still had to be approved by the department, and received an email from the Graduate School of Admissions that they were reviewing my application..what does this mean? How probable is it that the grad school of admissions will decline the programs offer to accept me? I really hope it's not that probable because I've told everyone I've been accepted and am heading out to their Recruitment weekend in 2 weeks!

[Dressing for Recruitment Visits]

I have been notified I've been accepted to a program and invited out for a Recruitment weekend (meeting current faculty, students, etc.). I have no idea what to bring to wear! If it were for an interview I would definitely bring a suit, but I've already been accepted so...business casual? Suit anyway? We will be meeting with faculty we are interested in working with, not sure if that matters...any advice greatly appreciated!