Old Man & the C(S)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poi_%28food%29

Mister Rogers

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I turn 40 in June and I sure hope it is helpful to my shot at admission. I know the rest of you have an excellent chance of getting older, but I haven't quite figured out a way to get younger (any recommendations from Biology or Physics friends would be appreciated). I know I stand out from the crowd, which is good in any competition that involves tons of identical packets. When and if the interviews happen, I have several advantages. I seem to be taken more seriously by faculty and staff. I'm often confused for a PhD student, which makes me feel like I look the part. Like everyone else my age, I've taken on tough challenges and survived but more importantly, I can quantify how I survived. Unfortunately I will get some ugly questions my younger competitors won't. "Why didn't you try this years or even a couple of decades ago?" How do you answer that without sounding like a slacker? "If you get a PhD, you will probably only have about twenty years to use it. Is that worth the investment?"

More than any city I've lived in (7) Atlanta is very hit and miss on areas. There really isn't a good side of town, but instead its a patchwork. Plus the traffic is bananas (I've lived in New York). It really helps to know a local. Luckily all of you do (me).

useful gadget

Cash? Oh sorry.

Gradcafe n00b

At least you are in good company. I wonder what small percentage of the total, us vocal worries are? Somebody should write a paper.

blast off

Thank you for that sliver of sanity. I owe you a beer.

Ouch no email here. This is probably real bad news...right?

This isn't the answer you are looking for, but a friend of mine got a no yesterday. No "no" is good...right?

I've been in the private sector for about 20 years and we haven't really every gotten along. I also took off of work several months ago to pursue research, it was mostly by choice . I'd wrap up my current research project and hit the job market exceptionally hard. (Since we're still dreaming) I'd secure a well compensating job in the private sector for the biggest jerk I can find. I'd maintain it by the skin of my teeth, "oh sorry I need to take of Tuesday to Thursday to present at a conference." "Sorry about missing that deadline. I was working on a paper, I will get on it right now"...etc, etc. About a week before classes start I would change my cell number and stop showing up at work.

Congrats!

Talk about the power of persuasion, I read this post before bed and... My background is in printing. I was given dozens of acceptance letters to collate. There were fifteen or twenty pieces in each, including some sort of personalized RSVP card. I kept digging and digging, finding all of the pieces of mine, except of course the actual admission letter.

out there

turn on

I burned mine from last year, it felt very good. Since I work at the place I'm applying I think displayed prominently at my desk will be my best bet.

That is great!