[Emailing schools about decision]

I've been accepted to a school I really like, but I'm still waiting to hear back from 4 more schools. If I get accepted I want to go out and visit so I can be sure I'm making the right decision. As the days go by I find myself worrying that even if I do get accepted I won't be able to go see the schools. Is it appropriate to email asking when a decision will be made? What should I say in the email?

[No email, no interview, what kind of sign is this?]

At this point would it be considered inappropriate to call/email the department and ask when decisions will be made?

[MA in psychology?]

A master's can be beneficial with so many budget cuts occurring. If you've already done a thesis the PhD program won't need to fund you for as long as students without one. This can be an attractive option for admissions committees.

[Human Development and Family Studies]

If the person that was accepted to University of Arizona could pm me their POI that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!

[Psych Specific Plan Bs?]

Cry and hide in a cave

[Psychology Vs. Every Other Department]

At this point I think I'd rather know of a few of my rejections instead having false hopes for the next month!

[Psych Specific Plan Bs?]

Probably go into the master's of public health program at my undergrad. I could still apply for a psych or FSHD PhD after that... (If I still want to that is)

[Social Psychology Application Thread 2010-2011]

How long ago were your applications due? I've only heard from one school so I'm getting pretty nervous/annoyed/tired of waiting. Did your POIs seem upset that your weren't just waiting for the official rejection?

Alright, guys, here's some info:

I buckled and wrote to ALL of my POIs to inquire about my application status. I hadn't been contacted for any interviews, so I just wanted to be given the unofficial rejections.

Purdue - Rejected - POI said to retake the GRE, and continue with my valuable research experience (my score was 1010, and my GPA is 3.86)

UC Santa Cruz - Rejected - POI said he wasn't granted a new student for the Fall after all (even though he supposedly was when I wrote to him a few months ago)

U of Washington - Rejected - POI said 150+ applicants, unusually strong pool this year, likely due to recession. "We unfortunately could not bring you in for an interview."

I believe I've been more than likely rejected by UCLA, UCSB and UNC Chapel Hill since they've already held interviews or sent out invites to recruitment weekends. That leaves me with four other possibilities (not including the Master's programs).

Hope this helps! Good luck guys and gals!

[Coping with Waiting. Last night, I had a nightmare.]

Ugh the nightmares started last night. First was one in which I had been accepted to my top choice, but then I woke up and was very disappointed. I then had another dream where I was in a group interview. I needed to perform a monologue and didn't have one prepared. It was awful...

[Interview weekend -- Smoking]

Oh yeah. You can't smoke in the cold and then walk into a warm building and not have everyone within 10 feet of you not know you just had a cigarette. It wears off, but it's a tough sell in the winter to maintain the "I don't smoke" appearance because the smell gives it away.

In the warm though, it doesn't cling very much. So, it's a lot easier to get away with. The idea is that it's offensive when you come in just having smoked and you stink like smoke. Since you'll be in Tucson, you probably won't have to worry about it (as much). But non-smokers (especially the holier-than-thou ones) can smell it on you a mile away. I think in your situation, better to not let something be a possible detractor to people who are evaluating you. I think in all honesty, a lot of candidates are fairly similar in terms of skills, so the personal things can go a long way. If you run into a non-smoker who is choosing between you and someone else, it could be a tipping point.

That being said, knowing myself, I would definitely figure out a way to sneak one. I know that I'd be nervous and stressed, and I'd rationalize that the warm weather makes it easier to smoke secretly, so I'd probably have one. LoL I'd be prepared though. Do the whole gum thing, wash the hands, etc. before having to talk to anyone. So I can say everything I just said, but in the situation, I'd probably have one if I could find a good opportunity to. Such is the nature of addiction. Good luck to you!

Just to give a warning (I live in Tucson), it's only 40 degrees outside right now. It is supposed to start warming up this weekend though so hopefully it will be warmer for your interview. Oh and UA is definitely a smoker's campus. Mostly undergrads, but I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Human Development and Family Studies]

I just received an invitation for an interview this morning. This has been the only movement from any of my schools so now I'm checking everything like crazy. Why must they torture us like this?

[Developmental Applicants 2011]

I just got an interview for the developmental master's program at Illinois State!

[Human Development and Family Studies]

I applied to 4 FSHD programs and have heard nothing so far. Hopefully we'll get an idea of what's going on in the next few weeks. I hate waiting!