psychdork

The deadline for one of my programs is Jan 15th, but I sent them my app back in early Dec with the rest of my apps. A couple days after submitting my application I received an email from them saying that my application was complete and was sent to the review committee. So today I receive an email from them, with the subject line stating something about "an update on your application". So I knew that the deadline was still a week and a half away and didn't expect news anytime soon, yet some part of me was wondering if they had already made a decision. So I open the email, and the update is that my application is still under review...umm thanks, kinda figured that. I think they are just trying to mess with my mind. On the other hand, at least they are acknowledging my existance...

24 I was planning on starting my PhD when I would have been 22. But I realized my senior year of undergrad that I wasn't as competitive for grad school as I would have liked to be, so I stretched my undergrad from 4 to 5 years, and then was denied admission last year.

Wow! That's exciting. Good luck eucalyptus!

I'm not sure, though it probably is not a big deal. I would try to change the LOR part of the app from submitted online to submitted by mail. Usually you can still access the LOR part of the application once you have submitted your application. You might have to delete the LOR's name and then add it again, specifying submitted by mail. And if that doesn't work, then you could always call the school and ask/let them know.

I had the same dream, though I can't remember if I was rejected from Harvard or just a random school. All I remember is I woke up freaked out, and that it took me a couple minutes to realize that I hadn't applied there in the first place.

I applied to five PhD programs last year, all in social psychology as well, and was rejected by all of them. Everything about my application last year was strong, with the possible exception of my GRE scores which were borderline. I got my first rejection letter from my #1 choice in late January, and it all pretty much went downhill from then. Everyone told me to not let it get to me, but really when you put that much time and energy into something, how can you not let it get to you? And one thing no one mentions is how hard it is when friends/other students are accepted somewhere. Anyway, I moped around for a couple months (Jan-May as I got the rest of my rejection letters) and at one point starting looking at non-academic options. However, the entire process, especially the rejection part, made me realize how much I want this. So finally I told myself to stop feeling bad about what happened as I couldn't change it, and decided that I'm going to give it my all again. So I talked to my mentor, who said I could continue working in his lab this year as I reapplied. He also referred me to two other labs on campus, so I've been working in them as well. I retook the GRE and improved my score, and got a part time job in a research setting (the lab work is volunteer), and submitted several papers to an upcoming conference. I applied to 8 schools this year (some are the same as last year), and while it is frustrating to have to go through all this again, I've found that I'm less stressed about it all than I was last year. However, with that all being said, if I don't get in this year, I have no idea what I'm going to do...

I'd like a blog too, please. This is my second time applying to social psych PhD programs and the waiting is already driving me crazy.

I'm limiting myself to the Midwest for family reason, so I'm applying to Penn State, Purdue, Michigan State, Miami (Oh), Indiana, Iowa State, Wayne State, and Loyola Chicago. I'm interested in implicit/explict attitudes, intergroup relations, stereotype threat, and the application of prejudice into real life situations.

Second attempt at this process, applying to 8 programs this year. Interested in studying prejudice/stereotypes.

I would definitely look into transferring. Really what is the worst that could happen if you do? Besides, how are you supposed to excel if your advisor isn't helping you (or cutting you down)? Sometimes people just don't click and it has nothing to do with either of you.

Hey everyone, I know I've asked this about a thousand times already, but has anyone heard anything or know anything about Indiana? It's my last school, I'm 99% sure I'm going to be rejected, but I haven't heard anything yet and would just like some closure so I can focus on plan b. I emailed them a couple weeks ago and they said that they would only let me know by postal mail, and I should hear back by the end of March, early April at the latest. I'm hoping I'll know sometime this week, but if any of you know anything please let me know.

Yay!!!! That is awesome! Congratulations!

Congratulations! That is awesome! I've definitely related to your position with friends with lower qualifications getting multiple acceptances, and just rejection after rejection on my end, so it is nice to know that people who should be admitted are getting in! Congratulations again and best of luck there!

I'm kind of ashamed but I also know that this is an extremely competitive year. The decisions the adcoms make are not our fault (it is to an extent as far as our grades and experience and stuff, but at some point it is completely out of our hands). One of my recommenders I'm very close with, so I've been telling him my rejections as they come in, and he has been surprised but very supportive. And keeps telling me that I shouldn't take them personally. I told my 2nd recommender last week, and his reaction was weird but he's pretty eccentric so I wasn't too shocked. :-) I still have to tell my 3rd recommender but she is really busy and I just haven't been able to meet with her face-to-face...I'm tempted to send an email, but I think in person is better for this. Seriously though, don't be ashamed, you're not the first person this has happened to. Yes, it's disappointing having to tell them, but I felt better after I did.

So after receiving another rejection today, I am down to one school. Has anyone heard anything from Indiana University...it's my last chance and right now it's not looking good.

Aww nerd love (no offense)! I knew these guys existed, I just haven't encountered one yet!

I agree! Also, don't take anything they say in an email (post-interview or not) as serious unless they literally spell it out. Don't assume you are accepted/waitlisted just because the email sounds positive, or doesn't say you are rejected. Just trust me on this one...

Hey if he has a brother or cousin or something send him my way ;-)

Exactly! If they were going to reject me, then why didn't she say so back in February? Other schools I emailed seemed to have no trouble rejecting me over email, lol. I hated having to wait.

Aww! As someone else who has purposely avoided the opposite sex this past year for the same reason, that is so sweet, and typical that you would find someone now. I wish you the best (whatever way this goes)! I have one school left and hope to be rejected just so I can have a break from school next year. The longer this wait takes the more I like having a year off.

Today I found out that the school I thought waitlisted me apparently never did. I emailed the grad director (after the grad secretary encouraged me to) and received a cryptic email, that 4 people (including myself and one of my profs) thought meant waitlisted. This was back in February, I was told I would hear back in 4-6 weeks. Last week I emailed her again to confirm I was waitlisted (after re-reading the email several thousand times, I became nervous) and how their waitlist worked. Found out today that apparently they do not have a waitlist and do not plan on offering me admission...so now I'm down to one school (my last choice, and a school I'm pretty sure is just taking its sweet time rejecting me).

Congratulations! Good luck!

I'm going to a funeral tomorrow, and if anyone asks, I'm already planning on telling them that I haven't heard anything yet, which obviously is a complete lie, but I cannot deal with their reaction/sympathy at a funeral. I can barely deal with it at "happy or neutral" situations.

Thanks! I must say though, you are much more positive about my outlook than I am.