psychdork

Same as Eigen.

I wear different hats so to speak (grad student, tutor, lab manager), so I tend to customize my signature to the situation, that is if I'm emailing a potential lab assistant, or a student asking for tutoring, etc. Otherwise, I either sign off with just my first name, or my full name.

*looks around then raises hand*

This is my third time applying (which might explain some of my freakouts lol). Right now I'm feeling pretty down about my chances but others keep telling me to keep my head up. Honestly, it's not that much different than applying for a second time, you already know what you have to do and what to expect...but it is frustrating going through it again. I also find it a little embarrassing to be honest, but I just have to keep reminding myself that the timing right now just plain sucks. It is what it is. Each time I apply I improve my application (first time retaking the GRE, second time enrolling - and soon earning - a masters degree, among other things) and make sure I am applying to the schools with the best fit. I guess I have come to the point that I am determined to get in no matter what that takes. If I don't get accepted this year, then I will apply one more time and after that...I'll figure it out then I guess.

I am really lucky that my advisor is on my side, backing me up, with all of this. I don't think he really understands just having him on my side really helps me keep applying. My family has been the type that just doesn't understand why I would do this (though they are slowly turning around) so having someone who understands the stress of this (especially with the multiple application cycles) has been so helpful.

If you (or anyone else) wants to PM about my experiences go ahead and I'll answer!

Accepted to my top choice! :D

Third time really is the charm... after being rejected the last two cycles I applied, I just received an offer from one of my top choices. So excited!

Anyone applying to Berkeley?
 
I already have an account on GC but I created this one with the intention of sharing my knowledge about the program without having my name linked to the information dispersed.
 
Anyway, I have thoughts I can share about the department/school/funding/city but mostly what I want to let you guys know is about POIs. There is information that I think candidates should be aware in order to make an informed decision about where to go. The department itself is good, but mentoring styles... differ, to put it lightly. If you get an interview MAKE SURE YOU ASK THEM DIRECTLY ABOUT MENTORING STYLES. They may lie to you though, or even misrepresent themselves without realizing it. Honestly some are pretty oblivious.
 
If you PM me I can answer your questions. I really want to share what I know, but I won't exactly be in a position to be blunt during the interview days. By the way, if anyone doesn't know, those should be February 10/11 I think? Invites go out end of this week or early next.
 
Good luck all!

*looks around then raises hand*

This is my third time applying (which might explain some of my freakouts lol). Right now I'm feeling pretty down about my chances but others keep telling me to keep my head up. Honestly, it's not that much different than applying for a second time, you already know what you have to do and what to expect...but it is frustrating going through it again. I also find it a little embarrassing to be honest, but I just have to keep reminding myself that the timing right now just plain sucks. It is what it is. Each time I apply I improve my application (first time retaking the GRE, second time enrolling - and soon earning - a masters degree, among other things) and make sure I am applying to the schools with the best fit. I guess I have come to the point that I am determined to get in no matter what that takes. If I don't get accepted this year, then I will apply one more time and after that...I'll figure it out then I guess.

I am really lucky that my advisor is on my side, backing me up, with all of this. I don't think he really understands just having him on my side really helps me keep applying. My family has been the type that just doesn't understand why I would do this (though they are slowly turning around) so having someone who understands the stress of this (especially with the multiple application cycles) has been so helpful.

If you (or anyone else) wants to PM about my experiences go ahead and I'll answer!

Don't say something racist. DON'T. White bear white bear white bear.

*looks around then raises hand*

This is my third time applying (which might explain some of my freakouts lol). Right now I'm feeling pretty down about my chances but others keep telling me to keep my head up. Honestly, it's not that much different than applying for a second time, you already know what you have to do and what to expect...but it is frustrating going through it again. I also find it a little embarrassing to be honest, but I just have to keep reminding myself that the timing right now just plain sucks. It is what it is. Each time I apply I improve my application (first time retaking the GRE, second time enrolling - and soon earning - a masters degree, among other things) and make sure I am applying to the schools with the best fit. I guess I have come to the point that I am determined to get in no matter what that takes. If I don't get accepted this year, then I will apply one more time and after that...I'll figure it out then I guess.

I am really lucky that my advisor is on my side, backing me up, with all of this. I don't think he really understands just having him on my side really helps me keep applying. My family has been the type that just doesn't understand why I would do this (though they are slowly turning around) so having someone who understands the stress of this (especially with the multiple application cycles) has been so helpful.

If you (or anyone else) wants to PM about my experiences go ahead and I'll answer!

*looks around then raises hand*

This is my third time applying (which might explain some of my freakouts lol). Right now I'm feeling pretty down about my chances but others keep telling me to keep my head up. Honestly, it's not that much different than applying for a second time, you already know what you have to do and what to expect...but it is frustrating going through it again. I also find it a little embarrassing to be honest, but I just have to keep reminding myself that the timing right now just plain sucks. It is what it is. Each time I apply I improve my application (first time retaking the GRE, second time enrolling - and soon earning - a masters degree, among other things) and make sure I am applying to the schools with the best fit. I guess I have come to the point that I am determined to get in no matter what that takes. If I don't get accepted this year, then I will apply one more time and after that...I'll figure it out then I guess.

I am really lucky that my advisor is on my side, backing me up, with all of this. I don't think he really understands just having him on my side really helps me keep applying. My family has been the type that just doesn't understand why I would do this (though they are slowly turning around) so having someone who understands the stress of this (especially with the multiple application cycles) has been so helpful.

If you (or anyone else) wants to PM about my experiences go ahead and I'll answer!

What's not to be sold on?? From bjacque's program, you'll be over 120,000 dollars in debt, have a degree from an unaccredited program (errg...excuse me...on probation from the APA), and not be able to find an internship.  Fun huh??  Oh...and a 14% APA accredited internship placement last year 

You might have to find co-pis.

Apparently it was a good sign, I got an acceptance letter from this school yesterday!

Apparently it was a good sign, I got an acceptance letter from this school yesterday!

Congrats RubyBright and psychdork!!! I'm so happy some people on the thread are starting to move forward! Yay yay! My friend found out today that she was wait listed she is happy that she hasnt been rejected, but is sad that now it's just more waiting... I'm still waiting on my favorite

All right, guys - it was a good sign after all! I just got an email from the school accepting me!

Apparently it was a good sign, I got an acceptance letter from this school yesterday!

Apparently it was a good sign, I got an acceptance letter from this school yesterday!

Apparently it was a good sign, I got an acceptance letter from this school yesterday!

Apparently it was a good sign, I got an acceptance letter from this school yesterday!

I have been collecting possible interview questions, and I thought it may be useful to share. Please feel free to add some of your own. The more questions we can generate the better off we are. Do note that some of these I lifted from other threads and websites. Some questions are obviously redundant. I also didn't get a chance to thematically group them yet.

-Tell me about yourself
-What are your research interests?
-What are your goals? What are your future plans?
-What do you know about my research? (This seems important)
-How did you get into emotion research?
-What is the most compelling study you have done?(figure this out)
-Tell me about your research background?
-Tell me about this aspect of your CV.
-Tell me about the publication on your CV.
-How did you deal with the revise & resubmits?
-How do you approach the writing process?
-Why do you want to go here?
-Do you have any questions? (generate as many questions as possible)
-Rank the research process you are most comfortable with 1 (not comfortable) and 10 (very comfortable). (Coming up with idea, generating the hypothesis, collecting data, data analysis, and publication).
-Why should we take you and not someone else?
-What do you think are the most important trait for researchers?
-What theories/framework/models about emotion/well-being/stress excite you the most?
-What authors have you read recently?
-How would you manage deadlines?
-If I came to your office what would I find on your desk?
-Why do you have such a low GPA? (flaws in your application)
-Why did it take you so long to graduate?
-Tell me about Project X (be able to explain it in 2-5 sentences).
-What are your strengths?
-What are your weaknesses?
-If you're accepted to graduate school, what are your plans?
-Why did you choose an academic career?
-What do you want to know about our program?
-Why did you choose to apply to our program?
-What other schools are you considering (mention comparative programs)?
-In what ways have your previous experience prepared you for graduate study in our program?
-Any questions?
-What do you believe your greatest challenge will be if you are accepted into this program?
-In college, what courses did you enjoy the most? The least? Why?
-Describe any research project you've worked on. What was the purpose of the project and what was your role in the project?
-How would your professor describe you?
-How will you be able to make a contribution to this field?
-What are your hobbies?
-Explain a situation in which you had a conflict and how you resolved it. What would you do differently? Why? (Job talk and menstrual cycle incident. Handling an RA)
-Describe your greatest accomplishment? What do you feel proud of the most?
-What are your career goals? How will this program help you achieve your goals?
-How do you intend to finance your education?
-What skills do you bring to the program? How will you help your mentor in his or her research?
-Are you motivated? Explain and provide examples?
-Why should we take you and not someone else?
-What do you plan to specialize in?
-What do you do on your spare time?
-What can be determined about an application at an interview?

I was hoping someone would be able to help me understand the distinction between the two. Are they the same event but with different names? Or does a visiting weekend imply that you have an implict offer?
 
 

I think you're focusing on the wrong things. If your POI publishes regularly, that's a huge plus. So what if he isisn't super well known (and google search results is a terrible indicator of that imo), but is he doing good science based on your readings? I think you need to shift your focus to the quality of science he's doing. I highly reccommend shifting your focus, at the very least, away from prestige. It may really negatively color the perception of your visit and you'll miss an oppurtunity to work with incredibly astute, bright, and amazing scientists. I really only applied to places I could end up in regardless of prestige. The people I applied with are all doing amazing work that I'd like to be a part of.

If prestige is something really important to you then the best people to ask are your advisers. They know the people in your field.

To me, a lot of the interest you mentioned falls in the realm of social and i/o psychology (unsurprisingly); however, I would focus less on the area of psychology and focus more on the actual people conducting research on your topics.

Lewin mentioned Dunn.

I actually do work on the relationship between money and happiness (well-being). Here are a few other names:
-Ryan T. Howell (my adviser)
-Tom Gilovich at Cornell
-Peter Caprareillo (I forget where he's at, but he graduated from University of Rochester)
-Amit Kummar at Cornell. Works with Gilovich.
-Travis Carter. Graduated from Cornell
-Leaf Van Boven. Graduated from Cornell. He is now at Boulder, Colorado. He may have moved away from this research but check out Van Boven & Gilovich (2003). If you do a forward literature search of this article you can see who else is doing reserach on this.

In terms of goal-setting research and motivation:
-Edward Deci and Andrew Elliot at Rochester
-Faculty at NYU (I don't remember their names offhand...Gollowitzer I think and someone else).

Now to do research on your own on the topic. I highly reccomend just looking at each field and looking for a review paper or meta anaysis, then start looking at the faculties cited. That is probably the best way to figure out who the people are in your area of interest.

False. Most experimental psychology programs (social, cogntiive, etc) require an interview. It has been a recent trend in the field, but most of the programs that I applied too, with the exception of one, required an interview before an offer or acceptance. Terminal masters psychology programs typically do not require an interview process, but I think it is also moving in the direction of having one before acceptances.

In my opinion, it is not necessary to accept immediately, and it would definitely not be rude and unfavorable to wait a little while.  If you are still considering any of your remaining schools then I would wait to accept this offer.  I'm not saying to wait until April 15th (you even said you wouldn't do that) but wait a week or two.  IF you don't hear anything by then, contact the schools and see if someone will tell you your status.  See if you can find out the outcomes of your remaining schools and then decide.  You'll feel much better about your decision once you know how things stand.  POIs understand that applicants have many things to consider before they accept an offer, and should be understanding if you don't accept an offer right away.
 
I might be reading too much into this but it almost sounds like your advisor is pushing you into taking the offer at this school, given that she is friends with your POI.  If I'm wrong, then I'm sorry for my interpretation, but if I'm right then this is ultimately your life and your decision.  Take as much time as you want.  You will be the one attending this school for the next 4-6 years, not your advisor.  If you still want to consider your remaining schools, then take the time and wait.  The reason for the April 15th date is so schools can't make students decide on an offer before they have all the options (although that still doesn't always happen).  You can take as much time between now and April 15th to decide as you want.  Waiting a few weeks to formally accept an offer is so much better than going back on an offer later on (which I do not recommend at all).