Forest Owlet

That makes sense! Thanks!

Just how many people apply to Psychology and Chemistry programs?

During my GRE, I came across a couple of words which made me go 'Yup, never saw this one before ' And then after that, while reading a few books, I was like.. 'Hey, I know what that means! Life.

I'd probably describe it as foolhardiness/impatience The downside of this is that I now know the exact days (within a 3-4 day range) when I should hear something, which means every morning during that period is going to include a tense few seconds while my mailbox refreshes on the phone (due to the time difference). Well, at least I won't be too jumpy at work. I asked the program coordinator - in 3/4 programs that I applied to, their names and email ids were mentioned on the admissions page. For the last one, I asked a current grad student if there was somebody like that. Basically I wanted email ids of specific people (apart from faculty), whom I could contact in case of any issues with the application process.. which was a good idea since one of my LOR writers sent me a slightly hassled email saying she had been trying to submit it for days but was having issues with the system. I'm pretty sure I don't want to bug my POIs with stuff like this, at least not yet.. one of them told me that he'd get in touch if there were any developments, so that's that.

I can have a look. PM it!

Also, from what I understand, not all programs have in-person interviews.. and if its a Skype interview with a POI, that gives a lot of flexibility in terms of timelines. Similar feelings as you about the shift.. scary! Anyway, I caved in and emailed some of the program coordinators about when the interview dates will be out (and got responses), which means that I can do some focused worrying now, rather a general state of panic

@hopefulPhD2017: That is amazing (and also a bit Sheldonesque, if I may say so ) But seriously, if I don't get in anywhere this year and apply again, and I am totally going to dig up this post of yours!

Relax! What you mean is fairly obvious. I'm sure half of the readers won't even notice the typo! I don't think you should do anything about it. I am not sure how program coordinators will react to requests for replacing documents due to minor typos, but I suspect that it's not going to be easy to get them to agree to do anything of the sort. I had a minor issue in SOP which I was (still am, a little bit) panicking over.. but I googled and found out that it's not going to really matter. People have got in with far worse things. If it makes you feel any better, just google this.

So were you successful? I decide that every week. 1 hour later I am refreshing the results page

In most cases, recommendation letters are accepted late, by anything from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the program. Email the program coordinator and check when applications are usually reviewed, and whether it would be ok if one of your letters is slightly late.

Exactly my thoughts! Then I was like.. I'm already wasting enough time on gc

Nopes. UC Berkeley, ESPM program

I was all happy and relaxed since none of the schools/programs I've applied for have come up in the results page. Till I saw an interview invite for one of my programs posted in the forums a week ago. Bye bye relaxed new year's eve weekend

Woah.. Had no idea Berkeley sent out invites so early.. Were you contacted through your POI or the department, and will it be a telephonic or in person interview? I've been in regular touch with my POI, and he's said that he'll get in touch if something comes up. Now I'm beginning to get stressed out

I think it's a great opportunity for you to find out more about your POI(s). Apart from his research, how is he/she as a guide/mentor? Are there any personal traits that could be tricky? How long do people in the lab typically take to finish their PhDs? This person could also connect you with somebody who is in the POI's lab, if he/she doesn't directly work with him/her.

Been thinking the same! Also, all those chemists seem to be getting in directly, without any interviews

I would suggest not emailing him again at this stage. I think he has already done all that he could have, at this stage of the process. There's no way you can ensure that he can support your application, and further contact might seem (imo) as badgering and might actually harm your case. I've had a few email exchanges with profs this year, followed by what seemed like fairly positive skype chats. Yet, there's no way you can really be sure - a lot depends on other factors, including the admissions committee. You'll see many cases here where people who've had excellent, really positive conversations haven't got through. Just apply and hope for the best! Disclaimer: This is my first application cycle, and I have interacted with a limited number of profs!

I suggest contacting the graduate programme coordinator and checking - they're usually very helpful and tend to respond quickly in most places.

Have a look at this thread:

Not an expert by any stretch of imagination, but can have a look. It helped to have a few of my friends go through mine. Already done with my applications, and have some free time which could be put to some use

Happy to have a look too. Am not an expert either (and I'm applying in this cycle too), but as @SarahMoon said, it does help to have a few people have a read-through.

That's an idea! I was already thinking about Coursera, but Duolingo will also be useful over the next few months

I'd emailed him immediately after the application deadline (1st December), so it's not just that. I guess it's ok, it's just me obsessing over it! About the results, I will more or less have an idea in the next 3 weeks or so... at least the interviews bit.

Phew, I'm glad I am not the only one like this. So much of switching from one extreme to another

I'm looking forward to/dreading this for UMN.. I thought they weren't looking at applications till after the holidays