whateverneveram3n

I can't speak for others or others' fields, but here's my $0.02. I'm interested in a wide variety of topics in theoretical physics, and the more mathematical, the better. Problem is, there aren't really any safety schools for someone w/ my interests. There are what you might call "safety schools" that carry out theoretical physics research, but these are by and large limited to just a couple topics. These programs are fine if you 1., know exactly what topic you want to specialize in already, and 2., plan on going into a career in industry in that exact topic. But for students like me who thrive off the intra/inter-disciplinary energry in hopping from topic to topic (and furthermore plan on going on to a career in academia), there really don't exist any safety programs. Believe me, I looked! So in my case, the best you can do is put forth your best application, hope for the best while steeling yourself up for soul-crushing defeat, and formulate a plan b. The simple fact of the matter is, I'd rather not go to grad school at all if I can't get into the exact sort of program I would enjoy. Why devote five years of the prime of my life to a grad program I'm not totally interested in?

Good luck on your last minute Hail Mary play! I think I may launch one of my own...I've got my eye on a master's program w/ the possibility of funding that accepts applicants until Apr. 1. This may be the year of the "get me into grad school somewhere" scramble all around...

Yep, I'd like to add my voice to that growing chorus. In some fields it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Yeah...I wanted to apply to eight, but could only afford six. (On the flip side, at least I could afford to even apply to six.) Word. bigcheese-- best of luck to you...I know that if (when? :| ) I get down to only one school left to hear from and have gotten all rejections up to that point, I'd be sitting on the edge of my seat too.

That's not necessarily true. It depends what Lazcano's planning on doing w/ the degree. The well-connected advisor may be able to help land a sweet job, but academic types will probably be more impressed if you went to a whole department that's held in higher regard.

Yeah, I hear you guys. This is actually my second go at grad school, so the emotional stakes are pretty high for me, as I think I won't bother applying again if I don't get in anywhere this time. The application process is so expensive and time-consuming. I'm starting to ease myself into the realization that my life may be taking a completely different course than I had planned on it taking, and starting to brainstorm about what this other grad school-less path might be. Any suggestions welcome. While I have (or think I have) a better chance at a couple of the schools I'm still waiting to hear from...the simple fact that I'm still waiting to hear from them strikes a pretty sizeable blow to that theory. So I'm already job-hunting in an attempt to acclimate myself to the worst-case scenario of across-the-board rejections...and in a small way, it's actually making me feel a little better. Sort of like, "well, if I do get rejected everywhere, at least I've already started to deal with it, both practically and emotionally..."

Yeah, I've thought about this, too.

Which town/city would you rather live in for several years?

Yeah, I wish schools were better in general about letting people know if they're on a waitlist or not. It seems to really vary according to school/program if they bother notifying you like that. Otherwise, if you write a program inquiring as to your application's status, and you get one of those "we'll be notifying everybody by (whatever date)", it's like...ok...so should I be holding my breath until whatever date, or not bother? Sigh. By this point, with my nerves frayed already, I'd almost rather just get an outright rejection than no indication whatsoever of my chances... =(

Bahaha. I've got a bottle of wine in my cupboards I've been holding on to for weeks for these very same reasons/intentions...have also managed not to break into it yet... also, regarding what Astaroth said: Word.

Eff application fees. I say we charge like a 50 dollar "deposit"... if you're rejected, we give you your $50 back. Or at least give a few bucks back. Enough to buy a beer on us, at least. =)

I'm still waiting to hear from them, too. I inquired about the status of applications and was told all decisions would be made by the end of the month (meaning February). I still had not heard from them, so I wrote yesterday to make sure my app had actually been reviewed...I was told that my application was being considered for a decision. So, whatever all that means. Waitlist or something? Who knows...hopefully something good rather than something bad.

I hope you're right. =( I'm getting a little nervous. Got my first rejection yesterday, and a second one today. Ow. (Sorry to hear about the physics GRE; I've been through that before. I think I just responded to another post of yours on another thread and was whining about how kicking my PGRE score up several notches did not seem to help me so much...)

This IS my "doing this again" year...and yet I'm currently 0 for 2...with four schools left to hear from. =( I even busted ass studying for the physics gre for last fall and ridiculously improved my score from the year previous, but it doesn't seem to be helping any. That having been said, I'm applying to four physics programs and two math programs (the two rejections were from physics), and think I may have a better shot at the math programs anyway. But really, I'd be happy to just go anywhere I applied. Here's hoping something turns up positive for each of us. (And as far as a grand purpose...if I don't get in anywhere this year, I think I'm just gonna sell out and go work for a financial company, earn lots of money. If academia doesn't want me, then ok...academia's loss. )

I trust you are already familiar with this video? it helps this fellow code monkey get through the day sometimes...

I hear you on the job survival bit...I'm already starting to send out applications for other jobs in case the grad school apps fall through...no way in hell am I sticking at this job for another year. (I do software development of sorts...) best of luck!

Word. I spent a year there (year at the school, longer in Burlington), and guarantee you will love it there. Especially if you're the incense sort. =) Burlington is gorgeous. (Ok, I really miss it there... can you tell?)