-hermes-

Has anyone applied to Cornell? There's only one acceptance on the results search to go by, and one vague mention of an interview.

Thanks for the input! I would definitely have mentioned speaking to him in my SOP, but I've already submitted the application (the deadline was a while back). So now there's no way for the adcom to know -- though I guess he could mention it to them if our conversation goes well. Too far to visit any of my programs, unfortunately!

So a POI (whose work is very close to my own) I had reached out to ages ago finally replied. He wrote me a really warm email, saying he will be looking for additional students in 2015, and that I seem like a great fit with his lab. He also mentioned that he isn't part of the adcomm, but that he'd be happy to chat on the phone next week. He asked whether I ended up applying, so he hasn't seen my application. What do you guys make of this exchange? Should I offer to send him my SOP? Does none of this matter since he's not on the adcomm?

Thanks for the interview breakdown! I think it sounds like it went pretty well, actually -- though you're bound to overanalyze it and find ways it could have been better. I wonder why some schools do interviews and others don't?

When's the earliest you can hope to hear back?

I really wish I had more information about if/when a couple of my schools send interview invites. The results search isn't super helpful (regardless of how many times I run the same search)... Only one acceptance.

I haven't had a ton of interaction with my POIs so I don't want to pester them with an email that just says I've applied. I got the "best of luck, look forward to reading it" type of emails before submitting my application.

Did anyone write an update to their POIs telling them they'd submitted an application?

Cell block

My acceptance email for my master's was sent out at 9:15AM and had the most deceptively worded subject: "Decision on your application." But luckily, the first word of the actual email body was "Congratulations!" so I didn't have too long to freak out.

Autumn, it's moderately related to what I want to study. What research assistant type experience does everyone have? Was it related to what you want to study?

I don't have official TA experience, but I worked with my PI to set up an online course, which included constructing the syllabus and writing/designing instructional course materials and content. Not sure how much that counts. I've conducted trainings in professional settings, but that's only a line on my CV.

Me too! I'm so glad that's over. The waiting has officially begun!

I agree. And I can't upvote you enough. Source: Worked in marketing. Hope never to go back.

Ha, maybe the admin has a dark sense of humor. Even worse if it begins "Dear X, we are delighted to accept your application..." Congrats on your interview by the way!

What is everyone's Plan B if this application cycle doesn't work out? Are you currently a student, employed, or neither?

Yay for keeping the thread going! I do have a top choice program (based on fit and my interaction thus far with faculty), but it's really close with my second choice. My second choice would mean living fairly near my partner and not too much disruption to our relationship, and for that it ends up being kind of my top choice.

Wow, that's fast! I wish UPenn would send out decisions!

Me too, actually!! I've moved a ton over the past several years and am quite ready to commit to a place.

Yeah. I hate the uncertainty. It's nice that enrolling in a PhD means having a (somewhat) concrete plan for 5 years.

This may be of use: http://bit.ly/1Apk0O6

It's officially January! Let's keep posting here so that I have something other than apps to check...

Whew, same! I think I'm really overthinking this particular app.

Exactly the same on all counts. Wait, 2-3 single or double spaced? I much prefer it when programs indicate length in terms of word counts.

How many pages have most people used for their SOPs?