psychgurl

I feel the exact same way. I went to a top 15 undergrad institution and did well there. I have 2 years RA experience from undergrad, an independent project from undergrad, and 3 years work experience post-graduation in my field. I did very well on the GRE. My LORs were glowing, according to a POI. I applied to 10 schools total, and their rankings were varied. I only got 2 interviews, and I'm worried that both will amount to nothing. I got offered a fully funded MA program. But I am still rather shocked at how difficult this process is (both to get in and the emotional toll it takes on you). I am trying to not take it personally, but what am I going to say to my parents/friends/professors/employer? I know the MA program is strong and could potentially help me more than a 4th year of work experience would, but man, what a let down.

Yes, I'm going...probably to all 3 days. I think it's a good chance to meet potential advisers/possibly start thinking about thesis topics. See you there!

I've heard that it's better to have your recommendation writers address any issues with grades. I would keep your personal statement as positive as possible. Good luck!

Also just got a full tuition offer (I applied to psych phd though). I have to say, this is a nice fall back if my other phd offers don't come through. I've heard mixed things about the program, but I feel like this program would strengthen my phd applications for the next time I apply more than an additional year of work experience would (I've already worked 3 years out of undergrad as a study coordinator in my field). All in all, I'm excited to get this offer. mhchoi: I would take a phd offer if you get it this cycle, but if not, I think this program could be an asset to help launch you into phd's in the future.

So I know I posted to be weary of the program a couple days ago, but I just got an enticing offer with a super generous tuition package. Let's just say now I am super torn! I am definitely going to the campus days to see what I think of it...I haven't gotten any PhD offers yet, just 2 interviews. This is a nice back up if the PhD offers fall through. See you guys at campus days!

From what I've heard from past students (my boyfriend & his classmates) and current UChicago undergrads, it's a cash cow for them. If you have PhD offers on the table, take them instead. I don't think a master's counts for much in a lot of disciplines when applying for PhDs. Also, I've heard this program doesn't give a lot of individual attention to students. I would personally approach with caution.

It's important to ask POIs where recent graduates got jobs (or if they got jobs). One of my POIs prides herself on mentoring in a way that produces very HIREABLE phd students. Keep in mind that that is the end goal, and it's best to know the success rate that students in the program have with finding jobs after completing their phd's. Also, how long does it typically take students in the program to complete the phd? Even though 4 or 5 years is the ideal plan, what is the reality? If students take 6 or 7 years, why? It's also very important to ask about mentoring style (as previous posters pointed out). Do they give co-authoring opportunities, and how often do grad students get those opportunitites? First author opportunities? How often do they meet with their grad students, and do they mentor with a more hands-on or distant approach?

I have a recruitment day on Friday, too! You should PM me where you're going...maybe we'll be at the same one Anyway, I asked a current graduate student what the dress code is...she said business casual, like something you'd wear to a conference. I have a suit jacket, but I'm worried about being overdressed and feeling uncomfortable in that. I decided on nice blacks slacks, black leather flats, a professional looking blouse, and a nice black cardigan over the blouse. I feel like that kind of outfit sends the message that you are serious and professional without appearing snobby or stuffy (what I fear about the suit jacket). Of course, it totally depends on the program. Is there a grad student contact you could ask? Or a graduate admissions coordinator? I've heard some programs saying jeans are okay, while others say business casual.

I like this advice- At an interview, I did get asked where else I applied and interviewed and how that particular program ranked for me against the others. Be prepared to answer it! Also, be prepared for questions that are more common for job interviews (how you handle conflicts at work, how you work with others, the type of mentorship style you prefer). I had to answer all of these questions at the same interview as above. If you plan ahead for these "not likely" questions, you won't get frazzled on the spot. Lastly, at this interview, I was pretty honest about all of the questions she asked (not evading the questions), and it seemed to work in my favor...don't shoot yourself in the foot, but be as honest and genuine as possible. Good luck!

Make soups in bulk! Not only are homemade soups cheap & nutritious, but bulk cooking is a great way to have meals on the go during busy weeks... Buy as much as you can (especially chicken/meats) at discount supermarkets... and to agree with other posters, get ROOMMATES! I live right outside of Chicago, and I was able to shave over $200 a month off of my rent by just adding one roommate. Check craigslist or even with your program to see if other new students are interested in rooming with you. This could be a great way to meet new people fast in your program.. Good luck!

ASU interview posters: Can you PM me your POIs? Thanks!

I found my RA/study coordinator position based off of an email that was sent around the undergrad psych listserv at my school. The original email was dated from October 2008, and I responded WAY after it was sent around (like, June 2009). Even though the department didn't have any open positions in June, they emailed me back in July and wanted to set up an interview. If you can forward your resume to the right person (even if there aren't any official openings), you could be lucky enough to get an interview before a position's officially posted. Also, apply broadly. I ended up in a more medical setting than pure academia (I work at the medical school of a major university). I still think that the skills are transferable even if it isn't exactly the area you want to go into. Hope this helps!

I definitely have good and bad days. One day I will be optimistic for good news and the next I have a panic attack. I think the best way to cope is just to accept that there will be good and bad days. And having people around you who understand that definitely helps, too. This is my first year applying. I have a full-time RA job, so my backup plan is to continue working and apply again next year. In addition to the heartbreak from not getting into dream schools, what scares me is the huge amount of MONEY that goes into this whole process. It would be so annoying to have wasted all the money with no positive result! Honestly, though, I think it IS rather early to throw in the towel and accept defeat. I think everyone is freaking out because we are all overachievers. Time will tell, but until then let's keep our chins up!

Not yet.

I called the department a couple weeks ago...they said the invites for social should be out around Feb 1st...weird

I still haven't heard from UIUC. I think from past years they contact people for interviews early February. Let's hope for good news soon!!

Definitely give them your SOP (even if it isn't finalized). It is also helpful to give them your unofficial transcript, any classes you took with them/grades received, projects you worked on if you were in their lab, and any emphases you want to be made for various programs. If there are any holes in your application, rec writers could also address them.

@Scalia, where did you see this? Is there a special page beyond the application submission page? What area of psych are you?

humankoko- did you hear anything from Brown? I see it's scratched out on your signature...

Although there is more anxiety surrounding technical things that could go wrong, Skype interviews are much more natural. You get more feedback from the POI as you talk because you can see his or her facial expressions. I would dress nicely (I didn't wear a full suit, but I'm a woman and felt like I could get away with wearing a nice, formal sweater). And you can see what faces you are making on Skype because you can see yourself. Also, I would test your Skype with a friend to make sure it works properly. What program are you doing the Skype interview with?

It has been a slow week...I'm dying over here! I don't know if anyone is interested in this info, but I called the psych grad admissions coordinator at UIUC (I semi-freaked out that someone on the results board said interview weekend is 1/19-1/21!), and she said that for the social division they hope to contact people by Feb 1. Whew!

I would wait for now. It's still really early in the game (at least I think!). The POI may get annoyed with people emailing before any decisions have been made. Does anyone have any input about when would be a good time to contact an admissions coordinator or POI?

Stefan Huynh- would you mind PMing me your POI at UVA?? Thanks!!

I took the old version of the GRE, but here's what worked for me: For the quant section, my Kaplan prep class was extremely helpful. If you don't want to pay for a class, maybe look into buying a used course book online (the course book outlines the strategies taught in the class, along with TONS of difficult practice problems). Also, ETS powerprep online practice tests did a great job of predicting my quant score. My quantitative scores on 2 practice tests I took were within 10 points of my real score. These online practice tests will also prepare you for the timing of the section, which is key to getting a high score. I should also add that my scores on the verbal powerprep practice tests were WAY different than my real score. In my opinion, there is more luck involved on the verbal section (aka you happen to be given words you know). Kaplan flashcards are the best prep for verbal. Learn those 500 first, then use Barron's for more obscure words if you have time.