J.Snow

I guess my advice was misinterpreted, I **do** think that feeling has a lot to do with applications, but agree that there are many other factors (including funding, research, personal interactions...). However, I applied to my current school for both my masters and PhD and just "had a feeling" about both. It was the right program for me. However, it was not the right program for everyone, and that "feeling", needs to be interpreted carefully. It is hard to tell other students to not shoot high in their goals and I would never want to tell someone that they were out of reach. I've seen a lot of postings on here where people say that they aren't qualified enough and it is disheartening. So I guess my words are from a place of kindness and excitement for anyone who thinks they have a shot; because if you think you do, you do. Don't just apply to your top school next year, but do reapply. Who knows what will happen, or who your cohort will be. Hopefully it'll be full of positive people!

So I've been waitlisted to my top choice, which is totally frustrating, but I have a problem. It's also my only choice; I really wanted to go there and nowhere else so I only applied to one school, which may have been stupid, but it's what I did this round. Do I send an email to the DGS or my POI before April 15th? I don't know. I want to let them know I'm still excited about the program but have no leverage without other acceptances. Thoughts? I would also like comments to better my app for next year and don't want to rub anyone the wrong way. Do I ask now or after the reject??? This process blows, BTW.

I respectfully disagree. Completely. Yes, consider what you can do to improve, but if your heart is set on a school, then go for it. Perhaps include some other options if you are hell-bent on getting into ANY program next year, but PhD apps have less to do with your qualifications and more to do with fit (as dimanche0829 mentioned). No adcom is going to automatically reject your application or laugh at you for being persistent and showing them that you are serious about their program by reapplying.

If you really want a PhD I would say go for it! Perhaps there are other schools you can apply to as well? Also, you may want to take some time and reflect upon why you weren't as successful as you might have been. But there are PLENTY of stories on here about people who struck out their first application season, reapplied, and got in to fantastic, good-fitting programs. Best of luck!

The FedEx man came today. Peeked outside window, took a deep breath, "okay, self, this is it and it's not USPS, so you're in." Open door with a big grin. What does he have?! No, not a letter, but a big box full of pots and pans from my mom. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! I mean, thanks mom, but c'mon!

Do you think they have your funding set in stone when they call? I don't know how this works, but it makes me nervous to think they might actually give you less money if you said "yes" right away and super excitedly... This is all new to me, so maybe this is just one of those extra, non-existant/unrealistic fears I've created in my mind with all this time to wait and think.

HAHAHAHA! You know, I actually contemplated this for a while, but when I realized the best impression I can do is Anna Nicole Smith (RIP) I decided to put on my big boy pants and email a thank you to the thanks for the thank you note. Now we wait (some more) and see. **Fingers crossed**

disco fever

Normally, that would probably be the most rational thing to do (instead of having this wild debate in my head and now online) but in my interview another prof (again, with a lot of potential weight) basically said it was really annoying when students asked. I guess I'll just sit here, pulling my hair out It can't be tooooo much longer now... hopefully.

So I have a sort of similar situation to We regret to inform you's: I sent thank you notes post-interview to all the faculty members I met with, one (who is a high-up on the adcom) sent me a thank you for the thank you email yesterday. Decisions were supposed to be out last Friday and I've heard nothing. Normally, I would leave them alone, but should I pester and thank him for his thank you to my note??? I don't want to harass anyone. When is an appropriate time to ask? Or is it too late already (24hrs). OMG. Waiting anxiously is the biggest mind game EVER. I feel like a nervous teenager in love.

Yes. Mine too. There are some that tell you who's viewed your profile, and mine was definitely checked pre-interview. And I agree with everyone above, you should always assume they will and never post anything you could later be embarrassed by.

Student Doctor Network is where I've also found some info but I have to say, the grad cafe will always have my heart My guess is that there are more out there for various other disciplines I just haven't had the need to search for them. If anyone has any others they've been visiting I'm sure we'd all love to know!

In another forum someone posted about how this thread was silly. Why wait to treat yourself? You've done the work, and the stress of waiting to hear back is close to unbearable. I took this to heart and went out with friends all weekend to take my mind off of things (which also kept me away from the constant GC refreshing obsession). Now that being said, should I get accepted, I think another weekend of good food and drinks with friends will also be in order. But should I not get in anywhere, this crushing news will also be an excuse to do the same

meal replacement

flight path

When I had an interview a couple of weeks ago I met with a PI who told me (and I'm paraphrasing here) that it was kind of annoying when people asked about their application status, especially when results have been posted on the grad cafe and everyone freaks out. Now, this does not sound like your situation AT ALL, but I have been wondering about gently nudging/bothering people after having this talk. Seems like some posters out there think it is totally acceptable, others like those here, not so much. I totally understand where you're coming from and wanting to remind them of yourself. Maybe you could do it in a roundabout kind of way, like with a follow-up question about the program or something you discussed. AND since your POI is now on sabbatical, you could direct your "question" to a higher up on the adcom... ???

inspector gadget *changed the spelling, although perhaps (and one can only assume) there's more wild baby names out there using the "k"

burning man

mouse trap

transport protein

I went to Yale's "recruitment" day last week and the head of the Graduate School said that legally schools can't pressure you to make a decision until April 15th. I don't know if that's true, but I might double check (maybe ask Temple first?). The hundred bucks wouldn't be the worst spent if you did end up declining in the end, but it's really annoying to be unsure of your options and forced to make an important choice! (oh, and congrats on the acceptance!!! )

Agreed. You really should go. Talk with your current professors if you're really that concerned about missing class; they will understand. And who knows, you may fall in love with this other school.

I also have an interview at Yale (EMD) and am very curious about this too. My guess is that since they are paying your way out there it is a very good sign, but they (and you too) want to confirm that it's the right choice since a PhD is a big commitment. I think we'll know more once the schedule is finalized, but I'm guessing some info sessions, interviews with potential advisors, and a campus tour? Maybe some previous Yale admits or interviewees can comment???