VBD

Well it will probably never happen to the OP or probably anyone else since this particular student was really really stupid. (Story time! You should probably ignore it - TL;DR - Don't hook up in your lab behind your prof's back especially if you plan to ask for a letter in the future.) So Boy A started a summer lab "practicum" with the Professor. In general, Boy A was a hard worker and did whatever needed to be told. He told the Professor that he was interested in either research or going to med school. In reality, his focus was pretty much on med school and he just wanted to pad his resume. The Professor sort of figured this out part-way through the summer so he was wary of the student. Boy A had a girlfriend who thought that doing science was "sooo cool" and for some reason kept insisting on trying to sneak in the lab. For some reason, Boy A and his girlfriend decide to go into the lab at night, when no one's there. For some reason, the girlfriend finds the whole thing "sexy" and they start making out in the lab. Boy A then convinces the girlfriend to engage in intercourse on one of the lab bays for the lolz and to take pictures and show it off to their friends (WHY?!). Meanwhile, the Professor was working late in his office for a grant application. He heard a commotion from the lab and ran to see what was up. Through the door, he saw Boy A and his girlfriend doing their thing. Boy A thought he got away with it. A few months later, Boy A was applying for med school, and asked the Professor for a letter. The Professor said sure and proceeded to write a scathing letter about Boy A's unprofessionalism and sexcapades. Boy A did not get into any of his 15 med schools. The Professor later that year became the advisor for a master's student, Boy B, who told me this story. The Professor told this story as a warning to all new members of the lab. Interestingly enough Boy B knows Boy A and had seen/heard of the pictures taken that night so he can verify it and knows Boy A's version along with the Professor's story. So yeah, don't do this.

With your name and your haiku, I really wish I could upvote you more. I needed that laugh The thing that's nice about Harvard is that last year when I applied they were the first rejection letter I got, around the beginning of March (if I recall correctly). So at least they put you out of your misery sooner. But let's hope that won't happen here, right? *positive thoughts!* Edit: Acdelco and Jogatoronto: Just checked my email, and I had two Financial Surveys (probably an accidental re-sent) for Columbia, so I believe it might be for all Mailman applicants. (Not gonna lie, I definitely got a shock seeing the word Columbia in the sender column.Oh well, false alarm, heart, you can stop beating so fast now).

From what I've heard of my peers, there has been only one truly negative letter story, and that was from a professor with a hidden agenda (long story..but a good, funny story.. well not for that student). Most professors, if you ask them, are willing to write a good letter. As Uro says, there are varying levels of good. A simple "does well in class" is a good level, but it really does nothing to show the ad comms how good of an independent researcher you are. Professors who know you beyond class (say you asked them advice on graphic design issues outside of class, worked for them, assisted them in some way, or approached them with your own original concept) will by nature be able to write a better letter because they actually KNOW you. A fellow peer in my cohort upon hearing the one negative letter story I referenced earlier was worried about this exact thing. And so she approached her letter recommenders in person (not sure if this is possible for you) and asked "if they can write a positive letter of recommendation" and offered to have skype/in-person meetings to get reacquainted on a better level. It seemed to have worked for her.

I feel exactly like this. After being unemployed for a job related to my major for almost a year, I finally got two job offers. But they want immediate hiring and they are binding for 1 year. For grad school, I'm waiving the offers, I'm all -in until April 15th at this point. I don't think it's sad and pathetic, it's just the necessary evil of pausing life for grad apps.

I respectfully disagree. I was waitlisted last year, and it almost physically HURT. I got on the waitlist of my (at the time, #1 program) on April 4th. Yes. I remember the day, and the sour weekend following that. I was happy thinking "Hey, they kind of liked me. Almost there!" Then by that Saturday, April 7th, my thought turned dark "Why?" "How long will I have to wait?" etc. I finally decided to email them on Monday April 9th. They (secretary/coordinator) CALLED me back saying that they definitely wanted me -- funding issues -- my POI was running a crowded lab but may try to take me on etc. Now starts the most painful rollercoaster ride of my life. April 10th, this time the department chair emails me a super sympathetic email. "I know how hard it it to wait, but good news is there is a high possibility that someone will come off the waitlist, and it has happened in recent years.." and a similar vein. It was also obviously not a form email (in different font/style from previous form emails he had sent before). April 11th. The secretary confirms with me that I am on the waitlist through email. I shoot back an email replying Yes, and asking "why" she lets slip that one/two of their accepted students show hesitancy, and that again this is a good sign for me. April 12th. Radio silence. I'm letting myself feel happy around this point. "Maybe.. there's a chance!" April 13th. The Department chair and secretary sent me emails saying that one spot was vacated and the waiting list's first person got accepted. At this point they inferred that I was the second position on the list -- well now the first. Then April 14th. Keep in mind, this was a SATURDAY. I received a call saying that "I regret to inform you.." My heart dropped, and I really couldn't hear what he had said and had to ask for him to repeat. He said that "We will be unable to offer you admission to our PhD program this year. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this year had an extremely competitive applicant pool." I thanked him and sort of phoned it in that day. I was planning to set up lesson plans for my TAing gig, and run some analyses for my thesis project. I did not have the functioning capabilities to do that. Instead, I indulged in comfort foods. I recall calling my mother and sister crying, but I can't remember what I said. I was devastated. I had been rejected everywhere else, except for one school that was way down the list, and I was considering saying No to regardless of the results. This school had raised my hopes and then brought it crashing back down on reality. I would have been happier not being in almost daily communication with them (though granted, they initiated it on some days. But I got the ball rolling). I really am not the sort of person to just fall apart like that, but the emotional rollercoaster just made it happen. I really think now I would have been happier if I had been flat-out rejected. I WISH I had been rejected. Sorry for the long story. Just ignore it. This was a bit cathartic for me (it still kind of hurts). I just wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy, let alone you congenial people of TGC. Good luck to anyone waitlisted out there, and I hope you don't go through the mental hell I went through in just a little over a week's time last year.

Someone else posted on the results survey an acceptance from one of the programs I interviewed at. But, we were interviewed the same day. Was I waitlisted/rejected *minor freakout* ? *hopes for an enlightening email soon* Mpheels, that was a really good way to answer that odd question. I handled it similarly and tried to explain why their program was one of my top picks -- different reasons from School A and B.

Bela, when I was interviewing there, the chair of the department's first question was "Why did you apply to school A and B as well? I know the people there." I think my heart almost stopped. Panache, I was under the impression that Hopkins's programs don't interview until March..? That's what the secretary lady told me.. *shrugs*

Congratulations Juliajulia! It sucks that the first thing you got was a rejection, but happily, it all goes uphill from there. Yay for UWashington!!

I started my Masters program a few months shy of 21 (Definitely created awkward alcohol related situations because I look older than I am XD Bad genetics, bad!) Now I'm 23 and am trying for PhD. Age has come up at some interviews, but I think they just want to make sure I am not naive about my decisions/research interest and independent (both personal and professional) enough to hack a doctoral program. Panicmode, that may be a special circumstance, since we don't know much about the other applicant except hearsay..

It could be a difficult, but if it's relevant to your future plans, why not take it? Your current related passion and interest may make the "difficult" class actually easier than an annoying "easier" class. Ie. one of those classes where you can't wait to do the work for it vs. the UG class where you're dragging your feet just to do the homework. Can you find another peer in your program who has already taken the accelerated course, and can give you a fair analysis on the difficulty? Do you have an academic advisor, or perhaps a professor who can tell you more about the classes you could take? Good luck!

No stress, I'm sure you're fine. I earned my Masters at my UG institution, and the application process was relatively harmless, as I had talked to professors there before I even considered my Masters. Let's hope you'll enjoy the interesting combo of grad school life + undergrad familiarity. xD

I missed this question last time. I managed to get three interviews last year. One ended in a reject (12 of 20 students were accepted. It hurts to be the last 8 cut D: So close yet so far), another ended in a waitlist. Another ended in an acceptance. After months of deliberation. I had to decline. The school was not a good fit, and I could not see myself happy there, and I really believed it would result in a side-step career wise, not a step-up. This was probably the hardest decision I ever made -- I was driven to tears at least three times through this whole ordeal. And this was with all my mentors urging me, even calling me on my phone to tell me to accept. This year, I seriously researched programs, much more thoroughly than last year. This! I love how you said this! This is a perfect and succinct summary of my feelings regarding my applications now. I'm trying to accept that I should just let things be. ^^;; Actually, to add a data point to this discussion. One of the programs I re-applied for resulted in a quick rejection (last year, I was interviewed and then rejected). Oddly enough, I'm dealing better with the rejection this time around. More of a shrug off. Perhaps all the "increases in chances" in the world could not have helped me in this program. XD Who knows, I bet even some adcomm members don't know. XD

I'm sorry! I may have undone all your husband did, Bela. D: At this point, I decided to just delete all my status pages. Not looking at it on my bookmarks is making me not log in to the status page, only to be bummed at its unchanging status. It's like a burden's been lifted I'll get notified by email for whichever decision they make xD

Two of my programs (one top choice, one middling choice) don't even have interviews until March. D:

Deady, this is so interesting, but personally, anecdotally (now that I think about it), it seems to be true for me. I agonized over my undergrad school, and still to this day regret my decision. However, for my Masters, I only applied to one school (as part of a special dual-degree program -- only because of the people, and it's a long story) and was extremely happy with the program and my "decision". Thank you for the TED talk link! Perhaps I've already jinxed my future happiness with my 8 applications though xD

To add to the puzzle: I have no coursework in progress. In fact a month ago, a Hopkins admissions person called me and told me to resend my official transcript for my application. The plot! It thickens!

To add on to St. Andrew's and your idea re: meditation and Yoga is actually really fantastic to start your day of. I used to do it at 6 AM and I would feel awake and ready to do anything, even if I only slept 4 hours the night before. Last year I was doing two theses at once (yes I was insane) and wouldn't return home until 5AM only to sleep until my classes at 9AM. At that time, I was so hyped up thinking about my projects still it was hard to go to sleep. My brain was awake, but my body just wanted some rest. I found that the quickest way to relax was a basic yoga exercise to tighten every muscle in my body and slowly one by one relax them BOOM! I'm asleep in 5 minutes. I don't know about the coffee intake. I've never drank that thing in my life. Pure fear of not getting things done keeps me awake just fine. I was told that if I were to start drinking, I should stop around 4-5 PM. Re: alcohol, During my second year of Masters, a friend I knew took to drinking alcohol to sleep. Don't do that. I know you were joking about the wine.. but it actually ruins your circadian rhythm. If you must, do not drink closer than two hours before you intend to sleep. This article just came out about it: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21147780 A former roommate used to take melatonin to go to sleep. But eventually she became dependent on it, and couldn't sleep without it. So tread carefully with that. ^^; Definitely stop work at a set time before you get to bed. Apparently lighting from computer screens, etc disrupt melatonin production. Articles: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/10/really-using-a-computer-before-bed-can-disrupt-sleep/ I have CS friends who can't do this and swear by this app: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/14/AR2011021404136.html it's a free app that mimics the color on computers so as it doesn't disrupt their melatonin production. I agree with TeaGirl, getting a routine, even if your body at first resists it is the best. After I stopped "catching up with sleep on the weekends" (Seriously, the extra hours do not really help, since it breaks a cycle), I found I was getting a lot more work done, and felt more awake on Mondays. Odd, I know. Also, sometimes, when I wake up in the mornings I'm super groggy. This depends on whether you force yourself awake and at what stage level of sleep. So give yourself a 20 min window of waking, waking up groggy or not can affect a whole day's prodcutivity. That CS friend, again swears by this: http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Hf3470-Wake-up-Light-White/dp/B003XN4RIC what I think is an overexpensive alarm clock, but it stimulate "healthy waking" As with all the above tips, YMMV. Anyways, I hope you figure out the secret

Congrats! I just came from Columbia, and I'm impressed with how they expanded in the city, the school is definitely growing. Phone interviews are tricky, but the forums have tons of advice. My best one, dress as if you're having a legit face-to-face interview, you'll speak more professional. When I did mine, I'm not gonna lie, I had 3 or 4 windows up so I wouldn't forget things I wanted to make sure I say. Let us know how it goes! Location location location! This place might be perfect for rural work since UNC is small-town (though you can drive relatively quickly supposedly to get rural) and Hopkins is city. So don't count it out yet purely due to "well-known"ness Good luck! Bela, I'm sort of hating myself for doing this, but I just checked, and my Hopkins application says this too! *headdesk* What does it MEAN?!

Yup so if you're surviving it in Philly, transitive property dictates that you can like it in Phoenix! XD I liked some of the work down there and other similar climate areas, but I know that with my severe allergies + sinusitis in that climate = hell for me 9 months of the year I shall live vicariously through you since it seems like a fun place, of course if you end up going there XD (sorry for double post. I have no idea how to work a quote in an edit of my previous post >.> )

Nice. That totally made me look it up for the happy. Upvote for you and for you since I can't upvote the original poster *starts Friends marathon -- the perfect distraction*

Only some SPH's can cover for expenses (Harvard, Columbia, Yale, just to name a few), and for others it's department specific. Sorry, I'm sure public health schools always wish they could cover for potential students. Biology programs usually do cover for you, supposedly. You'd named a non-ASPH schools (NU) but that might not even matter depending on what you want to do post-MPH portion. Also, congrats! Most people I know who get an interview offer from NU's program got acceptances. * congratulatory high-fives fellow infectious dis lover*

Last year, I did this accidentally too, actually same percentile too. Hello quant twin! Don't worry, the schools understand that the percentile changes, as long as you didn't misreport your number score xD Relax (as much as you can while waiting).

Interesting. That would certainly make sense that they want to see the change within a year. Between these two cycles, only three universities overlap. One flat-out rejected me this year. One asked to interview me, and one other is keeping me in limbo. So I'm getting mixed results as to this theory. I agree with Teagirl and St. Andrews I was woefully naive about grad schools. I was probably feeding off my super supportive mentors who were like "you got this!" and I didn't fully research my programs for fit as well probably because I was trying to finish my theses at the time (yes, I had two). Yay for becoming less naive! Anyways, contrary to last February, I'm making out alright, how is everyone else?