amlobo

Out of positive votes (what constitutes a day on here anyway!?). I agree. Lies, all lies!

I don't want to know if that result is real... denial...denial...

I really wish it wasn't Wednesday/Thursday, but I am going to try my best to make it. My employer is unaware of my applications, so it puts me in a tough spot as far as taking "vacation time" to attend. I would imagine we will have concrete info on everything before the RSVP deadline for the recruitment visit...

I reached my quota of positive votes, lol. Glad to know "admission decision" is not the kiss of death!

No worries. I was expecting it... sadly... lol.

"Congratulations" or "Offer" seem to be common inclusions...

If the email subject says "admissions decision," the decision is a rejection. Lol. Can't they just put "Rejected!", rip the bandaid right off...

Rejected, as well... Princeton JDP. Expected, but it was worth a shot. Didn't want to move to New Jersey anyway... though I would have done it for Princeton! Lol.

I am one of the Irvine acceptances

I sent mine a spreadsheet so they could keep track and periodically emailed to let them know which were left, but they were very appreciative of the help

So... I applied to 15 programs (yes, I know I'm insane, lol). I got a second job to cover the cost. I started narrowing/researching programs during the summer and wrote a template for my SOP in the fall. I contacted recommenders early (August...?) and specifically told them that I planned to apply to about 15 programs up front. They were all fine with it and encouraged me to apply to as many as I wanted. One prof was really awesome about submitting letters the second he got the notification. The other two would submit closer to last-minute, but they all got in on time. I think I must have just lucked out...? Maybe it helped that I am actually friends with two of the profs (I've been out of school a while), so that personal connection helped keep it in their minds. The absolute WORST part of all those apps... was tailoring the SOP and writing additional essays. Filling out the app forms ranks a close second, ha. I really spent a lot of time on them, but I told myself if I was doing that many, I was doing them RIGHT; otherwise, it was a waste of money. It took a ton of organization, and I had spreadsheets/folders galore...

Thanks for the congrats, beautiful peoples! I am rooting for everyone!

I got the same email from Notre Dame - they just mean everyone invited to visit is on the "short list" for admissions. That's how I took it. As in, they have narrowed it down to the 20 or so they invite.

I have an acceptance! Aaaaaa! It's official - I am going to grad school... somewhere!

Accepted to UT-Austin! I am looking forward to the day I quit my job...as it is now a certainty!

I have unsubscribed from half of my normal emails, lol. I got really mad at one that kept sending them even after I unsubscribed. I hate going to my inbox and seeing all of the junk sales... and no acceptances!

Congrats PhDreams!

I know some PhD programs specifically do not want you to have any kind of "outside jobs." I am not sure how strictly that is enforced, but it's something to ask about when you get into a program (maybe ask a current grad student about the policy...). I do know people who held part-time jobs while in a PhD program, but they were often very few hours per week (less than 10), just as some extra "spending money."

I, too, am sick of having to justify "why" I'm applying to grad school. I'm an attorney now, so people ask me why I'd want to torture myself with years of grad school when I have a decent job already. Ugh. But, after working in a job that is definitely not for me, I can say to you all: if you have a chance to do what will make you happy, do it. Ignore the haters! Lol

I am hoping the schedule of activities will kind of help me figure out how to dress. But, most people say for visits, you want to be comfortable but put-together. In other words, a suit is overdoing it, but something like nice khakis/slacks and a button-down shirt is probably about right. "Business casual," in other words. My office is business casual, so I'm just planning to wear what I would normally wear to work at this point.

Sporcle is a staple in our household...

When you post stats, you become identifiable to adcomms (via GPA, GRE, school, city, research interests, etc.). If you are not worried about being identified, post whatever you want. I know a curious adcomm could identify me based on my posts on gradcafe. However, I do not post anything anonymously that I would be afraid to have associated with me publicly, so I don't care if I'm identifiable. I agree that a certain level of openness on the forum is incredibly helpful to its purpose. But, some people are hesitant to risk identifying themselves, which is why private messages exist

I'm glad to have brought out your inner meme-creator, Lemeard!

I am getting so loopy, it is making me insanely optimistic... like I'm high on anticipation! Until I actually get a rejection, this is my thought process...

Yep, right there with you. Except I work full-time, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to stay on-task for more than about 15 minutes at a time. It's not as if I'm checking my email every 15 minutes (... close...), but my brain is just on overload and cannot function properly. I have problems doing anything that requires thinking or "real" attention. I just want to play games and watch TV. Lol. Too bad I can't do that at work...