This application season I learned........

[Anxiously Hopeful]

Now that we are all done with the applications and waiting to hear back from the universities, let us share what we learned from this 2019 application cycle. If you ask me, this application season I learned…….

1) to keep my dear ones closer since they have this extraordinary power to strengthen me,

2) and that I should stop chasing perfection, be it the applications or relationships.

This was more at the emotional level. Since I have not heard back from any university, I cannot answer about the dos and don’ts of applications.☺️

[placeinspace]

To appreciate the job and opportunities I've had outside of academia.

[datasciencenoob]

1) Not spend hours comparing myself to other students

[mntfr]

This might sound idealistic but it kinda brings joy to my heart that there is a lot of people willing to dedicate their lifes to science.

[BioCook]

1. I need to put 100% confidence in myself and my applications because I'm a deserving grad school candidate
2. How important it is to spend time with family and friends, especially those who supported me through this app season
3. Recognized that numbers are just numbers
4. Not to procrastinate too much with assignments (aka. writing a personal statement haha)

[Izakawa]

1. Be more confident during the interviews 

2. Not to indicate Asian under ethnicity question. Otherwise be ready to get in competition with real nerds. LOL

3. Start the gradschool application preparation earlier. 

[Teaching Faculty Wannabe]

LORs are really important. You may think you letter writers are going to write you great letters, and they might, but you have to make sure that each letter says different things about you and aren't repetitive.

[FutureEdPHD]

I learned just how subjective this process really is and to not beat myself up over rejections. There's usually no way to tell why a school/department/POI didn't choose you and it's not necessarily a reflection on you as a person. Sometimes it's because of funding or maybe the POI is doing a sabbatical next year. It could literally be anything. A former professor used to have us say this before every speech/presentation: "No matter what happens, I will still lead a full and happy life." That's what's getting me through this weird and uncertain season. 

[vallaboop]

Not to Google other interviewees 

[Teaching Faculty Wannabe]

41 minutes ago, FutureEdPHD said:

I learned just how subjective this process really is and to not beat myself up over rejections. There's usually no way to tell why a school/department/POI didn't choose you and it's not necessarily a reflection on you as a person. Sometimes it's because of funding or maybe the POI is doing a sabbatical next year. It could literally be anything. A former professor used to have us say this before every speech/presentation: "No matter what happens, I will still lead a full and happy life." That's what's getting me through this weird and uncertain season. 

This is so true, and one of the best things I've read on here. I wish I knew this before I applied.

[elx]

Start earlier. I started thinking about maybe applying in August. Should've been deep into it by then. Will know better next (this) year!

[Ternwild]

Check my ego at the door and apply to more attainable programs.

[aggiezone]

"It is possible to do nothing wrong and still lose" – Captain Picard

The process can be really random. Best not to get tunnel vision or start freaking out about the uncertainty. Cultivate relationships and backup plans and don't give into the stress.

 

[mememe_]

l am forced to learn how to give up my dream. now I wanna know how to unregister thegradcafe.com 

[Kiyoshi]

Many schools in my area will give the majority of results in March, which I wrongly thought will be in February, so it is not necessary to get anxious from mid January...