What will you do differently?

[noodles.galaznik]

I know it's inevitable that some people aren't going to be going anywhere next year- and for that, I'm super sorry. It's a major bummer to not be accepted, but on the bright side, that gives you an extra year to polish your materials and become a stronger applicant. So, what are you going to do over this next year to improve your application? And what were some mistakes you made during the application process?

As for me, I was accepted as a non-degree seeking student. I didn't feel as though I had enough background to go right away, and I kind of want to test the waters to see if grad school is for me. I've looked back over my application materials that I did submit, and if I had been applying for a degree, there's no way I would have been accepted!

1. My SOP was pretty unfocused and all over the place. I came across as though I kind of knew what I wanted to do, but not really. Everything is jumbled around, and I don't make it clear why I would be an awesome grad student or why the school was my top choice.

2. My GRE score was...meh. It needs to be higher.

3. I'm pretty sure my LOR were just ok. None of my profs really know me that well, so I'm sure they couldn't really write a great rec.

4. My biological background is severely lacking. I've taken two bioanth classes and intro biology. Not nearly enough to prepare me for graduate studies.

I'm hoping that with this year off (kind of) I'll be able to take the classes I need to strengthen my background, improve my GRE score, get rockin' recs, and maybe get some more lab experience.

I know I made a few huge mistakes which are definitely easy to fix. For one, I started way too late on my application. Probably in late October, I realized I should probably get my crap together, so I just kind of threw everything together really hastily in one month. Secondly, I overestimated how competitive my app was. IT was generally strong, but I know there are parts that need to be improved.

What were some mistakes you made, and how will you improve for the next round?

[SimilarlyDifferent]

The SOP that I wrote for one of my schools wasn't very good. I didn't fit, and I knew I didn't fit. I wasn't even going to apply to the school, but I felt a little pressure from my adviser to apply to a couple of "more prestigious" programs. I did so, and I know I won't get in to that particular school.

I was tempted to apply to only one PhD program, the one I know I want to go to. A lot of people may think that is too risky or that there is no chance for me, but the way I figure is if I don't get in (or if I don't get funding), I'll get a masters, then reapply. I'll also try to keep a more open line of communication with my POI at the school.