Applying Mutiple Times

[blob192]

After spending some time reading these forums. It seems quite a few people winded up applying to Phd programs 2, 3, even 4 times before they finally got accepted into programs that fit them the best. Out of curiosity, what did you repeat appliers do in the meantime? Did you spend your entire year refining your applications? Working in unrelated fields? Getting intern experience? Studying?

[jaxzwolf]

Here is a brief overview of the things I did during my 'failed application year':

• Revised and submitted a manuscript for publication
• Attended and presented said paper at a conference
• Visited the schools in which I was most interested in attending, before applying, to meet prospective advisers face to face
• Revised my SOP
• Revised my NSF GRF proposal
• Took a short-term career-relevant job over the winter
• Tutored and worked in an unrelated field otherwise to pay the bills

Nothing much exciting, but the sum of the parts added to a greater whole, and, I think, helped make my application much stronger the second time around. My extra year off helped me narrow down my interests even farther, to the point where my SOP and research ideas were much more focused than they had been the previous year. This allowed me to really start narrowing down potential thesis topics, and I think that will be beneficial when I start.

I also did a little bit of traveling. No where spectacular, but I'm taking my opportunities to get a way while my workload is still confined in the hours from 9 to 5.

[blob192]

Here is a brief overview of the things I did during my 'failed application year':

• Revised and submitted a manuscript for publication
• Attended and presented said paper at a conference
• Visited the schools in which I was most interested in attending, before applying, to meet prospective advisers face to face
• Revised my SOP
• Revised my NSF GRF proposal
• Took a short-term career-relevant job over the winter
• Tutored and worked in an unrelated field otherwise to pay the bills

Nothing much exciting, but the sum of the parts added to a greater whole, and, I think, helped make my application much stronger the second time around. My extra year off helped me narrow down my interests even farther, to the point where my SOP and research ideas were much more focused than they had been the previous year. This allowed me to really start narrowing down potential thesis topics, and I think that will be beneficial when I start.

I also did a little bit of traveling. No where spectacular, but I'm taking my opportunities to get a way while my workload is still confined in the hours from 9 to 5.

Thanks for the reply. Is this relatively common amongst those serious at getting into phd programs?

I've been drafting a tentative time table before finances are stable enough for grad school. Seems like it's better to prolong my working years to better cushion the transition.

[jaxzwolf]

Thanks for the reply. Is this relatively common amongst those serious at getting into phd programs?

I've been drafting a tentative time table before finances are stable enough for grad school. Seems like it's better to prolong my working years to better cushion the transition.

Do you mean, is this specific sequence of events/list of things I've done relatively common? As for that, I'm not sure. I would imagine that each person's experience is unique, to the point that, if someone is not accepted to graduate schools after applying the first time, he/she would likely go about addressing potential weaknesses in his/her applications. Since each individual may have different strengths and weaknesses, the list of 'things to do' will differ for everyone. Perhaps someone already has a publication in the works, but has never presented at a conference. Or perhaps someone else has done both, but hasn't made strong enough connections with potential advisers. I think there are likely some commonalities in attempting to strengthen applications for the next season, but every person will go about things differently.

Many people contact the programs to which they applied to ask for possible feedback on applying again. Since I applied to programs where students are immediately placed with advisers, I contacted POIs directly to inquire about my applications, and was able to get some good advice on how to change/improve my applications for upcoming rounds.

I do know people, however, who have done little to alter their applications and instead have spent a year in an entirely unrelated field, or traveling abroad, and ended up getting accepted during a second go-round. It's not something I'd personally recommend, but honestly I think that sometimes grad school admissions really are a crap shoot. So I suppose the best advice I can give is not to get too down on yourself for not having gotten in this year, try and address any gaps/weakness in your applications, if possible, and have some fun while you're still relatively free from ties.

Edited April 20, 2011 by jaxzwolf

[blugorila]

This year was my first attempt and I am facing a similar situation. Only one school is pending and at this point it not looking

too promising. So I have started thinking about alternate plans for the next season. The main problem

I am facing is not being able to come to term with the series of rejections, and more importantly

what were the more common weaknesses in my application which resulted in my failed efforts.Unfortunately

the schools which I have applied I did not pre contact potential POIs and currently having trouble

in getting any feedback about my application (any help here?). But I do agree with jaxzwolf,

It is important to pick yourself up and do what you think is the best

option for you. For myself, I would mostly continue my current research and look to improve my

publication count and in mean time post-mortem my failed application season. The key think is to

keep your self motivated for your goals (which by the way I am currently struggling to do) and fight for your dream school.

[Zouzax]

The key think is to

keep your self motivated for your goals (which by the way I am currently struggling to do) and fight for your dream school.

Yep, this is exactly what Ill be doing this year -- fighting for my dream school . Which means Ill be working in a lab, writing a paper or two for (hopefully) publication, trying to participate in as many conferences as possible, getting more overall experience, and making sure to apply for outside grants before the deadline. Good luck to you all!!

[blob192]

I do know people, however, who have done little to alter their applications and instead have spent a year in an entirely unrelated field, or traveling abroad, and ended up getting accepted during a second go-round. It's not something I'd personally recommend, but honestly I think that sometimes grad school admissions really are a crap shoot. So I suppose the best advice I can give is not to get too down on yourself for not having gotten in this year, try and address any gaps/weakness in your applications, if possible, and have some fun while you're still relatively free from ties.

I understand what you mean. But this is what I want to avoid. Working in an unrelated field to pay bills and scrape by. Better to apply with no distractions and since I'm already working, adding another year or two now for the later peace of mind is worth it