Time to start thinking about Plan B?

[cjack87]

So, all of the schools I applied to have sent out invites (according to the results page), and I haven't heard a peep other than a few rejection letters. I am starting to think I might be out of the running. Is anyone else experiencing this "loss of hope"? Does your "plan B" make things better or worse?

[uromastyx]

I'm sorry to hear this. Do you plan to reapply?

I was rejected from all my schools last year.

[cjack87]

I'm sorry to hear this. Do you plan to reapply?

I was rejected from all my schools last year.

Yes, if it does turn out I do not get in anywhere this year, I will reapply. At least that is my plan!

[czesc]

My Plan B was to stay in my current job. Now I've been threatened with being fired. Guess I may soon have no Plan B? I wouldn't mind as much if I had a single admission or even the hope of one gleaned from an interview or something...

 

I need a plan C.

Edited February 8, 2013 by czesc

[ruckeme]

my plan b is getting a job. YUCK!

[wolfman_jack]

So, all of the schools I applied to have sent out invites (according to the results page), and I haven't heard a peep other than a few rejection letters. I am starting to think I might be out of the running. Is anyone else experiencing this "loss of hope"? Does your "plan B" make things better or worse?

 

All of the schools I had applied to had sent out invites or informal expressions of interest from profs and I had heard nothing for a couple weeks. I also lost hope. I was on my way to a Plan B interview when I got my first invite. Don't lose heart just yet!

[Deadmeat]

I find it hard to believe people don't get into ANY schools, but I guess if you only apply to 3-4 I could see that happening. I mean that as a compliment since it seems like everyone on these boards is super serious and hard working. 

 

My plan B isn't actually too bad. I'll get to work for my adviser's startup company for 1 year on a full Master's level engineering salary, which will give me a chance to save up and have a fun year. I'll basically be doing the same research I am doing right now for my thesis. I guess the sucky downside is that I'll have to stay in New Jersey for another year, and delay my plans even longer as I already feel a tad old... Yuck!

Edited February 10, 2013 by Deadmeat

[SLPjmar]

I hate to sound crass, but did you maybe not apply to enough schools or shoot a little out of your league? I find it hard to believe people don't get into ANY schools, but I guess if you only apply to 3-4 I could see that happening. I mean that as a compliment since it seems like everyone on these boards is super serious and hard working. 

 

My plan B isn't actually too bad. I'll get to work for my adviser's startup company for 1 year on a full Master's level engineering salary, which will give me a chance to save up and have a fun year. I'll basically be doing the same research I am doing right now for my thesis. I guess the sucky downside is that I'll have to stay in New Jersey for another year, and delay my plans even longer as I already feel a tad old... Yuck!

 

It really depends on the program. I know for the program I applied for, it is a literal crapshoot. There are no interviews and even maintaining above their average GPA/GRE does not make you a "desired" applicant. I applied to schools well within my league, but with an acceptance rate of ~13% (44 applicants out of 341, for example) there is really no way of knowing. Even though I am considered a competitive applicant with my GPA/GRE, outside experience, and SOP, there is a chance I may not be accepted anywhere this cycle.

 

Overall, I guess I am trying to say that it really differs by department and application cycle.