Social Psychology Fall 2017 Applicants

[thirdfromthesun]

29 minutes ago, MyDogHasAPhD said:

Also applied to Clark and UNH. Nothing yet. You are in good company in the world of radio silence. Best of luck!

Hi-- Clark sent out recruitment weekend invites a few weeks ago (I had a phone interview with my PI in the first week of January). 

[What'sMyName]

I saw in the results that someone got a waitlist email from KU? I still haven't heard crap and it's driving me nuts! Has anyone heard anything about interviews or acceptances??

[MyDogHasAPhD]

25 minutes ago, thirdfromthesun said:

Hi-- Clark sent out recruitment weekend invites a few weeks ago (I had a phone interview with my PI in the first week of January). 

Good to know. I wish they could just inform of us of rejections once they know they don't want us! I kind of figured at this point that no news is not exactly good news. At least my intuition was not wrong. Thanks for the info!

[thirdfromthesun]

6 minutes ago, MyDogHasAPhD said:

Good to know. I wish they could just inform of us of rejections once they know they don't want us! I kind of figured at this point that no news is not exactly good news. At least my intuition was not wrong. Thanks for the info!

I wish the same! However-- they may still be compiling a waitlist, and I'm not sure that the school is a great match for me research-wise. Maybe when we all start getting more info, we can begin the process of swapping spots

[selfservingbias]

13 minutes ago, thirdfromthesun said:

I wish the same! However-- they may still be compiling a waitlist, and I'm not sure that the school is a great match for me research-wise. Maybe when we all start getting more info, we can begin the process of swapping spots

Haha! Thank you for the update, and I like the strategizing.  

[Rainydays]

Hi, those who have attended interview weekend, could you please share any of your experiences (e.g.what is like, who you meet, what you did) and give any suggestion for it (e.g. what I should prepare)? I'm really nervous for one approaching interview, and maybe the only hope..

By the way, is it strange that I received the interview invitation but haven't talked much with my PI yet? She haven't contacted me after I received the official interview invitation.

[MyDogHasAPhD]

3 hours ago, Rainydays said:

Hi, those who have attended interview weekend, could you please share any of your experiences (e.g.what is like, who you meet, what you did) and give any suggestion for it (e.g. what I should prepare)? I'm really nervous for one approaching interview, and maybe the only hope..

By the way, is it strange that I received the interview invitation but haven't talked much with my PI yet? She haven't contacted me after I received the official interview invitation.

Not that strange! I have an interview in a couple weeks with a PI I didn't even apply to, have zero overlapping research interest with, and haven't heard a peep from her but graduate students from her lab have contacted me so I am fairly certain it isn't a mistake. To say I am a bit at a loss is an understatement. 

[Godpsy]

I.JUST.GOT.MY.FIRST.ADMISSION.AT.UNIVERISITY.OF.ILLINOIS.AT.URBANA.CHAMPAIGN.

 

SLAP.ME.AND.TELL.ME.THIS.IS.REAL.....

[C is for Caps Locks]

Congrats! I was just about to message you that I also got some good news from the same department. 

Edited January 31, 2017 by C is for Caps Locks

[Godpsy]

Terrific NEWS!!!!!!!

All the best to you, keep me posted if you are going to UIUC in the end. 

[Pacifist101]

Guys, those who got accepted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, could you pm me the initials of your PIs? Did you have interviews?

My boyfriend and I applied to the same schools and this one is our top choice, but he hasn't heard anything, so I'm really worried.

[01848p]

What do you guys do to make yourselves feel better after completely bombing an interview? 

[marsbars]

53 minutes ago, 01848p said:

What do you guys do to make yourselves feel better after completely bombing an interview? 

1. If you are so inclined- an adult beverage in a safe environment 

2. Probably a snacky fatty junk food (personal preference is a sub of some sort)

3. Watch an episode of parks and recreation , where Leslie Knope makes an empowering speech

4. Maybe take a nap.

 

Best wishes (and I hope that you didn't actually bomb the interview, sending positive thoughts !!!) 

[OptimiscallyAnxious]

2 hours ago, 01848p said:

What do you guys do to make yourselves feel better after completely bombing an interview? 

After my horrible interview I had a drink with my friends and cried as I told them about my interview. The next morning I felt better. Good luck!

[selfservingbias]

I heard from Clark today and got the definitive answer that there is no waitlist and that all invites have been sent. 

I also found out that my POI ended up being unable to take anyone this year. Super bummed because she was the best fit for me out of all the schools I applied to. This one really sucks.

Going to go eat some chocolate and hug my cat. 

 

[Emotix]

Has anyone heard from UMass Amherst? 

[Blackwater]

Has anyone from social heard from UC Santa Cruz yet?

[ForeverJung]

On 1/28/2017 at 6:56 PM, JungAndNotAFreud said:

Godpsy and Capslock: can you both message me the initials of your POI? Congratulations by the way! Great program!!

[canessa]

On 1/30/2017 at 1:42 PM, Rainydays said:

Hi, those who have attended interview weekend, could you please share any of your experiences (e.g.what is like, who you meet, what you did) and give any suggestion for it (e.g. what I should prepare)? I'm really nervous for one approaching interview, and maybe the only hope..

By the way, is it strange that I received the interview invitation but haven't talked much with my PI yet? She haven't contacted me after I received the official interview invitation.

I've gone to two interview weekends now and here's what my experiences have been:

• You usually stay with a graduate student host, they're a really good source of info and you tend to get really close to them since you spend so much time with them. Have a TON of questions prepared to ask about the program, their experience, things they've heard about faculty members, etc. It's even nice to ask if they have any advice for you!
• Something to remind yourself: They want you here. Making the interview is a HUGE accomplishment! So be proud of yourself! And as much as they are interviewing you to see if you'd be a good fit for their university, you want to interview them back to see if they are a good fit for you. Do you see yourself working with this advsior and being happy? Do you see yourself getting along with your lab mates and other grad students? Do you see yourself living here for the next 5 or 6 years? These are good questions to ask yourself as you're going through your interview
• Usually the day (or Day 1) starts off with a breakfast (take breakfast, lunch, dinner and breaks as time to mingle with other applicants. It shows that you're social and also it's pretty fun getting to know other people on your same boat and hang out). Next is a lot of orientation-like things. Going over the program, future course-work, funding, etc. Feel free to take notes in a journal/portfolio and if they don't go over a question that you want to know (like how are travel grants distributed), definitely ask.
• Some schools may then have a mini tour of campus or a mini tour of lab offices. (If you see rain in the forecast it's smart to bring a jacket and umbrella -- at my first interview we still did the tour in POURING rain, thankfully all of us came prepared!) 
• Usually for lunch and dinner, graduate students and faculty members join you. Take this time to introduce yourself to the people who you want to work with and even introduce yourself to other faculty and other graduate students that aren't in your full interest. You can get a feel of what the people are like and if you are going to enjoy your time working with them. The department usually discusses as a whole, who would be a good fit for the university so it's good to make yourself known. If there's an opportunity to talk with your POI, definitely do it!
• The interviews are generally very relaxed. Some professors like to challenge you with hard questions BUT the most will generally ask you about your research interests and it feels like a conversation. When your POI (or any other person) is talking about their own research, listen carefully and try and think of one or two specific questions to ask about what they just explained, it shows that you're interested and listening. Have a little spiel ready to explain your previous research experience and how it got you to what you are interested in now. It's okay to be broad in your interests but it helps a lot if you have a couple of specific research questions that you'd like to research in your future (and think about how you would do it: Experience sampling? Daily diary? Self-report?). 
• HAVE A TON OF QUESTIONS PREPARED. If there is ever an awkward silence, take this time to ask questions about funding, housing, strengths and weaknesses of the program, etc. This is a good time to find out if this is a good fit for you and a ton of questions shows interest in the program.
• There will be opportunities to talk to grad students, take this time to ask them if they are happy here and what the mentorship style of the POI is like. They are generally much more honest and want to give you the real scoop. 
• The days get long and exhausting. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, eat snacks and lots of free food when offered. Take a breather in the bathroom during breaks. Try your hardest to keep being social and enthusiastic throughout the day (I know it's hard, but it will be worth it!)
• Finally, after all is said and done, the graduate students might take you and the other prospective students out to a happy hour or party. Have a drink if you so choose, it's fine to drink a little but of course don't get drunk. Socialize and have fun.
• After interview weekend don't forget to send your POI an email, thanking them for inviting you out and taking the time to talk with you. Express that you're very interested in working with them in the future.
• Remember: The university wants you here. Take a deep breath. You got this.

[What'sMyName]

13 minutes ago, canessa said:

I've gone to two interview weekends now and here's what my experiences have been:

• You usually stay with a graduate student host, they're a really good source of info and you tend to get really close to them since you spend so much time with them. Have a TON of questions prepared to ask about the program, their experience, things they've heard about faculty members, etc. It's even nice to ask if they have any advice for you!
• Something to remind yourself: They want you here. Making the interview is a HUGE accomplishment! So be proud of yourself! And as much as they are interviewing you to see if you'd be a good fit for their university, you want to interview them back to see if they are a good fit for you. Do you see yourself working with this advsior and being happy? Do you see yourself getting along with your lab mates and other grad students? Do you see yourself living here for the next 5 or 6 years? These are good questions to ask yourself as you're going through your interview
• Usually the day (or Day 1) starts off with a breakfast (take breakfast, lunch, dinner and breaks as time to mingle with other applicants. It shows that you're social and also it's pretty fun getting to know other people on your same boat and hang out). Next is a lot of orientation-like things. Going over the program, future course-work, funding, etc. Feel free to take notes in a journal/portfolio and if they don't go over a question that you want to know (like how are travel grants distributed), definitely ask.
• Some schools may then have a mini tour of campus or a mini tour of lab offices. (If you see rain in the forecast it's smart to bring a jacket and umbrella -- at my first interview we still did the tour in POURING rain, thankfully all of us came prepared!) 
• Usually for lunch and dinner, graduate students and faculty members join you. Take this time to introduce yourself to the people who you want to work with and even introduce yourself to other faculty and other graduate students that aren't in your full interest. You can get a feel of what the people are like and if you are going to enjoy your time working with them. The department usually discusses as a whole, who would be a good fit for the university so it's good to make yourself known. If there's an opportunity to talk with your POI, definitely do it!
• The interviews are generally very relaxed. Some professors like to challenge you with hard questions BUT the most will generally ask you about your research interests and it feels like a conversation. When your POI (or any other person) is talking about their own research, listen carefully and try and think of one or two specific questions to ask about what they just explained, it shows that you're interested and listening. Have a little spiel ready to explain your previous research experience and how it got you to what you are interested in now. It's okay to be broad in your interests but it helps a lot if you have a couple of specific research questions that you'd like to research in your future (and think about how you would do it: Experience sampling? Daily diary? Self-report?). 
• HAVE A TON OF QUESTIONS PREPARED. If there is ever an awkward silence, take this time to ask questions about funding, housing, strengths and weaknesses of the program, etc. This is a good time to find out if this is a good fit for you and a ton of questions shows interest in the program.
• There will be opportunities to talk to grad students, take this time to ask them if they are happy here and what the mentorship style of the POI is like. They are generally much more honest and want to give you the real scoop. 
• The days get long and exhausting. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, eat snacks and lots of free food when offered. Take a breather in the bathroom during breaks. Try your hardest to keep being social and enthusiastic throughout the day (I know it's hard, but it will be worth it!)
• Finally, after all is said and done, the graduate students might take you and the other prospective students out to a happy hour or party. Have a drink if you so choose, it's fine to drink a little but of course don't get drunk. Socialize and have fun.
• After interview weekend don't forget to send your POI an email, thanking them for inviting you out and taking the time to talk with you. Express that you're very interested in working with them in the future.
• Remember: The university wants you here. Take a deep breath. You got this.

This is such great advice! Thanks for taking the time to outline all of that!

[C is for Caps Locks]

Seconded, having survived my first two interviews, that was a great summary/quick guide to the process.

@ForeverJung PMed!

[What'sMyName]

Update for Rutgers: Just finished a Skype interview with a different possible mentor at Rutgers. It wasn't my original POI but it went well! I was informed that the committee should be meeting soon and it sounded like invites for their weekend will go out by end of next week. Interview weekend will be the 24th. They are admitting approx 4 students, and interviewing probably 20 on-campus. 

[01848p]

2 hours ago, canessa said:

I've gone to two interview weekends now and here's what my experiences have been:

• You usually stay with a graduate student host, they're a really good source of info and you tend to get really close to them since you spend so much time with them. Have a TON of questions prepared to ask about the program, their experience, things they've heard about faculty members, etc. It's even nice to ask if they have any advice for you!
• Something to remind yourself: They want you here. Making the interview is a HUGE accomplishment! So be proud of yourself! And as much as they are interviewing you to see if you'd be a good fit for their university, you want to interview them back to see if they are a good fit for you. Do you see yourself working with this advsior and being happy? Do you see yourself getting along with your lab mates and other grad students? Do you see yourself living here for the next 5 or 6 years? These are good questions to ask yourself as you're going through your interview
• Usually the day (or Day 1) starts off with a breakfast (take breakfast, lunch, dinner and breaks as time to mingle with other applicants. It shows that you're social and also it's pretty fun getting to know other people on your same boat and hang out). Next is a lot of orientation-like things. Going over the program, future course-work, funding, etc. Feel free to take notes in a journal/portfolio and if they don't go over a question that you want to know (like how are travel grants distributed), definitely ask.
• Some schools may then have a mini tour of campus or a mini tour of lab offices. (If you see rain in the forecast it's smart to bring a jacket and umbrella -- at my first interview we still did the tour in POURING rain, thankfully all of us came prepared!) 
• Usually for lunch and dinner, graduate students and faculty members join you. Take this time to introduce yourself to the people who you want to work with and even introduce yourself to other faculty and other graduate students that aren't in your full interest. You can get a feel of what the people are like and if you are going to enjoy your time working with them. The department usually discusses as a whole, who would be a good fit for the university so it's good to make yourself known. If there's an opportunity to talk with your POI, definitely do it!
• The interviews are generally very relaxed. Some professors like to challenge you with hard questions BUT the most will generally ask you about your research interests and it feels like a conversation. When your POI (or any other person) is talking about their own research, listen carefully and try and think of one or two specific questions to ask about what they just explained, it shows that you're interested and listening. Have a little spiel ready to explain your previous research experience and how it got you to what you are interested in now. It's okay to be broad in your interests but it helps a lot if you have a couple of specific research questions that you'd like to research in your future (and think about how you would do it: Experience sampling? Daily diary? Self-report?). 
• HAVE A TON OF QUESTIONS PREPARED. If there is ever an awkward silence, take this time to ask questions about funding, housing, strengths and weaknesses of the program, etc. This is a good time to find out if this is a good fit for you and a ton of questions shows interest in the program.
• There will be opportunities to talk to grad students, take this time to ask them if they are happy here and what the mentorship style of the POI is like. They are generally much more honest and want to give you the real scoop. 
• The days get long and exhausting. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, eat snacks and lots of free food when offered. Take a breather in the bathroom during breaks. Try your hardest to keep being social and enthusiastic throughout the day (I know it's hard, but it will be worth it!)
• Finally, after all is said and done, the graduate students might take you and the other prospective students out to a happy hour or party. Have a drink if you so choose, it's fine to drink a little but of course don't get drunk. Socialize and have fun.
• After interview weekend don't forget to send your POI an email, thanking them for inviting you out and taking the time to talk with you. Express that you're very interested in working with them in the future.
• Remember: The university wants you here. Take a deep breath. You got this.

Do POIs ever ask questions specific to research they've already published? I know it's good practice to read some of their papers ahead of time but I'm going to be meeting with 3 different faculty and don't know how I will be able to keep all the different papers straight (I plan to read multiple articles for each faculty member). 

[canessa]

32 minutes ago, 01848p said:

Do POIs ever ask questions specific to research they've already published? I know it's good practice to read some of their papers ahead of time but I'm going to be meeting with 3 different faculty and don't know how I will be able to keep all the different papers straight (I plan to read multiple articles for each faculty member). 

I usually try and read the POI's work before going to the interview but usually it's so rare that they ask about their own specific papers. They have SO many that they've published, it's hard for them to expect you to have read a SPECIFIC one. Most of my interviews have usually had them ask me what my interests are and I try to relate it back to similar concepts that they study and after I explain what I do I ask them to tell me about a project that they're working on currently that they are most passionate about now. When exploring research questions together, I've had a POI ask me if I'm familiar with another researcher's work or ask me if I've read a specific paper of their own but I'm usually honest and say I'm not familiar with it and they explain to me what it is, they've never acted offended or upset. From my experience, It's good to know their work but it's not necessarily a requirement and they're not going to quiz you on it. 

[dan_aqp]

3 hours ago, Blackwater said:

Has anyone from social heard from UC Santa Cruz yet?

I haven't heard back yet. It seems that by this time last year they already had sent some emails. They might be taking a bit longer this year. Visit day seems to be on Feb. 24th, so I am guessing they will start sending emails way before that date. Good luck!