2010 Waitlist Blues?

[tinalapina]

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I just wanted to let you all know that I got in off the waitlist at my top choice last week so it is just beginning for us waiters. Keep that hope alive because the more time that passes the more spots open up and many people do not accept until the last minute 🙂

 

[Thirdxthecharm]

I just wanted to let you all know that I got in off the waitlist at my top choice last week so it is just beginning for us waiters. Keep that hope alive because the more time that passes the more spots open up and many people do not accept until the last minute 🙂

Where did you get in if you don't mind saying.

 

[eatsleeppsych]

..

 

[Metta]

I feel like being on the waitlist at your top choice school is like waking up every morning and getting punched in the face.

I would have picked a MUCH different metaphor to describe it, but as this is a professional forum, I'll stop there... 😀

 

[eatsleeppsych]

..

 

[Metta]

See, now that's just mean! Because now I'm going to sit here and try to think of what metaphor you have in mind. Honestly, there are no inappropriate metaphors that pop immediately to my mind... Maybe this is why I'm waitlisted, it somehow came across in my interviews that I'm lacking when it comes to thinking of dirty metaphors...

Ah, my apologies. My dreadful sense of humor is one way I deal with stress. PM me and I'll share the metaphor, if you want. (And I'm 100% certain that the outcome of our grad school applications has nothing to do with skill at thinking up inappropriate metaphors. It's not necessarily a good skill to have. 🙂)

 

[cara susanna]

cara susanna,

hey, this is an odd question so I won't be offended if you pass on answering. but i've been wondering if that is a real photo of you? or is it from a musical?

Sorry for the delay in responding, I must have missed this post!

It's Katie Clarke in The Light in the Piazza.

 

[PsycOut]

I feel like being on the waitlist at your top choice school is like waking up every morning and getting punched in the face.

You SOOO lifted my spirits with that post!

We could all use a bit of levity right now. The endless waiting is agony!!!

 

[hamsterpants]

Sorry for the delay in responding, I must have missed this post!

It's Katie Clarke in The Light in the Piazza.

ah, she looks so elated, I thought it must be cara susanna when she got accepted off the waitlist! 😛

 

[hamsterpants]

I have decided to email my POI at the end of the week. To see if there is any update on my status and to say hey, I'm still here! pick me!

I did call the DGS last week but he didn't return my call ( I told him he didn't need to unless there was news). So this may seem like overkill but my POI is very responsive and actually seems to enjoy our email convos (which I guess is a good sign).

But I have also purchased the Insiders Guide and am busy making charts and graphs of schools I would consider applying to next year. It is kind of fun and passes the time. Sigh.

I don't think any of us should give up hope yet. April is going to have a lot of excitement, judging by previous years.

 

[hamsterpants]

Just got rejected from one of my two waitlists... I have one more shot, and it's my top choice (before I found out it was my only option). This is getting very nervewracking!

Aw terpskins. i'm sorry to hear that but it could be worse. Do you know your position on the waitlist?

 

[lamorena]

.

 

[forensichopeful]

hey there. i was looking at the insiders guide last night and read something that might be helpful for you.. it said "too much contact (with the program representative) will appear aggressive or desperate; too little, passive or complacent." so.. if you havent contacted them yet, i think its perfectly ok to email them and ask if there is any news, in a polite, not pushy kind of way. if you don't you might run the risk of seeming disinterested, and someone else on his/her wait list might email and seem more interested. you know what i mean?

Just wondering what people think about this...I was told Thursday the 4th that I was the "first alternate" for my top choice, and that my POI was waiting to hear from his first offer and if she declines he will "make me an offer." He said he expected to hear from her "within a week or two." soooo this Thursday will be two weeks. Is it appropriate to email on Thursday to check on the status? Or since he already said he will make me an offer if his first choice declines should I just leave it? I am terrified he will forget to tell me if she takes it.....ugh this is soooooooo frustrating

 

[PhD Applicant]

When I sent an email to a POI at my top choice who interviewed me, he said that I was on the waitlist with one other person and I am still seriously being considered, but that they have offered a spot to someone else who is interviewing. Should I email him (now a week later) to let him know that I am still extremely interested? I want him to keep me in mind and know that if I were accepted, I would definitely go there. But I also don't want to pester/annoy him. I'm not sure if I should just sit and wait it out now, or if I should let him know that I am serious about the school.

 

[buzzworm]

Just wondering what people think about this...I was told Thursday the 4th that I was the "first alternate" for my top choice, and that my POI was waiting to hear from his first offer and if she declines he will "make me an offer." He said he expected to hear from her "within a week or two." soooo this Thursday will be two weeks. Is it appropriate to email on Thursday to check on the status? Or since he already said he will make me an offer if his first choice declines should I just leave it? I am terrified he will forget to tell me if she takes it.....ugh this is soooooooo frustrating

I think it's totally fine to check in. It's been long enough that you won't sound pushy, and it will show that you're still interested -- so that hopefully your POI will have you in mind if (and hopefully when!) the other person declines. You can say something along the lines of "Just wanted to touch base with you and see if there was any news yet. I'm still extremely interested in School X." etc.

 

[forensichopeful]

I think it's totally fine to check in. It's been long enough that you won't sound pushy, and it will show that you're still interested -- so that hopefully your POI will have you in mind if (and hopefully when!) the other person declines. You can say something along the lines of "Just wanted to touch base with you and see if there was any news yet. I'm still extremely interested in School X." etc.

Thank you for the advice buzz worm! I think I will 🙂

 

[HopefulPsych15]

Where did you get in if you don't mind saying.

+1

PM me if you feel more comfortable

 

[CuriousPsych]

I'm waitlisted at two schools...I am currently working at a two year internship but have a really good relationship with my boss and was hoping to use that in order to secure a regular position if I don't end up getting in off the waiting list. Met with him today and found out the organization is doing major restructuring and it's possible a lot of people with PhDs, MDs, and masters will be out of a job very soon...there goes my backup plan. 😕

 

[prettikittibaby]

I'm not going to school next year. :-(

 

[hamsterpants]

I'm not going to school next year. :-(

I'm sorry to hear that but it sounds like you have a LOT going on, maybe it is a blessing in disguise. You have accomplished more at 20 than a lot of us who are much older. and getting married and buying a house takes a LOT of time and energy. If school was in the mix too, there may be the danger of something falling through the cracks. and it sounds you deserve a little bit of a rest after graduating. Maybe you and your new hubby can plan a honey moon!
at 20, you have soooo much time. Maybe don't leave it as late as I did but you are ahead of the game and if I were you, I would be tempted to travel or work and explore married life.
I am sure you will be fine whatever you do- you sound like you can do anything you set your mind to, just be careful of burnout.

 

[MinxC]

I noticed on a prior page that individuals were discussing going the PsyD route after applying to both PhD and PsyD programs. I wanted to chime in about attending a PsyD program because I am currently considering offers from both a PhD program & a PsyD program (yes, seriously). As some SDNers have presented strong views about PsyD programs, I have been seeking guidance from different mentors. So far I have heard that a "reputable" PsyD program will not preclude a student from obtaining an internship, postdoc or a nonacademic job opportunity. My mentors are faculty at an Ivy League university teaching hospital. Thus, they felt that at their research oriented institution a PhD might receive preference for an internship or a postdoc. However, an applicant from a "reputable" PsyD program would definitely receive consideration if they completed an empirical dissertation and had strong clinical training. Both pointed out that there are PsyD postdocs and PsyD faculty at this hosp'l... however, they are a very small minority. Moreover, other less academically oriented institutions have less of a preference between the two degrees. In the end, both felt that a PsyD from a "reputable" program is a viable option for my career goals (i.e. clinical and advocacy).

In the end, deciding to attend a program is a very personal decision. Everyone has their own career goals. And not all offers of admission will help you reach your goals. IMO you should not settle for a program or become bankrupt from your schooling. However, I urge individuals to seek out objective advice, weigh all variables and choose what program is best for them.

 

[PsychPhDone]

I'm not going to school next year. :-(

I'm sorry to hear you didn't get in this year. 🙁 However, 20 is awfully young to be starting grad school and this may be an enormous blessing in disguise! (I know you probably don't want to hear that just yet...but it's true.) Hang in there. You are on a great trajectory -- some time to further build experiences may put you even higher than you initially hoped.

 

[hamsterpants]

I'm sorry to hear you didn't get in this year. 🙁 However, 20 is awfully young to be starting grad school and this may be an enormous blessing in disguise! (I know you probably don't want to hear that just yet...but it's true.) Hang in there. You are on a great trajectory -- some time to further build experiences may put you even higher than you initially hoped.

Yes, the school I would've picked at 20 would be pretty different from the ones I prefer now at 35. But she sounds way more mature than I ever was.

 

[MinxC]

Prettikittibaby, I agree with the other posters that you are quite accomplished at 20. Your future will surely be bright!!!

 

[PsychPhDone]

Yes, the school I would've picked at 20 would be pretty different from the ones I prefer now at 35. But she sounds way more mature than I ever was.

She sounds incredibly on top of the game for a 20 year or anyone for that matter. 🙂 My research interests didn't change from the first time I applied to the second time I applied. My goals didn't change either. Personality...maybe a tiny change. The biggest change? My publications, my experiences, my contacts. And these are things that help you build a career, not just get into graduate school. So some time off is an amazing opportunity!

 

[hamsterpants]

She sounds incredibly on top of the game for a 20 year or anyone for that matter. 🙂 My research interests didn't change from the first time I applied to the second time I applied. My goals didn't change either. Personality...maybe a tiny change. The biggest change? My publications, my experiences, my contacts. And these are things that help you build a career, not just get into graduate school. So some time off is an amazing opportunity!

My interests haven't changed that much either in the past 15 years or so. I definitely didn't have enough experience but I also probably would have chosen a school purely on name/ prestige or location not "fit".

 

[prettikittibaby]

Thanks guys.

I'm feeling a lot less down and a lot more hopeful.

In this process, I've discovered how much I really love clinical, and I will apply to more psy d programs next time. (I applied to one and messed up the application and though they gave me the opportunity to fix it well after the deadline, I withdrew my application because I was 1)overwhelmed with school and work, and had also received my interview invites to my schools- it's hard for me to rate them on where i'd rather go, b/c I only applied to places I'd LOVE to be, and the Psy D was my back up/whim.) However, I have also clarified more solidly why I'd want a Ph. D. (which aspects of research I like, and that I want to be a professor).

I just have a really strong feeling that now is not the time (not necessarily in a spiritual way, but in a "know thyself" way). I'm too overwhelmed with money and finishing my B.S. and there was a LOT of family drama last semester. I know I need some time off from school.

Reading your responses and thinking about it (this is my 3rd attempt to post a reply, the other two I have saved to use for notes for a future personal statement :-D), I know that I can make myself a better candidate and I can find the time to do the presentations/publications (my mentors are awesome and flexible... for thesis, she leaves her office unlocked and I come in at night and on Saturday, because she knows I work my ass off.) I have the knowledge and the skills required for these things, I just haven't made it enough of a priority to find the time.

This leaves me wondering: how have your personal statements changed from year to year? Mine is 1/3rd about abuse/trauma and why I am interested in it and examples of research questions related to it. and 1/3rd is giving a detailed account of my research experience and skills. :/ Should I write about the impact my research has had on me? (which I talked about in interviews). Should I write about the stuff that's happened between applying last time and now? (in a relevant manner, of course).

Thanks guys! (is there not a :hug: smiley anywhere?)

[Edit: P.S. I'm actually on gchat with my advisor in one of my labs and he's offering me to come back now that they're in data analysis and not data collection. Woot! 🙂 He said I might be able to get a co-authorship.]

 

[prettikittibaby]

I haven't seen one recently, so here's one from me!

It's been one of those days for a lot of days now
I need a day when the world can take care of itself
This isn't what I wanted how I thought my life would turn out
And I wonder if it's like this from here on out
Sometimes life gets you, but we go on
Sometimes life gets you, we're still going on

We're not done yet
Not going quietly into the night, not me and my friends
We're not done yet, don't take it too seriously
It's just life we'll win in the end
And we walk on and on and on and we walk on and on

It's been one of those days for too many days now
I did a thing that I didn't want to do again
I fell down in the place where I always fall down and I wanna give up
And let it be what it's been
Sometimes life gets you, but we go on
Sometimes life gets you we're still going on...

We're not done yet
Not going quietly into the night, not me and my friends
We're not done yet, don't take us too seriously
It's just life we'll win in the end
And we walk on and on and on and we walk on and on

It's been one of those days but I don't care now
It was only a day and tomorrow's ahead
We got this far and I know that I can ride this one out
Though I want to lie down, yet I won't wait yet
Sometimes life gets you, but we go one
Sometimes life gets you we're still going on...

We're not done yet
Not going quietly into the night, not me and my friends
We're not done yet, don't take us too seriously
It's just life we'll win in the end
And we walk on and on and on and we walk on and on

Well I won't quit yet sometimes life gets you but we go on
Sometimes life gets you, we're still going onhttp://lyrics.astraweb.com/display/453/superchick..karaoke_superstars..not_done_yet.html

 

[steffsays]

so i found out today via very nice email (after inquiry) that i am on the waitlist at my top school. blargh.

i do feel really thankful to have an acceptance in hand at a school where i know i'd be happy and get a great education, but (ARGH!) i still feel undeniably bummed. i'm trying to find some balance between the contentment of having an acceptance and still desperately hoping to hear (something good) from the other school. so far, the balance has eluded me.

ugh. this sucks.

 

[Metta]

i do feel really thankful to have an acceptance in hand at a school where i know i'd be happy and get a great education, but (ARGH!) i still feel undeniably bummed. i'm trying to find some balance between the contentment of having an acceptance and still desperately hoping to hear (something good) from the other school. so far, the balance has eluded me.

I'm in a similar position (accepted at my second choice program, in limbo at my first choice program), and for me it's mostly about wanting the whole process over and done with! The grad school application process has consumed my life for the last several months, the finish line is in sight, but I'm not quite there yet -- and it may be another month of waiting until I get there. I want to know where I'm going to school, I want this long stressful process to be finished, and I want to be able to get on with my education. Granted, it's much easier with an acceptance in hand, but that desire to complete the process still pokes at me. I feel like I've been working for ages on a 5000-piece jigsaw puzzle, and then discovered that 1 piece is lost; I know I'll find it eventually, but until I do, it's going to bug me.

 

[hamsterpants]

I haven't seen one recently, so here's one from me!

It's been one of those days for a lot of days now
I need a day when the world can take care of itself
This isn't what I wanted how I thought my life would turn out
And I wonder if it's like this from here on out
Sometimes life gets you, but we go on
Sometimes life gets you, we're still going on

We're not done yet
Not going quietly into the night, not me and my friends
We're not done yet, don't take it too seriously
It's just life we'll win in the end
And we walk on and on and on and we walk on and on

It's been one of those days for too many days now
I did a thing that I didn't want to do again
I fell down in the place where I always fall down and I wanna give up
And let it be what it's been
Sometimes life gets you, but we go on
Sometimes life gets you we're still going on...

We're not done yet
Not going quietly into the night, not me and my friends
We're not done yet, don't take us too seriously
It's just life we'll win in the end
And we walk on and on and on and we walk on and on

It's been one of those days but I don't care now
It was only a day and tomorrow's ahead
We got this far and I know that I can ride this one out
Though I want to lie down, yet I won't wait yet
Sometimes life gets you, but we go one
Sometimes life gets you we're still going on...

We're not done yet
Not going quietly into the night, not me and my friends
We're not done yet, don't take us too seriously
It's just life we'll win in the end
And we walk on and on and on and we walk on and on

Well I won't quit yet sometimes life gets you but we go on
Sometimes life gets you, we're still going onhttp://lyrics.astraweb.com/display/453/superchick..karaoke_superstars..not_done_yet.html

👍👍👍👍

 

[worry]

At what point can you call the school to find out? I haven't heard back from some schools yet... some gave a later date that "everyone will hear back by XYZ date" which hasnt passed yet but another started to give out emails about 2 weeks ago and I haven't heard either way... 🙁

I have heard some people say on here that you can begin asking 2 weeks after the interview. If they gave you a definite date that you should hear back by and that date hasn't passed yet, unfortunately, you should probably just hang tight. If it makes you feel any better, it was 6 weeks and 4 days before I heard anything for one of the schools that I am on a waitlist at. Good luck!

 

[BuckeyeAlum]

This leaves me wondering: how have your personal statements changed from year to year? Mine is 1/3rd about abuse/trauma and why I am interested in it and examples of research questions related to it. and 1/3rd is giving a detailed account of my research experience and skills. :/ Should I write about the impact my research has had on me? (which I talked about in interviews). Should I write about the stuff that's happened between applying last time and now? (in a relevant manner, of course).
QUOTE]

Mine changed drastically! The first time around, I included more "frilly" sentences. I think it was almost sentimental or "warm and fuzzy." While my actual writing was well-done, I did not "sell" myself nearly as much as I should have.

This second time around, it was almost exclusively straight-to-the-point content. While not as fun to read, it did a great job of highlighting my most relevant experiences, what I took from them, my career goals, and why that school would help me realize them. This a general breakdown of my SOP paragraph by paragraph:
1. Short intro. about why I became interested in my area of psych.
2. First research experience ('how I got hooked')
3. Honors thesis
4. Clinical experience (after UG)
5. Current research experience
6. 'Why I love your program' and a blurb about the POI(s) I'd fit best with.
7. Career plans and closing

Throughout the whole thing, I tied how my experiences developed my interest in my field of psych. I don't think you necessarily have to point out "since last time I applied, I have done such-and-such..." Just keep it up-to-date and relevant to what you want. I had a lot of success with mine...

Last tips - have tons of (smart) people read it. I also refused to read my first SOP while writing the second... I just wanted a different feel to it and wanted to separate myself from my unsuccessful first round.

 

[prettikittibaby]

Thinking about it on my way to work, I realized that if I got 2 interviews off of 7 complete applications, that when I do a better job in 2 years and have conference presentations etc I'll pry do a lot better. I wasn't really sure what to expect ya know? And, I did talk to my fiance, and he said that we can try again and we can move, which is good. (He got promoted at work on Monday, which is what will make it hard to leave... We've got jobs and family here, ya know??) Oh well!

THANKS GUYS!

 

[eatsleeppsych]

.

 

[hamsterpants]

I was just accepted off the waitlist! I'm beyond excited, I was honestly beginning to worry I wasn't going to end up at school next year! I'm sending all my good luck to everyone else on this thread!

YAY!!!! 😍

YES. I needed to hear that today.

 

[hamsterpants]

Thinking about it on my way to work, I realized that if I got 2 interviews off of 7 complete applications, that when I do a better job in 2 years and have conference presentations etc I'll pry do a lot better. I wasn't really sure what to expect ya know? And, I did talk to my fiance, and he said that we can try again and we can move, which is good. (He got promoted at work on Monday, which is what will make it hard to leave... We've got jobs and family here, ya know??) Oh well!

THANKS GUYS!

I do think it is harder to do it straight out of undergrad so I think your odds can only go up, esp. w/ extra presentations etc., experience seems to make most of the difference when people re-apply. But the fact that you got some positive feedback/ interviews the first time is a good sign that you are a strong candidate. Moving may seem tough now but in 2 years or so, it's possible you both may be in a better place to consider it.

 

[prettikittibaby]

I was just accepted off the waitlist! I'm beyond excited, I was honestly beginning to worry I wasn't going to end up at school next year! I'm sending all my good luck to everyone else on this thread!

YAY!!!! 😍

YAY! YAY! Where?! OMG, I bet you're so excited.

 

[nycegurl]

I was just accepted off the waitlist! I'm beyond excited, I was honestly beginning to worry I wasn't going to end up at school next year! I'm sending all my good luck to everyone else on this thread!

YAY!!!! 😍

Congrats! 👍

 

[worry]

I was just accepted off the waitlist! I'm beyond excited, I was honestly beginning to worry I wasn't going to end up at school next year! I'm sending all my good luck to everyone else on this thread!

YAY!!!! 😍

I definitely needed to hear this as well! It gives me a slight bit of hope!! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[hamsterpants]

I just heard from my POI. There has been movement on the waitlist but they haven't got to me yet. Apparently now I am very near the top (they don't do numerical rank). A little frustrating as I thought I was already near the top but that may have been a bit of wishful thinking on my part.

 

[hamsterpants]

This leaves me wondering: how have your personal statements changed from year to year? Mine is 1/3rd about abuse/trauma and why I am interested in it and examples of research questions related to it. and 1/3rd is giving a detailed account of my research experience and skills. :/ Should I write about the impact my research has had on me? (which I talked about in interviews). Should I write about the stuff that's happened between applying last time and now? (in a relevant manner, of course).
QUOTE]

Mine changed drastically! The first time around, I included more "frilly" sentences. I think it was almost sentimental or "warm and fuzzy." While my actual writing was well-done, I did not "sell" myself nearly as much as I should have.

This second time around, it was almost exclusively straight-to-the-point content. While not as fun to read, it did a great job of highlighting my most relevant experiences, what I took from them, my career goals, and why that school would help me realize them. This a general breakdown of my SOP paragraph by paragraph:
1. Short intro. about why I became interested in my area of psych.
2. First research experience ('how I got hooked')
3. Honors thesis
4. Clinical experience (after UG)
5. Current research experience
6. 'Why I love your program' and a blurb about the POI(s) I'd fit best with.
7. Career plans and closing

Throughout the whole thing, I tied how my experiences developed my interest in my field of psych. I don't think you necessarily have to point out "since last time I applied, I have done such-and-such..." Just keep it up-to-date and relevant to what you want. I had a lot of success with mine...

Last tips - have tons of (smart) people read it. I also refused to read my first SOP while writing the second... I just wanted a different feel to it and wanted to separate myself from my unsuccessful first round.

Good advice. thanks.

 

[worry]

I just heard from my POI. There has been movement on the waitlist but they haven't got to me yet. Apparently now I am very near the top (they don't do numerical rank). A little frustrating as I thought I was already near the top but that may have been a bit of wishful thinking on my part.

Ahh! That is very exciting hamster! 🙂 At least now you know you are at the top!!

 

[JoeFerrero]

I was just accepted off the waitlist! I'm beyond excited, I was honestly beginning to worry I wasn't going to end up at school next year! I'm sending all my good luck to everyone else on this thread!

YAY!!!! 😍

CONGRATS!!!!!!! You must feel great! May I ask what school, I am on the waitlist at my dream school too!!!

 

[ILGirl]

Thinking about it on my way to work, I realized that if I got 2 interviews off of 7 complete applications, that when I do a better job in 2 years and have conference presentations etc I'll pry do a lot better. QUOTE]

I don't doubt it!!! Besides, in two years time, you're still going to be among the youngest applicants. : )

I'm expecting great things from you. Of course, I'll never know what you accomplish because I only know you as prettikittibaby, and that certainly will not be the name you use on your 1st-author, peer-reviewed journal articles or your presentations, etc. 😀

 

[hamsterpants]

Thinking about it on my way to work, I realized that if I got 2 interviews off of 7 complete applications, that when I do a better job in 2 years and have conference presentations etc I'll pry do a lot better. QUOTE]

I don't doubt it!!! Besides, in two years time, you're still going to be among the youngest applicants. : )

I'm expecting great things from you. Of course, I'll never know what you accomplish because I only know you as prettikittibaby, and that certainly will not be the name you use on your 1st-author, peer-reviewed journal articles or your presentations, etc. 😀

I think she should legally change her name to prettikittibaby. 😛

 

[hamsterpants]

‘tis not too late to seek a newer world, some work of noble note may yet be done.
Ulysses, Lord Alfred Tennyson

 

[rejectedhardcor]

.

 

[prettikittibaby]

I think she should legally change her name to prettikittibaby. 😛

So, I was engaged right out of high school. Our pet names for each other were "kitty" and "puppy" and he gave me a pocket knife when I moved, and on the blade he wrote "to kitty, love puppy". My new fiance found this knife in a box of my stuff and used it the other day. He was staring at the blade (i thought it was dull...) and looked at me and said, "who's kitty?" then he said, "I will never call you kitty and you can't call me puppy" hahaha

 

[prettikittibaby]

I'm noticing that a number of people had opportunties for poster presentations and publications through mentors. Where as a recent graduate can you meet such folks to help you progress as a researcher and applicant?

I go to a small, private liberal arts college. There is essentially no emphasis on research here. Fortunately, a research one university is (literally) just down the street from us. I have 2 RA positions there. For me, I just go into the building and take the stairs and look at the bulletin boards on every floor. There were many labs advertising for unpaid RA positions, and they've accepted me, even though I'm not a student there.