Application / Pre-application jitters, anyone?

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futureapppsy2

futureapppsy2

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Anyone else feeling this way?

I've gotten research experience. I have a thesis ready to written up for defense and two others ready for data collection. I have a (non-first author) article in press and three other non-1st author papers to be submitted relatively soon. I've been given PIship on a research project. I've gotten clinical experience. I've gotten child experience (for school psych programs). I've TA'ed. I've taught. I've defined my areas of interest, located POIs, and started contacting them.

Rationally, I am prepared to be rejected by most, if not all, programs I apply to, and honestly, it's a bit nerve-wracking to think about as I start to draft my SOP--not because I don't want to do this, but because all of my clinical and research experiences make me realize how much I really *do*. I just hope I don't unwittingly deep six my app in some way.
 
i do a little... it's a daunting process. I feel like I'm not doing it properly or something...

i'm been looking for schools, but I haven't contacted anyone yet.
 
YES! I have had jitters since I started this whole process. I too need to start drafting my SOP.
 
futureapppsy2 said:
Anyone else feeling this way?

I've gotten research experience. I have a thesis ready to written up for defense and two others ready for data collection. I have a (non-first author) article in press and three other non-1st author papers to be submitted relatively soon. I've been given PIship on a research project. I've gotten clinical experience. I've gotten child experience (for school psych programs). I've TA'ed. I've taught. I've defined my areas of interest, located POIs, and started contacting them.

Rationally, I am prepared to be rejected by most, if not all, programs I apply to, and honestly, it's a bit nerve-wracking to think about as I start to draft my SOP--not because I don't want to do this, but because all of my clinical and research experiences make me realize how much I really *do*. I just hope I don't unwittingly deep six my app in some way.
Click to expand...

I didn't have any jitters until futureapp reminded me of my inadequacy...
 
Just remember, as long as you're not in the same research area, you're okay! 😀 Unless, uh, it's a school that doesn't admit by advisor. Like mine.
 
Yeah, there were like four other people on this board applying to the same programs/profs I was, so I totally understand the feeling.
 
Yes, I am very jittery. I keep putting off my GRE because I feel like its a deal breaker if I don't do extremely well. Thats not really true though everyone knows the emphasis is on fit and dancing the dance along with all the other factors. You are not alone but I do think logically about the competition and think all my discipline and work could be for naught...🙁(
 
Hey,

Is anyone else frustrated with this whole application process yet? I mean, it is so time consuming! I am getting so tired of having to juggle study time for both GRE and PSY GRE, do research, work, volunteer, write SOP/applications, e-mail professors, etc. I don't even have a social life anymore.

I think part of the problem is that no one I talk to understands why I am spending so much time trying to study and improve my application...afterall it is "just" psychology 🙁 I am going to be SO happy once GREs are over and my applications are sent off. I don't even care abou the waiting period!
 
futureapppsy2 said:
Anyone else feeling this way?

I've gotten research experience. I have a thesis ready to written up for defense and two others ready for data collection. I have a (non-first author) article in press and three other non-1st author papers to be submitted relatively soon. I've been given PIship on a research project. I've gotten clinical experience. I've gotten child experience (for school psych programs). I've TA'ed. I've taught. I've defined my areas of interest, located POIs, and started contacting them.

Rationally, I am prepared to be rejected by most, if not all, programs I apply to, and honestly, it's a bit nerve-wracking to think about as I start to draft my SOP--not because I don't want to do this, but because all of my clinical and research experiences make me realize how much I really *do*. I just hope I don't unwittingly deep six my app in some way.
Click to expand...

Were the four papers in press for undergrad or professional journals? It seems like you should be in great shape for getting in somewhere unless you have a terrible GRE and GPA.
 
psyed4clinPhD said:
Hey,

Is anyone else frustrated with this whole application process yet? I mean, it is so time consuming! I am getting so tired of having to juggle study time for both GRE and PSY GRE, do research, work, volunteer, write SOP/applications, e-mail professors, etc. I don't even have a social life anymore.

I think part of the problem is that no one I talk to understands why I am spending so much time trying to study and improve my application...afterall it is "just" psychology 🙁 I am going to be SO happy once GREs are over and my applications are sent off. I don't even care abou the waiting period!
Click to expand...

GRE took up a lot of time. I haven't yet emailed profs... I really want to do it this week. Im worried about who's actually looking for students and who isn't... it could change the school I like from a yes to a no
 
I'm actually really curious as to where everyone is applying. There's usually a thread for that, IIRC.
 
Jittery is an understatement, for sure!

I had originally planned to apply last fall, then made the difficult (but ultimately very good) decision to wait a year..... and now I'm suddenly finding myself days away from September, feeling VERY overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done.

In waiting a year, I've now officially lost 5 of my research matches (damn good ones, too), so that's incredibly frustrating and anxiety-producing. Classes at my undergrad university start next week, so I'm hoping to go in and talk to a couple of my favorite profs and get their insight on expanding my research interests and finding new matches.

Aside from that, my biggest issue at the moment is the GRE.... I suck at standardized tests. Really a lot. I've been studying for 6 months, been doing one-on-one math tutoring since April, really working my butt off, and I have yet to get anything but laughable scores on practice tests. I *need* to register for the test, but I keep putting it off because I'm so scared of doing poorly. 🙁 Ugh.

But I swear I'm excited about this whole process too, despite the above! I graduated with a B.S. last December and I'm just aching to get back in school.... I miss it like crazy.

Other than the GRE, my stats are relatively good in terms of research experience, GPA, and letters of recommendation. So we shall see..... glad to have this board to rely on for freakouts throughout the process! 🙂
 
Just wanted to say hello. I'm applying this year. And jitters galore.

Realized today that I hate my job so I have even more motivation to get in. But I also found out one of my top POIs is not accepting students this year. Argh!
 
elphaba said:
Jittery is an understatement, for sure!

I had originally planned to apply last fall, then made the difficult (but ultimately very good) decision to wait a year..... and now I'm suddenly finding myself days away from September, feeling VERY overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done.

In waiting a year, I've now officially lost 5 of my research matches (damn good ones, too), so that's incredibly frustrating and anxiety-producing. Classes at my undergrad university start next week, so I'm hoping to go in and talk to a couple of my favorite profs and get their insight on expanding my research interests and finding new matches.

Aside from that, my biggest issue at the moment is the GRE.... I suck at standardized tests. Really a lot. I've been studying for 6 months, been doing one-on-one math tutoring since April, really working my butt off, and I have yet to get anything but laughable scores on practice tests. I *need* to register for the test, but I keep putting it off because I'm so scared of doing poorly. 🙁 Ugh.

But I swear I'm excited about this whole process too, despite the above! I graduated with a B.S. last December and I'm just aching to get back in school.... I miss it like crazy.

Other than the GRE, my stats are relatively good in terms of research experience, GPA, and letters of recommendation. So we shall see..... glad to have this board to rely on for freakouts throughout the process! 🙂
Click to expand...

I also ended up waiting a year and lost some top matches too ;(

Luckily I took the GRE last year. I would advise signing up - maybe for a day quite a bit later from now. Signing up and paying has a way of lighting a fire under your butt to prepare. Plus I think some centers fill up quickly around this time.

Good luck! It wasn't as bad as I feared.
 
hamsterpants said:
I also ended up waiting a year and lost some top matches too ;(

Luckily I took the GRE last year. I would advise signing up - maybe for a day quite a bit later from now. Signing up and paying has a way of lighting a fire under your butt to prepare. Plus I think some centers fill up quickly around this time.

Good luck! It wasn't as bad as I feared.
Click to expand...


Just wanted to make it clear that I wasn't implying you weren't preparing for the gre now.
I just meant I studied before I registered, but it didn't start to pay off til I was officially signed up.
anyway, be glad you aren't an oldster in your 30s like me 😉
 
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hamsterpants -- no worries, I didn't take it negatively! totally agree, in fact... I've actually been thinking the last few days that I just need to freakin' register so I have that deadline to get myself more focused! 🙂

thanks for the good luck wishes! definitely necessary and appreciated!
 
cara susanna said:
I'm actually really curious as to where everyone is applying. There's usually a thread for that, IIRC.
Click to expand...


What is IIRC?

Here's where I am:

Narrowed down programs to apply to, contacted Professors to see who is accepting students and then maintained e-mail contact with those who provided more info, revised CV and had professors look it over (then revised again!), and I just started my first application online. Oh, I also have a rough draft of my SOP, but it needs revised.

What I still need to do: Take/study for GREs (one scheduled for early Oct. and one for late Oct.) and I hired a tutor for the math section, give all recommendation info to my recommenders, finish the actual applications, finish SOP.

I'm sure there is something I fogot, but that is where I am at now 🙂
 
It's like braxton hicks contractions. It's getting you prepared for what's to come. It's just a taste of how busy you will be when you start school. Better get used to it now😛

psyed4clinPhD said:
Hey,

Is anyone else frustrated with this whole application process yet? I mean, it is so time consuming! I am getting so tired of having to juggle study time for both GRE and PSY GRE, do research, work, volunteer, write SOP/applications, e-mail professors, etc. I don't even have a social life anymore.

I think part of the problem is that no one I talk to understands why I am spending so much time trying to study and improve my application...afterall it is "just" psychology 🙁 I am going to be SO happy once GREs are over and my applications are sent off. I don't even care abou the waiting period!
Click to expand...
 
Seriously, it's only the first week and I don't think I've ever had so much work to do. Including when I was applying to grad school.
 
I still need to contact more professors. I've made very good headway on my SOP and good headway on my CV. I've pretty much had to take the week off of research on account of sorority stuff, which is a bit... counterintutive, but I know why we do it, so... I need to line up my recs and recontact one of my POIs (early app deadline).
 
I dunno. I know grad school is going to be busy, but even now when I'm working, researching, taking classes and applying to schools I still have a social life. In fact, it takes priority Thursday-Saturday after 8pm. I don't expect to give up my life for school, even grad school. Is this attitude going to cause me problems?
 
krisrox said:
I dunno. I know grad school is going to be busy, but even now when I'm working, researching, taking classes and applying to schools I still have a social life. In fact, it takes priority Thursday-Saturday after 8pm. I don't expect to give up my life for school, even grad school. Is this attitude going to cause me problems?
Click to expand...

I'm with you. If I don't have some sort of life- I start to rebel like an angry child. I just started dating someone and while I'm glad to have met him, I don't know where I will find the time.

I also work full time, take classes and have a couple of volunteer research gigs. and then there is all the application stuff to do. I think this kind of schedule may help prepare us for grad school. My little brother worked hard in med school and residency but he always made time to have fun.

Just found out my top POI will not know if he is accepting students til November ; (

love your kitty photo!
 
I dont know if this is because of application jitters but I am worrying about timing of applications and personalizing my personal statement template I have for each school. Specifically, I am wondering when I should start filling out the applications? I have people who will write me letters but the applications are online and some of the applications send a link to the LOR via email. I am taking my GRE (again) Oct.3 and I am wondering if I should wait until then to start filling out apps and giving my LORs the packets I made so my applications can be complete on my end?😕

I am mildly stressed about it, not too bad..I just like to plan and I don't have one lol
 
krisrox said:
I didn't have any jitters until futureapp reminded me of my inadequacy...
Click to expand...

Hah! ME TOO. I thought I was doing well with publications, etc. but you are far ahead of me. Don't worry so much.
 
twilson said:
I dont know if this is because of application jitters but I am worrying about timing of applications and personalizing my personal statement template I have for each school. Specifically, I am wondering when I should start filling out the applications? I have people who will write me letters but the applications are online and some of the applications send a link to the LOR via email. I am taking my GRE (again) Oct.3 and I am wondering if I should wait until then to start filling out apps and giving my LORs the packets I made so my applications can be complete on my end?😕

I am mildly stressed about it, not too bad..I just like to plan and I don't have one lol
Click to expand...

I feel the same way about SOPs! I finally finished my first one and yet the next program in line wants something very different. Grr...
 
I have managed to personalize two and I keep getting worried that I forgot a detail or two. The more I work on these things the more frustrated I get, I will have my whole rhythm going, because they are basically the same at first, and then one of them asks a question out of left field! Bah!
 
Bump for this year's applicants, is it justme 🙂 and Student4Life0 this round? 😀
 
Yay, more company. Where are others at in the cycle?

I've picked the programs I'm going to apply to, started drafting essays and a CV. But, it seems like people in my lab think I'm starting early and I'm like most of my apps are due in about 12 weeks. I'm a bit stressed because publications/posters haven't been accepted yet and my individual research projects are only currently underway. Yet, if I keep waiting hoping something will finish by app time it may be too late. So, I'll likely just pull the trigger soon and start applying in earnest.
 
I am also applying this cycle. Like you I am an early bird. I have a fear of things going wrong at the last minute so I am trying to get everything done early, I've also picked my programs and e-mailed them. I just finished putting together packets for my LOR writers. My biggest hurtle is my SOP. I am having trouble trying to write an SOP that will really stand out.
 
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I know it's cliche, but you are the only you.
 
EverHopeful said:
I am also applying this cycle. Like you I am an early bird. I have a fear of things going wrong at the last minute so I am trying to get everything done early, I've also picked my programs and e-mailed them. I just finished putting together packets for my LOR writers. My biggest hurtle is my SOP. As a middle class, white woman, I am having trouble trying to write an SOP that will really stand out.
Click to expand...

Wow, so you've labeled yourself as a "middle class, white woman" and that somehow is less valuable than other people in your mind?

I am sure that there is more to you than that, or at least I hope so. Some harbor the idea that you have to come from some form of maligned minority status, deprived socio-economic class, or faced some other adversity to be worthy of a graduate education. I wonder why that is?

The question I have for you, as a "middle class white woman", do you think it would be easier to write your personal statement if you were an "upper class white male" or perhaps a "lower class white male"? What if you were "non-Caucasian, Hispanic, and Gay"? What if you were "upper class Asian and male"?

My point is that regardless of who you are, your SOP is a difficult thing to write. What your statement of purpose should be focusing on is a story that tells how you developed your passion for psychology and the area that you desire to study.

My SOP did not address my race, my income, my social status... yet it told a compelling story about how I developed my interest in psychology. Yours too should tell the story about how you found yourself on the steps to a graduate education and don't focus on race, SES, or other factors that are beyond your control.

Mark
 
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I will be applying this cycle as well. I've completed at least 50% or so of 16 of my 21 applications. The SOP template is complete and the modified version is finished for 6 schools at this time. I will be putting together the LOR packet early next week.

I am ready for April 15... I just want to see how this thing is going to shake down.
 
Markp said:
Wow, so you've labeled yourself as a "middle class, white woman" and that somehow is less valuable than other people in your mind?
Click to expand...
I am a middle class, white woman, so yes I accept that label, but I am in no way less valuable. That certainly was not the thought that I was attempting to portray. I have worked my butt off and am just as worthy as anyone else to get accepted to a great program. However, my story is a lot like that of a lot of others. This isn't a bad thing, but it is the truth and something to be aware of while writing my SOP. I was not trying to spark any controversy but simply stating a worry.
 
WOW! Everybody is SO FAR along in the process!!

I've just figured out what my area of research interest is in and I'm only NOW narrowing down my list of schools! I've narrowed it down to like 39 so I still have a ways to go!! I haven't started working on my CV or SOP. I've taken the GRE but not the subject GRE (I'm taking it in Oct). I haven't even emailed any POI! Actually, I didn't even know we are supposed to email them!

Are you supposed to email POI?

And am I REALLY REALLY behind? Or just REALLY behind?!?!
 
SnowBubble said:
WOW! Everybody is SO FAR along in the process!!

I've just figured out what my area of research interest is in and I'm only NOW narrowing down my list of schools! I've narrowed it down to like 39 so I still have a ways to go!! I haven't started working on my CV or SOP. I've taken the GRE but not the subject GRE (I'm taking it in Oct). I haven't even emailed any POI! Actually, I didn't even know we are supposed to email them!

Are you supposed to email POI?

And am I REALLY REALLY behind? Or just REALLY behind?!?!
Click to expand...

You are doing fine. Some of us are eager 🙂

I am taking the Subject test myself in October, which is a real pain imho.

You are not "supposed" to email POI's... but you can if you like. Some POI's will note on their lab page that they would welcome an email from potential students. In that case I have written, but if there is no mention don't worry about it. I don't think it is a make or break you thing... so write if you like and don't if you would rather not.

I believe markp, ever the frequent poster on SDN, once provided a sample/example of what to say in these POI contacts so you could track that down if you like. Also the book Insider's Guide has a sample/example email too.
 
EverHopeful said:
I am a middle class, white woman, so yes I accept that label, but I am in no way less valuable. That certainly was not the thought that I was attempting to portray. I have worked my butt off and am just as worthy as anyone else to get accepted to a great program. However, my story is a lot like that of a lot of others. This isn't a bad thing, but it is the truth and something to be aware of while writing my SOP. I was not trying to spark any controversy but simply stating a worry.
Click to expand...

I am going to challenge you here just a little... but I am willing to bet that your story is not typical, and not as common as you may think, after all in the US only 8% of the population has a graduate degree of any kind (GSS, 2006) and only a fraction of those are Ph.D. level graduates. You would not be where you are unless your story was substantially different than most.

You have worked your butt off, Why?!? That is your story, it is (I am sure) uniquely yours. What led you here?

I know you are not trying to cause controversy, but the idea that you being a "middle class white woman" is causing you any worry is disturbing. You have a story, I am sure, and it is your story. The challenge, and it was for me, is to tell that story in a compelling way. After all, I was just an "average guy" with an uninspired story as well.

Think about how you would tell your story if you were writing a book and wanted to capture the attention of your audience.

Mark
 
I've narrowed my list of schools from about 40 to 15. I've emailed the profs to make sure their taking students, and I've called a few to see if I would like working with them. I haven't done much of filling out the apps or writing my PS. I'm collecting data for my honors thesis so that takes a lot of time

I take the GRE in three weeks. Super nervous about it. I'm applying to mostly cognitive neuroscience programs though. Hope I get in somewhere!
 
I've taken the regular GRE but not the Subject test, I've narrowed down my list to 15 schools, and I've emailed about half of my POIs. Honestly, with taking grad classes, doing research in 2 labs, and holding down 2 jobs (to be able to afford all the applications!), I'm feeling so overwhelmed about this whole process. I had NO idea it was going to cost so much money. For example, I've taken college classes at 3 institutions. Transcripts are $10 each. So $30 per school x 15 schools= $450 in transcripts alone! And some schools require two! I can definitely see why people who take time off. Unless you work while in school or have rich parents, I don't see how people can afford to apply while they're still undergrads!
 
Hopefulhokie said:
I've taken the regular GRE but not the Subject test, I've narrowed down my list to 15 schools, and I've emailed about half of my POIs. Honestly, with taking grad classes, doing research in 2 labs, and holding down 2 jobs (to be able to afford all the applications!), I'm feeling so overwhelmed about this whole process. I had NO idea it was going to cost so much money. For example, I've taken college classes at 3 institutions. Transcripts are $10 each. So $30 per school x 15 schools= $450 in transcripts alone! And some schools require two! I can definitely see why people who take time off. Unless you work while in school or have rich parents, I don't see how people can afford to apply while they're still undergrads!
Click to expand...

Yeah, it is ridiculous. Plus, application fees, GRE fees, sending the GRE, mailing applications, travel if you get an interview ect. I've been saving since my freshman year for the application process and it still might be enough. Being rich would certainly help.
 
Hopefulhokie said:
I've taken the regular GRE but not the Subject test, I've narrowed down my list to 15 schools, and I've emailed about half of my POIs. Honestly, with taking grad classes, doing research in 2 labs, and holding down 2 jobs (to be able to afford all the applications!), I'm feeling so overwhelmed about this whole process. I had NO idea it was going to cost so much money. For example, I've taken college classes at 3 institutions. Transcripts are $10 each. So $30 per school x 15 schools= $450 in transcripts alone! And some schools require two! I can definitely see why people who take time off. Unless you work while in school or have rich parents, I don't see how people can afford to apply while they're still undergrads!
Click to expand...

I understand. I'm taking a 3 classes (one is a thesis), preparing an article for submission with a professor (I'll be 2nd author, but I'm writing the entire thing 😎 ), work 30 hours a week as the director of a non-profit (need the money for apps), and have a 4 month old baby! Yikes... Things are surely busy.
 
Yeah, I am going back and forth between totally overwhelmed and more "let it be." I'm doing school, lab (at different school), research including a senior capstone, work, kids, clinical volunteer job... I took the GRE a few weeks back and the schools on my list don't require the subject one.

The money issue I'm not looking forward to either, I have five schools to supply transcripts from. I actually had that thought HopefulHokie, that I need to work more to pay for this, but then I'm like - uh, where exactly would I get that time😴
 
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