Cost of Applying to Grad School $$$$$$$

[Samoo]

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Because I find myself with little to do during this *waiting* period for interviews/acceptances, I've started to catalogue my application strategies into useful resources for future applicants. Boredom or extreme anxiety? Not sure. Anyway, I've found out there's only so many things one can manageably track. For example, I tried to start an interview/acceptance notification calendar, which was an epic fail due to a lack of consistent data both on this site and TGC (would be a nice resource though - I think - if data were available).

I did manage to put together a good system for consolidating program info and tracking application components. I'd be happy to share - just PM me. As for my "Decision Matrix" - well, we'll have to see whether one can actually employ a quantitative tool to make 'good fit' decisions about schools (HEY - I did include an "impact factor"). Will keep you posted.

ANYWAY, I am here to start a jolly conversation about graduate school application budgeting. My total costs (from prep to interview) right now stand at $1,971.20.

Interesting how just one interview translates into an exponential increase in costs. You can see the attached document for more info on my expenses.

I would love to hear from others about their total costs (especially those who already completed the ENTIRE process) as well as biggest area of expense. And gosh darn, where do ya get all that money??View attachment The Cost of Applying to Graduate School.pdf

 

[voyeurofthemind]

Because I find myself with little to do during this *waiting* period for interviews/acceptances, I've started to catalogue my application strategies into useful resources for future applicants. Boredom or extreme anxiety? Not sure. Anyway, I've found out there's only so many things one can manageably track. For example, I tried to start an interview/acceptance notification calendar, which was an epic fail due to a lack of consistent data both on this site and TGC (would be a nice resource though - I think - if data were available).

I did manage to put together a good system for consolidating program info and tracking application components. I'd be happy to share - just PM me. As for my "Decision Matrix" - well, we'll have to see whether one can actually employ a quantitative tool to make 'good fit' decisions about schools (HEY - I did include an "impact factor"). Will keep you posted.

ANYWAY, I am here to start a jolly conversation about graduate school application budgeting. My total costs (from prep to interview) right now stand at $1,971.20.

Interesting how just one interview translates into an exponential increase in costs. You can see the attached document for more info on my expenses.

I would love to hear from others about their total costs (especially those who already completed the ENTIRE process) as well as biggest area of expense. And gosh darn, where do ya get all that money??View attachment 22278

Probably around $2,000-$2500. I applied to 8-9 programs and interviewed at 4. I'm a pretty savvy budget traveler but I used airline points, was working part-time when I applied, and had some Christmas presents that were in the form of airline gift certificates. The rest I bank rolled with a credit card and paid it off later.

That being said, the feeling of acceptances rolling in a few months later, priceless.

 

[bebex12]

For future applicants from a disadvantaged background ... Many programs offer fee waivers for applications even if they don't explicitly state it on their websites. Obtaining a letter of hardship from your undergraduate financial aid officer will typically suffice. Believe it or not, some programs actually only require you to pay the application fee if you're accepted (and delaying paying the fee doesn't impact your admission decision). If you truly do have financial hardship this can be a lifesaver with little effort needed to reap the benefits. Do not let the costs stop you from applying because most programs are very generous and understanding. Hope this helps!

 

[PsychPhDone]

I spent a few K. I went on about 10 interviews. Worth it.

But yes, pretty ridiculous!

 

[Samoo]

I spent a few K. I went on about 10 interviews. Worth it.

But yes, pretty ridiculous!

Yikes! Were they all local/regional? I'm in the Midwest, so unless I want to road trip to interviews, it's a plane ticket per interview.

 

[deleted176373]

Yikes! Were they all local/regional? I'm in the Midwest, so unless I want to road trip to interviews, it's a plane ticket per interview.

Yes, I also spent quite a few bucks on applying... I probably spent around $3,000 - $4,000 all total over 2 years. I made that all back in the first month of graduate school, so I'm ok with it at the end of the day.

 

[PsychPhDone]

Yikes! Were they all local/regional? I'm in the Midwest, so unless I want to road trip to interviews, it's a plane ticket per interview.

I had to fly to most of them. I was able to drive to less than half.

 

[dumbledoresgirl]

I was able to drive to a couple of interviews, take a bus to another one, and had to fly to my other two. Not too bad, but still spent about $2000 on applying and interviewing.

 

[Buzzwordsoldier]

Because I find myself with little to do during this *waiting* period for interviews/acceptances, I've started to catalogue my application strategies into useful resources for future applicants. Boredom or extreme anxiety? Not sure. Anyway, I've found out there's only so many things one can manageably track. For example, I tried to start an interview/acceptance notification calendar, which was an epic fail due to a lack of consistent data both on this site and TGC (would be a nice resource though - I think - if data were available).

I did manage to put together a good system for consolidating program info and tracking application components. I'd be happy to share - just PM me. As for my "Decision Matrix" - well, we'll have to see whether one can actually employ a quantitative tool to make 'good fit' decisions about schools (HEY - I did include an "impact factor"). Will keep you posted.

ANYWAY, I am here to start a jolly conversation about graduate school application budgeting. My total costs (from prep to interview) right now stand at $1,971.20.

Interesting how just one interview translates into an exponential increase in costs. You can see the attached document for more info on my expenses.

I would love to hear from others about their total costs (especially those who already completed the ENTIRE process) as well as biggest area of expense. And gosh darn, where do ya get all that money??View attachment 22278

Clothing. I went all out and bought a 3 piece bespoke suit. Got married in it, will probably be buried in it. Then I had to get the perfect shirt/tie combo, suspenders, and, of course, shoes. Oh, and overcoat. Those were the days, my friend...