Making Decisions

[blindblonde]

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I am among those on the wait-list, and I can understand the frustration. It is a state of limbo, and you are in the weird position of getting "Congratulations" from some people (usually your professors) and "Oh, I'm sorry" from others. And yes, it sucks to wait, and basically wait on other applicants to make a decision. I know that I have felt frustrated with that, but I know it is just as hard for you all ou there. It is a nice position because you know you're in somewhere, no matter what. But it is hard to wait to hear more ifno. to make your decision.

I guess I wanted to say that I'm not really a bitter wait-listed one over here. I wish I had a better indication of my position, but there is no need to pressure you to hurry up and make a decision on wrong information. We're all under a lot stress and pressure. I know I'm psychologically and emotionally exhausted from this process and just want it to end, once and for all. I'm sure you all feel the same.

 

[psychwanabe]

okay, i have a bit of a dilemma. Ive been accepted to a school which is not my number one choice but have been put on the waiting list for my first choice school. The director of the program said we wont hear until april 15th regarding the waitlist. So do I accept at the other school? Or do I wait to hear back from my top choice? What if I accept at the other school and then find out ive been accepted at my top choice?? is it even possible to decline after april 15th? is it highly frowned upon?

ahh!!! i hate this!!!

I am in the exact same spot. I've been told I'm "very high" on the waitlist for my top (fully funded, and the others are not) choice.

I am waiting! I told my other schools that I will answer them as quickly as I can, but they both know I am waiting on other schools so that I can make an informed choice.

 

[CAB481]

I am currently deciding between 3 Psy.D programs - Widener, PGSP-Stanford, and Nova Southeastern. I'm not sure about the reputations of each, since there is no official ranking of the programs (although Widener is one of the oldest and PGSP-Stanford is one of the newest). They are roughly comparable in price, with PGSP being a little more but a great location. Any advice?

 

[RayneeDeigh]

I am currently deciding between 3 Psy.D programs - Widener, PGSP-Stanford, and Nova Southeastern. I'm not sure about the reputations of each, since there is no official ranking of the programs (although Widener is one of the oldest and PGSP-Stanford is one of the newest). They are roughly comparable in price, with PGSP being a little more but a great location. Any advice?

I was accepted the PGSP PhD program but it's doubtful I'm going. While Palo Alto seems like a great place to live, I did some more digging. PGSP is in a residential area, which means there's nowhere to eat within about two miles. They also don't have a cafeteria. Palo Alto has no big-box stores, so groceries are more expensive (unless you drive to Mountain View or something for groceries). Rent is also extremely expensive so it's hard to live on a student's budget.

Just some things to think about! The PsyD program does seem like a really solid program though, and I'm sure they'll get accreditation after whenever the visit was scheduled for (April I think).

 

[clearcolor]

So I figured I'd just put this out there and see what people think (plus it might help me to write it down):

Here's where I'm at with the clinical programs. First of all, they are both great programs. If I had only gotten into one, I would still be completely psyched right now (no pun intended…) I keep reminding myself to be happy! Still have to make a decision though...

Anyway, one program is somewhat better than the other in several ways: 1) My potential advisor at school A is somewhat more influential than the other, although they both have tenure, have authored/edited books, are APA fellows, etc. I've had a few people tell me I am crazy for even considering not working with mentor from school A, but others have told me it's not that big of a deal. 2) School A is also somewhat more respected than school B although, again, they're both highly ranked, good faculty, good program, blah. I'm not sure how important rank actually is... 3) I have a somewhat better research fit with the potential mentor from school A. Really, it's perfect fit. The fit with potential mentor B is good too though - she is focused on developmental psychopathology and parenting, which is what I want to study. It's just not quite as perfect.

So, if it were just me, I'd probably go with school A.

HOWEVER - My husband is not thrilled about the location for school A. It's in a big city and he could find a job, but maybe not in his preferred field. Also, the weather is really, really bad. On the other hand, the location for school B would be perfect - good weather and he already has a fantastic job secured there. I should probably add that the husband is a bit less career oriented than me and he'd live if he had to change fields and he might still find a similar job in city A, but I'm still not sure if school A is worth it.

I'm very aware that we're probably going to have to go through all of this multiple times before we actually get to "settle down" in one place. I'll have to get through internship, maybe a post-doc, and then, hopefully, find an academic position. One theory I have is that I should pick school A (with the very influential mentor) and work my butt off for 5 years, thus increasing our odds of being able to settle permanently in a place with a temperate climate and a good job market. However, there's a good change I could still do this at school B.

These thoughts have been swirling in my head for weeks now. I'm stuck.

So, there you go internet. Highly personal problem and I'm basing my decision entirely on your response. Go to it!

(Just in case anyone missed it - the above statement is obviously a joke. I will consult other sources, but I appreciate your input. Thanks!)

Just to add another vote for taking your husband's views into account here. It seems like you would have been really happy to have been accepted to either of the two schools. I would def go with the school where I think I would be happy (non-academic and academic). Yes, grad school will take up most of your day, but it isn't your entire life. You are in love with your husband and marriage is about compromise. If there was a major academic diff between the schools, then maybe his views wouldn't weigh as much, but with such a marginal diff, I think you should shoot for the school that will allow you the best non-academic life. The non-academic life choice seems crystal clear...school B. As for academics, school A only seems to be "somewhat" better. Live a balanced life, have a happy marriage, go with B.

 

[Jenny5]

I have come to realize that happiness really is the most important thing. It sounds so corny, but it's SO easy to lose sight of that in the midst of the whole graduate school process. Your decision should be made based on what you value more!
If I were you, school B!👍

 

[psych00]

I was accepted to my 4 bottom choices. They each have good aspects about them, but I am having a really hard time having to "settle" after putting in so much hard work to get to this point, where I had thought for some crazy reason I might have a chance at being accepted to one of my top choices and the decision would be made for me! 🙁 I have heard that it is better to wait and reapply than accept somewhere you're not 100% sure about, but I am definitely not doing that and don't think that most people end up at their idea of the perfect program, even after years of applying. I am sure I can make the best out of wherever I end up, I just am having a hard time deciding how to choose now after being let down?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

How many times have you applied? If this is your first, I'd say consider doing it again next year. If this is your second (or more) time.....that's tough. I was in a similar position (1st go around), but I was unwilling to wait a full year and decided to take the best fit and get going.

-t

 

[CheetahGirl]

I was accepted to my 4 bottom choices.

I am sure I can make the best out of wherever I end up, I just am having a hard time deciding how to choose now after being let down?

Holy Cow! Congratulations! 4 Acceptances!

Here's your chance for an attitude readjustment: your "top choice" schools didn't "let you down," they held you back...now go forth and conquer....

Ask yourself: What's my top choice out of my 4 acceptances? Hey, now that doesn't sound like a bad question to ponder....😉

If we were hanging out having coffee/beer: I'd tell you to stop crying like a whinny baby & get over it, I'd pat you on the back, and say move on to your birds in hand....hee, hee.

 

[psych00]

This is my first time applying but I'm not going to re-apply since I have heard of people applying over and over, and they end up settling for a school anyway. My GPA which is set anyway since I graduated, was really good, my GRE scores were good and I had retaken them anyway so I don't see how I could improve them much, I had over 1 1/2 years of clinical/research experience, and would only get about 9 mos. more if I reapply since my new job just started in February, so I don't think it would make enough of a difference and can't stand the thought of taking another year to get back to where I am now. I am OK with going for one of these schools, it just is not how I was expecting things to work out. I guess I should just be glad to have been accepted to 4 schools straight from undergrad I guess. Was your "best fit" also not one of your top choices? How did you make the decision?

 

[psychwanabe]

This is my first time applying but I'm not going to re-apply since I have heard of people applying over and over, and they end up settling for a school anyway. My GPA which is set anyway since I graduated, was really good, my GRE scores were good and I had retaken them anyway so I don't see how I could improve them much, I had over 1 1/2 years of clinical/research experience, and would only get about 9 mos. more if I reapply since my new job just started in February, so I don't think it would make enough of a difference and can't stand the thought of taking another year to get back to where I am now. I am OK with going for one of these schools, it just is not how I was expecting things to work out. I guess I should just be glad to have been accepted to 4 schools straight from undergrad I guess. Was your "best fit" also not one of your top choices? How did you make the decision?

I understand the disappointment in not being accepted into your top choices (all too well), but I have to agree with Cheetahgirl! You got 4 acceptances!! That's 4 more than a whole lot of people! Just let the "dream schools" go, and look at the qualities of the 4 you have to choose from.

I'm sure you applied to these schools for particular reasons: faculty, research interests, reputation of school, location, etc. Then you came away from interviews with gut feelings about each of those.

My suggestion is to make some lists of the pros and cons of each program. Decide which things are the most important to you, which program had the best feel and fit for you and make your choice!

Who knows, maybe one of the schools you decline will move me off a waitlist!

Good luck!

 

[amy203]

This is my first time applying but I'm not going to re-apply since I have heard of people applying over and over, and they end up settling for a school anyway. My GPA which is set anyway since I graduated, was really good, my GRE scores were good and I had retaken them anyway so I don't see how I could improve them much, I had over 1 1/2 years of clinical/research experience, and would only get about 9 mos. more if I reapply since my new job just started in February, so I don't think it would make enough of a difference and can't stand the thought of taking another year to get back to where I am now. I am OK with going for one of these schools, it just is not how I was expecting things to work out. I guess I should just be glad to have been accepted to 4 schools straight from undergrad I guess. Was your "best fit" also not one of your top choices? How did you make the decision?

I don't mean to complicate things for you, but I would think hard about whether you should wait another year. I know you're under a lot of pressure right now (with everyone asking what you'll be doing after you graduate) and the thought of going through the application process again sounds awful, but you shouldn't let it cloud your judgment. Another year isn't the end of the world...

Choosing one of the schools you were accepted to this year may be the best decision for you (and congratulations, of course!!!). Just make sure you're making that decision for the right reason. Also, there are people who get in to there first choice schools their second time around (check out Joetro).

Try and push the pressure and fatigue you are experiencing aside and think about what's best for your future.

Some things to consider:

What has your research experience has entailed? If it's been mainly data entry or running subjects, it may not be enough for top programs. Also, how many hours per week was it? The vast majority of people I met at interviews had around 2 years of full-time research experience. If you can get that, you may get into better programs. Would it be worth it to you to do this?

What about the position you are in now? Do you have the potential to pick up any new skills (data analysis, assessment)? Is there a chance you could have a publication in press or even in review by the time you next apply?

Why are these schools your bottom 4? How much will attending one of these schools as opposed to one of your top choice schools impact what you can do when after you get your PhD?

Good luck!

 

[psych00]

Haha thanks everyone, yes I am realizing that being accepted to 4 schools is great also, and actually I liked the programs much more after having visited them for interviews and finding out more about their programs- my "bottom choices" ended up sounding like better fits after all of this. Now I am just working on deciding, I have narrowed it down to 2 so I am trying to hurry up and make the final decision so I am not inconveniencing anyone else who might want to go to one. One school would be very very affordable to attend, faculty share interests, and I like the program structure but the only con is the location pretty much. The other would be less affordable but still possible (with some parental help, haha) and faculty share interests, the program seems solid, and the location better suits my lifestyle I think. So, they are very similar...I think the tradeoff might be the location in exchange for cost, or vice versa. I am trying to look at it more positively now though and think that I have 2 great choices to decide on (with about a week left to decide! exciting and scary).

Cheetahgirl: haha thanks, I think I have needed someone to tell me that 4 choices is great, I should appreciate that and stop being a baby Now I just need the beer and/or Starbucks....

 

[psychwanabe]

Haha thanks everyone, yes I am realizing that being accepted to 4 schools is great also, and actually I liked the programs much more after having visited them for interviews and finding out more about their programs- my "bottom choices" ended up sounding like better fits after all of this. Now I am just working on deciding, I have narrowed it down to 2 so I am trying to hurry up and make the final decision so I am not inconveniencing anyone else who might want to go to one. One school would be very very affordable to attend, faculty share interests, and I like the program structure but the only con is the location pretty much. The other would be less affordable but still possible (with some parental help, haha) and faculty share interests, the program seems solid, and the location better suits my lifestyle I think. So, they are very similar...I think the tradeoff might be the location in exchange for cost, or vice versa. I am trying to look at it more positively now though and think that I have 2 great choices to decide on (with about a week left to decide! exciting and scary).

Cheetahgirl: haha thanks, I think I have needed someone to tell me that 4 choices is great, I should appreciate that and stop being a baby Now I just need the beer and/or Starbucks....

Congrats on getting over being rejected and realizing that you had quite a great opportunity in front of you. I am going through the same thing right now, disappointed that I didn't get what I "wanted," but realizing that my graduate education will be what I make of it no matter where I go!

Exciting and scary is right!! The very best of luck to you making your choices!

P.S. I'm thinking beer: Starbucks will get your money next year when you are exhausted and wondering why the hell you went to graduate school at all! 😀

 

[CheetahGirl]

Cheetahgirl: haha thanks, I think I have needed someone to tell me that 4 choices is great, I should appreciate that and stop being a baby Now I just need the beer and/or Starbucks....

P.S. I'm thinking beer: Starbucks will get your money next year when you are exhausted and wondering why the hell you went to graduate school at all! 😀

I wish I could buy you both a beer...draft beer at happy hour...and no Starbucks...it'll be too expensive for starving doctoral students! ...Unless, of course, it becomes one of your major food groups -white chocolate mocha cappuccino can be included as diary, right?!

I feel like April 15th (16) is D-day!

Best!

 

[blindblonde]

I wish I could buy you both a beer...draft beer at happy hour...and no Starbucks...it'll be too expensive for starving doctoral students! ...Unless, of course, it becomes one of your major food groups -white chocolate mocha cappuccino can be included as diary, right?!

I feel like April 15th (16) is D-day!

Best!

Yeah, I posted this in the wait list thread as well, and I think all of us who are still deciding or in limbo could definitely use teh virtual bar. And definitely no Starbucks. I have somehow managed to get through undergrad without drinking coffee (I just don't care for it), although this may not last through grad school (if I get in).

But yeah, I suppose April 15/16 could be VE-Day...although it is uncertain if we will be among the axis or allies until that point. At least it is almost over.... 🙂