Venting about the dreaded Wait List

[Duckygirl]

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Feel free to stick around. The application process isn't that far away, and you'll find out there is a good amount going on here exclusive of interviewing/enrolling.

-t

So true, T4C. I have to take a little vacation from SDN...I enjoy it for its other posting content a great deal, actually. But seeing as how I'll be taking the GREs over again...I have to devote some serious time to preparing my third round of applications, this is my last chance. Thanks for the good word.

 

[psychwanabe]

Well guys...I think this is close to my last post for the season. After learning a few weeks ago that I had been on the waiting list of several of my top choice schools that I had never expected to be considered by...And getting REALLY excited that something might happen for me...

Duckygirl, I'm so sorry that you did not get into your programs. 🙁 I hope this isn't the last we hear from you though: there's so much more on here than just grad school stuff. That's winding down for all of us, but I'm sure we'll find other things to chat about.

I am still on the fence about my Psy.D. program (the clock is ticking really loudly now), so if I turn it down I may be joining you in this madness again next year!! 😱

 

[blindblonde]

Well, I am still waiting to hear from NIU, but all is not lost. I was accepted today to Wake Forest's general psych master's program, with a full ride. I'm excited, but I'm still holding out for an acceptance from the Ph.D. program. We shall see how the rest of this week unfolds.... 😀

 

[nssrgrad07]

Still waiting on Virginia Tech and SUNY-Albany *sigh*

 

[psychwanabe]

Well, I am still waiting to hear from NIU, but all is not lost. I was accepted today to Wake Forest's general psych master's program, with a full ride. I'm excited, but I'm still holding out for an acceptance from the Ph.D. program. We shall see how the rest of this week unfolds.... 😀

Congrats! It sounds like you set yourself up similar to the way that I did: with a backup plan! It's great to know that you have something, right?🙂

 

[blindblonde]

Congrats! It sounds like you set yourself up similar to the way that I did: with a backup plan! It's great to know that you have something, right?🙂

Thanks! Yeah, I hope I don't have to use the backup plan, but it is a pretty sweet deal. WFU is a great school, and it is an awesome something. I applied straight out of undergrad, so this is an excellent alternative for me if I need to use it. I'm still holding out for NIU though.

 

[Anticip]

deleted for nerves

 

[psychwanabe]

Well, my wait is over.

2 rejections in one day, meaning I've now received official rejections from every school I applied to. One was a long time coming (no interview), but one was a waitlist (the only one I was on) that I thought was looking pretty promising.

...am I allowed to curse on this forum? 😛

So sorry anticip. 🙁

P.S. I think cursing is generally the #$%#@ variety. 😳

 

[blindblonde]

Still waiting on Northern Illinois...blah. I'm happy that I got into Wake Forest's masters, but everything is on hold until NIU opts to let me in or not. Still, my mind is turning at both options since I ony have a short amount of time left. If I ultimately get rejected, my decision is made for me. However, if I get in...I have to decide if I want to go for the Ph.D. program or master's program. If you asked me this months ago, it would seem a no-brainer--go for the Ph.D. Yet Wake is putting up a good offer for a master's program--full scholarship and a TA stipend. To add to matters, my advisor is suggesting that I consider WFU since it is a well-known school that will "help me if I want to get an academic job". I'm not a 100% sure if I want an academic job, and the prospect of having to apply again in a few years with my masters degree (of which the credits may or may not transfer) is not overwhelmingly appealing. I suppose I will come to that hurdle when I get there, but my mind is trying to jump ahead since I will have maybe 24 hours to decide if I do get in.

Ugh...this is mind-numbing.

 

[psychwanabe]

Still waiting on Northern Illinois...blah. I'm happy that I got into Wake Forest's masters, but everything is on hold until NIU opts to let me in or not. Still, my mind is turning at both options since I ony have a short amount of time left. If I ultimately get rejected, my decision is made for me. However, if I get in...I have to decide if I want to go for the Ph.D. program or master's program. If you asked me this months ago, it would seem a no-brainer--go for the Ph.D. Yet Wake is putting up a good offer for a master's program--full scholarship and a TA stipend. To add to matters, my advisor is suggesting that I consider WFU since it is a well-known school that will "help me if I want to get an academic job". I'm not a 100% sure if I want an academic job, and the prospect of having to apply again in a few years with my masters degree (of which the credits may or may not transfer) is not overwhelmingly appealing. I suppose I will come to that hurdle when I get there, but my mind is trying to jump ahead since I will have maybe 24 hours to decide if I do get in.

Ugh...this is mind-numbing.

Wow - you've had such a long time to wait! I guess you just have to go to that place in your head where you make up your mind that you are going to school A and see how that decision feels. Then, do the same for school B. I did this (one each day) to give myself some time to see how I would feel with each decision. It helped me figure out which offer to let go.

Maybe that will help you some? 😳 Sorry it's not profound advice, but I do feel your pain!

 

[blindblonde]

Wow - you've had such a long time to wait! I guess you just have to go to that place in your head where you make up your mind that you are going to school A and see how that decision feels. Then, do the same for school B. I did this (one each day) to give myself some time to see how I would feel with each decision. It helped me figure out which offer to let go.

Maybe that will help you some? 😳 Sorry it's not profound advice, but I do feel your pain!

Thanks for the advice--and I will actually try that. I did something like that when making my decision for undergrad--and it worked out well. 🙂

But yeah, I was wait listed at NIU 6+ weeks ago (very end of February I think). I've crawled my way up on teh wait list to first alternate, and I'm not giving up on it until I hear the final word. But I guess I'm worried about making a rushed decision in the next few days because of the April 15 deadline.

 

[carebear85]

Has anyone else had problems where a PsyD Program still has not contacted you post interview and several attempts (phone, email) to find out about your status has not resulted in finding anything out? Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to handle this situation (especially since the deadline to accept another offer is fast approaching)? Thank you.

 

[Aspire2Be]

Has anyone else had problems where a PsyD Program still has not contacted you post interview and several attempts (phone, email) to find out about your status has not resulted in finding anything out? Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to handle this situation (especially since the deadline to accept another offer is fast approaching)? Thank you.

Yes, I am in the same situation... And it's frustrating the hell out of me! How many times can I possibly call? I keep getting similarly benign answers, that are just promising enough to keep me hoping.

AHHH!!

 

[GiantSteps]

Still waiting on Northern Illinois...blah. I'm happy that I got into Wake Forest's masters, but everything is on hold until NIU opts to let me in or not. Still, my mind is turning at both options since I ony have a short amount of time left. If I ultimately get rejected, my decision is made for me. However, if I get in...I have to decide if I want to go for the Ph.D. program or master's program. If you asked me this months ago, it would seem a no-brainer--go for the Ph.D. Yet Wake is putting up a good offer for a master's program--full scholarship and a TA stipend. To add to matters, my advisor is suggesting that I consider WFU since it is a well-known school that will "help me if I want to get an academic job". I'm not a 100% sure if I want an academic job, and the prospect of having to apply again in a few years with my masters degree (of which the credits may or may not transfer) is not overwhelmingly appealing. I suppose I will come to that hurdle when I get there, but my mind is trying to jump ahead since I will have maybe 24 hours to decide if I do get in.

Ugh...this is mind-numbing.

Don't worry so much about this. The WakeForest offer is superb for a Masters program offer and it is certainly better than not going anywhere (and yes, there are some Masters programs which I would say the opposite). If they need a decision right away and the Ph.D. program has you wait listed, then just tell WF that you are coming and send in the deposit so that you keep your offer there. If the NIU offer comes through and you want to go there, you can tell WF sorry but I am not coming and you are only out your deposit money. By the way, I have not read anyone post this (but they may have) just because you start a Masters program does not mean you have to finish it. You could go and start taking courses, doing research, and TAing and go ahead and apply to doctoral programs for 2008 even at WF (they have a doctoral program right?).

 

[IOPsych]

OK now I'm starting to get worried. I went to visit my first choice school this past week, I was on the waitlist( but did not know where), however I figured it would show I was very serious and interested. I got an email from the director Monday evening, saying I was first on the waitlist and they were going to try to make me an offer, but were making sure they had funding. I'm like awesome, this is where I wanted to go from the beginning of apps, but just figured I was out because they specifically said 2 LOR's furbished by Profs, which I did not have. Now I still have not heard a word from them and its almost April 15th. AHHHHHH!

 

[sicologia]

Has anyone else had problems where a PsyD Program still has not contacted you post interview and several attempts (phone, email) to find out about your status has not resulted in finding anything out? Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to handle this situation (especially since the deadline to accept another offer is fast approaching)? Thank you.

Yes! I'm still waiting to hear from a Psy. D. program whose director told me personally that I may know by yesterday. You can only imagine what this feels like. I'm trying to stay sane by working overtime, but it's starting to look like CRUNCH time! Good luck.

 

[blindblonde]

Don't worry so much about this. The WakeForest offer is superb for a Masters program offer and it is certainly better than not going anywhere (and yes, there are some Masters programs which I would say the opposite). If they need a decision right away and the Ph.D. program has you wait listed, then just tell WF that you are coming and send in the deposit so that you keep your offer there. If the NIU offer comes through and you want to go there, you can tell WF sorry but I am not coming and you are only out your deposit money. By the way, I have not read anyone post this (but they may have) just because you start a Masters program does not mean you have to finish it. You could go and start taking courses, doing research, and TAing and go ahead and apply to doctoral programs for 2008 even at WF (they have a doctoral program right?).

Perhaps you are right and I am worrying too much. If I am presented with a choice, I want to make the right one--and only having a couple of days to make a huge decision scares me. Part of me feels that I should just go ahead and accept Wake Forest and reapply since it is such a great offer. However, my contact at Wake is being nice andholding my offer until I hear from NIU, so I have time. I've reached the threshold of waiting, and want to start finalizing my future at this point.

Thanks for the advice though!

 

[psychwanabe]

Perhaps you are right and I am worrying too much. If I am presented with a choice, I want to make the right one--and only having a couple of days to make a huge decision scares me. Part of me feels that I should just go ahead and accept Wake Forest and reapply since it is such a great offer. However, my contact at Wake is being nice andholding my offer until I hear from NIU, so I have time. I've reached the threshold of waiting, and want to start finalizing my future at this point.

Thanks for the advice though!

Blindblonde: I saw that you had posted on the official decision thread and I thought maybe your offer came through! Well, tomorrow is another day! I'm keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed for you!

 

[blindblonde]

Blindblonde: I saw that you had posted on the official decision thread and I thought maybe your offer came through! Well, tomorrow is another day! I'm keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed for you!

Aw, thanks. My recent post is the real deal this time. NIU rejected me, and I am going to WFU. I'm actually happy with how everything turned out, and I will be a stronger candidate when I re-apply.

Thanks to everyone for your support!! For those few on wait lists, hang in there!

 

[LPP]

Friends,

I am on waiting list and was hoping that the university will tell me a simple yes or no, but guess what - they told me to call in back in a couple of days for the decision. I am tired of waiting this long, I was wondering if anyone of you heard from your respective university in regards to your waiting list status.

Thanks...

 

[psychwanabe]

Friends,

I am on waiting list and was hoping that the university will tell me a simple yes or no, but guess what - they told me to call in back in a couple of days for the decision. I am tired of waiting this long, I was wondering if anyone of you heard from your respective university in regards to your waiting list status.

Thanks...

Wow. I don't have any info for you but I just wanted to say wow.

That sucks!

 

[terrybug]

After completely coming to terms with not getting into a program this year, I got a call at 9:30 am this morning with an offer. How crazy is that?!?! My head it still reeling.
I only had 2 1/2 hours to make my decision because if I turned the offer down, they still had other students they would try to catch before it was too late. It was my #2 choice, so I said 'yes.'

Life is strange. Very, very strange.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

After completely coming to terms with not getting into a program this year, I got a call at 9:30 am this morning with an offer. How crazy is that?!?! My head it still reeling.
I only had 2 1/2 hours to make my decision because if I turned the offer down, they still had other students they would try to catch before it was too late. It was my #2 choice, so I said 'yes.'

Life is strange. Very, very strange.

Congrats!!

Last year my friend missed out on his top choice, and decided to skip clearing house (nothing that he wanted), and started looking for RA positions. A month later he got a call from his #1, who had their placement drop out for a family emergency, and he got it. One of the top places, and it fell into his lap. Needless to say...he was pretty happy. He has since gone on to another top post-doc placement. It is funny how life works sometimes. I'd rather not go through that rollercoaster, but I guess it worked out well in the end.

-t

 

[paramour]

After completely coming to terms with not getting into a program this year, I got a call at 9:30 am this morning with an offer. How crazy is that?!?! My head it still reeling.
I only had 2 1/2 hours to make my decision because if I turned the offer down, they still had other students they would try to catch before it was too late. It was my #2 choice, so I said 'yes.'

Life is strange. Very, very strange.

Wow, talk about stressful, last-minute decisions! Congrats!

 

[spyspy]

congrats terrybug!

 

[LPP]

Congratulations.. it is amazing that you got a call at 9:30 a.m...

I am hoping that something like that will happen to me too 🙂

 

[sicologia]

Friends,

I am on waiting list and was hoping that the university will tell me a simple yes or no, but guess what - they told me to call in back in a couple of days for the decision. I am tired of waiting this long, I was wondering if anyone of you heard from your respective university in regards to your waiting list status.

Thanks...

LPP.. I've been put in a similar situation which is not only aggravating, it's becoming unfair and ridiculous in some ways. If it wasn't for having direct contact with the program's director, I wouldn't be as worried. This all leads me to more stress, since I wonder about the program's integrity (since I've been on hold for 3 weeks) after telling me their very interested and will contact me shortly. Most of these programs fill up their slots early and those who don't seem to hold out for more apps. I'm closed to canning it, but I will perservere. Good luck all!

 

[tkj]

...

 

[LPP]

thanks for your wishes, sicologia. you are right . its really unfair because it doesnt feel good being held on tender hooks. all i am doing right now is hoping and trying to think about something else....i hope it works out for you too.

 

[Lyn71785]

Congrats terrybug! That's a great story!

 

[KillerDiller]

I already officially accepted another school's offer over the weekend, so none of the following really matters in the long run, but....I received an official rejection in the mail from the school where I was waitlisted. The rejection letter came from the graduate school and not from the department. I'm mad because this school admits students solely at the recommendation of professors. My POI kept 2 of us on the waiting list and offered the spot to one student. I received an email telling me I'd be kept informed if my position changed, the spot had been filled, etc. So, instead of a fast email from my POI letting me know something had changed, the department sent that information to the graduate school and the graduate school then mailed a letter through regular post on April 13th. I could have known before the hellish deadline weekend if this was conducted the way they said it would be!

I'm also a little offended that I was sent a generic rejection letter. "We had many highly qualified applicants this year blah blah blah". Well, I was one of the highly qualified applicants, so shove it! 😡

 

[LPP]

KillerDiller, good for you ..atleast an acceptance so far....i'm still stuck on an waitlist and have been asked to contact after a few days!! But what happened with this school is awful. I really don't understand their callousness.

 

[paramour]

I already officially accepted another school's offer over the weekend, so none of the following really matters in the long run, but....I received an official rejection in the mail from the school where I was waitlisted. The rejection letter came from the graduate school and not from the department. I'm mad because this school admits students solely at the recommendation of professors. My POI kept 2 of us on the waiting list and offered the spot to one student. I received an email telling me I'd be kept informed if my position changed, the spot had been filled, etc. So, instead of a fast email from my POI letting me know something had changed, the department sent that information to the graduate school and the graduate school then mailed a letter through regular post on April 13th. I could have known before the hellish deadline weekend if this was conducted the way they said it would be!

I'm also a little offended that I was sent a generic rejection letter. "We had many highly qualified applicants this year blah blah blah". Well, I was one of the highly qualified applicants, so shove it! 😡

Silly people. Not uncommon though--or we both just happen to have gotten the screwy programs. I received a rejection to my wait listed program a few days back. And, my situation was identical to yours. Professor extended offer to another individual but I was "next in line" and "I will keep up with you throughout the process". I haven't heard a peep from her since. Ah, well, at least they reimbursed most of my travel expenses, so I can't complain too much.

 

[LPP]

i've been waitlisted for about 4 weeks now...is anyone in the same situation?

 

[KillerDiller]

KillerDiller, good for you ..atleast an acceptance so far....i'm still stuck on an waitlist and have been asked to contact after a few days!! But what happened with this school is awful. I really don't understand their callousness.

I wish you the best of luck. It definitely must be tough to still be waiting.

 

[KillerDiller]

Ah, well, at least they reimbursed most of my travel expenses, so I can't complain too much.

Go ahead and complain to your heart's content 🙂.

 

[terrybug]

Congrats terrybug! That's a great story!

Thanks for the support, everyone!
If I have learned anything from this process, it's that there are soooo many factors at play in who gets accepted that you can have an outstanding application and still get waitlisted or skipped over. It sucks but it's not your fault.
If you have a clear sense of who you'd like to work with and you have the time and money to travel to any conventions, you should consider doing everything you can to meet these profs in person.