What would you do?

[ModGirl]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi everyone. Just got back from my first interview and have two (hopefully three) more to go. It got me thinking...

Say that out of all of your interviews you were only accepted to the one program that was at the bottom of your list. What would you do? Would you attend anyway and be happy that you're going to get your degree or would you wait it out for the next year and reapply?

I hope that this is a hypothetical situation for all of us, however it's something to be considered!

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Hi everyone. Just got back from my first interview and have two (hopefully three) more to go. It got me thinking...

Say that out of all of your interviews you were only accepted to the one program that was at the bottom of your list. What would you do? Would you attend anyway and be happy that you're going to get your degree or would you wait it out for the next year and reapply?

I hope that this is a hypothetical situation for all of us, however it's something to be considered!

My advice in that situation would be that if the program offers the type of training and research you'd like to do, and is APA accredited, you should likely attend rather than facing the crapshoot that could be next year's admissions process.

If the site REALLY rubbed you the wrong way during interviews (e.g., the current students went on for an hour about how unhappy they are and how disappointing the program's been), a lower-favored program is better than no program.

 

[madtofu]

Good question. I starting wondering along those lines myself after my first interview, which was...not really that great. I knew pretty quickly once everything got started that I was a poor fit for some aspects of the program - the intangibles that you really have to put eyeballs on the program to understand. I walked out of there glad to be leaving. And then I got to thinking - what if no one else accepts me and I get an offer from these people?

I think I would suck it up and go anyway. Because there's no guarantee that next year would go any better. It might be the wrong thing to do, but if it happened to me, I am pretty sure I would play it safe and go.

 

[ModGirl]

Good question. I starting wondering along those lines myself after my first interview, which was...not really that great. I knew pretty quickly once everything got started that I was a poor fit for some aspects of the program - the intangibles that you really have to put eyeballs on the program to understand. I walked out of there glad to be leaving. And then I got to thinking - what if no one else accepts me and I get an offer from these people?

I think I would suck it up and go anyway. Because there's no guarantee that next year would go any better. It might be the wrong thing to do, but if it happened to me, I am pretty sure I would play it safe and go.

That's kind of how I'm feeling. It was only my first interview so I can't compare it to other schools just yet. But I'm wondering what I'd do if they're my only acceptance.

 

[Jegg]

Hi everyone. Just got back from my first interview and have two (hopefully three) more to go. It got me thinking...

Say that out of all of your interviews you were only accepted to the one program that was at the bottom of your list. What would you do? Would you attend anyway and be happy that you're going to get your degree or would you wait it out for the next year and reapply?

I hope that this is a hypothetical situation for all of us, however it's something to be considered!

This question makes me think of another question. Can someone be interviewed twice at a program where they were already interviewed and rejected?

I'm not sure how that usually works.

 

[Xararsis]

Hi everyone. Just got back from my first interview and have two (hopefully three) more to go. It got me thinking...

Say that out of all of your interviews you were only accepted to the one program that was at the bottom of your list. What would you do? Would you attend anyway and be happy that you're going to get your degree or would you wait it out for the next year and reapply?

I hope that this is a hypothetical situation for all of us, however it's something to be considered!

This is a pretty idiosyncratic question that on some level you know we don't have the answer for. It sounds like you weren't thrilled with your first interview and that's fine. Think of it as practice for your next two (maybe three?) and see where it takes you. 😎

 

[Student4Life0]

This question makes me think of another question. Can someone be interviewed twice at a program where they were already interviewed and rejected?

I'm not sure how that usually works.

Yes, that can happen. I know some people in that same situation right now. And I know people who interviewed twice, and ended up getting in.

 

[busybusybusy]

I have definitely struggled with this! My first interview and subsequent acceptance was from one of the professional schools and although it is APA accredited it's really not where I want to go, for multiple reasons. However, I applied to this specific professional school because as far as they go it's one of the better ones, so I think if it were absolutely my only choice I would pick to go there versus reapplying. Luckily I've had two other interview already and have 5 more to go, so hopefully that will work itself out. 😀

 

[katinatree]

Great question...

Personally, I would go. I feel as though as long as I kept my eyes on the final goal I wouldn't regret my experience once I was finished with it, especially since this is how I generally work in my day-to-day life. Every place has it's good parts and bad parts and it's best to keep a good attitude and look on the bright side.

 

[Lisa44201]

Provided I didn't hate the place, I'd go. There are no guarantees next year, either....

 

[srobin]

Ahh this is kind of similar to what has happened to me.
Last year I applied while in my last year at undergrad and got accepted into two smaller clinical programs. They weren't my first picks at all, but I chose the one I liked best and I started to look forward to it.
In August I started looking at research jobs and found one that was a perfect fit. I decided to stay back for the job and try all over again.
So now I'm applying for the second time. So far, no good news. I had an interview at my first choice school and I'll find out soon. I'm in Canada and things move a bit slower here... but at this point I dont expect many more interviews. I may find myself with a bunch of rejections and no acceptances.

This may have been a silly decision. I'll feel especially silly if I dont get in anywhere this time. But I've really enjoyed the year off and I've gotten more experience, publications and money!

 

[Cobblestone]

Yes, that can happen. I know some people in that same situation right now. And I know people who interviewed twice, and ended up getting in.

It happened to me. Interviewed (the year that the economy really started getting bad), waitlisted, and was eventually rejected but asked to apply again next year. Applied again the next year and was accepted. I was told that the school values tenacity in its applicants 😀

 

[arsesta]

Why would you want to wait ANOTHER year? The way the trend is, it's only going to get more competitive. I mean unless you're one of those top 5% applicants who get 5+ interviews easily, then maybe you would wait another year if you don't get your top choice. If you're like the majority of folks who get 1-3 interviews and you get in an APA accredited program, GO!!!!

My situation: I applied to 13 progs 6 years ago, got 3 interviews, and accepted into 2 progs lower on my list, one with partial funding and the other w/ nothing at all. I went with the one with tuition remission (no stipend). I contemplated on re-applying, but I am so glad I didn't waste anoher year! (I was already 3 years out of BA and eager to get started). Yes it was initially disappointing that I didn't get to go to my dream school, but I don't think spending another year at my crappy RA job would've improved my application and get me in. Plus I just made the most out of it. I didn't have to relocate and make new friends, and I found amazing mentors (via externship and via jobs) along the way. Things worked out ok!!! And now I'm waiting for my internship MATCH results. I see my good friend, with an MA, applying to PhD for the THIRD time, and it's just painful seeing her go through this process. She's smart, sweet, passionate about this work and for some reason, she's just not getting picked. I think at a certain point, you just have to take what you can get and make the most of it!

 

[berlin81]

This is a really good topic to bring up. Kudos to the original poster!

I'm in a similar situation as well since I was recently accepted to one school and denied an interview at the second school I applied to. Although I am happy to finally have a chance to get my doctorate, the tuition cost is of great concern at this point. Also, I live in Chicago (the school is located here as well), which means that between tuition and living expenses, my student loans could become drastically high.

I have to admit that the previous posts have served some amount of inspiration. Obviously many grad programs are making their admissions process competitive (likely due to more and more applicants), and of course the economy is still in crappy shape in most places. At this point, I want to just suck it up and go but the taking on the loans is a big concern.

 

[phdhopeful2011]

This is a really good topic to bring up. Kudos to the original poster!

I'm in a similar situation as well since I was recently accepted to one school and denied an interview at the second school I applied to. Although I am happy to finally have a chance to get my doctorate, the tuition cost is of great concern at this point. Also, I live in Chicago (the school is located here as well), which means that between tuition and living expenses, my student loans could become drastically high.

I have to admit that the previous posts have served some amount of inspiration. Obviously many grad programs are making their admissions process competitive (likely due to more and more applicants), and of course the economy is still in crappy shape in most places. At this point, I want to just suck it up and go but the taking on the loans is a big concern.

This post is extremely relevant for what I'm going through right now. I received my first acceptance to graduate school. It is not my top choice but after receiving no acceptances last year I feel kind of good. However, there is this nagging feeling that I should just wait it out and try again next year. This post has confirmed my belief that grad school is what you make of it and if I go here I could be successful I may just have to try a little harder.

 

[arsesta]

This is a really good topic to bring up. Kudos to the original poster!

I'm in a similar situation as well since I was recently accepted to one school and denied an interview at the second school I applied to. Although I am happy to finally have a chance to get my doctorate, the tuition cost is of great concern at this point. Also, I live in Chicago (the school is located here as well), which means that between tuition and living expenses, my student loans could become drastically high.

I have to admit that the previous posts have served some amount of inspiration. Obviously many grad programs are making their admissions process competitive (likely due to more and more applicants), and of course the economy is still in crappy shape in most places. At this point, I want to just suck it up and go but the taking on the loans is a big concern.

berlin81 - I hear ya! Taking out loans to cover tuition AND living expenses will be a killer.

I want to add that I probably would have turned down the program and reapplied if the program didn't offer me any funding. If the program has zero financial support and you're not independently wealthy (or have a rich spouse/parents), is taking out 150K+ loans feasible? Can you handle the stress/anxiety of having to repay this plus interest? My point is that it's OK to accept a program even if it's not your top choice AS LONG AS it's partially/fully funded. If no funding at all, please re-think!

I am thankful that tution was covered for 3 years. Having tution covered goes a long way. But it was hard living in NYC (or anywhere for that matter) w/o a stipend. I had secure my own funding w/ living expenses and that was super stressful!!! Everything ended up working out OK, but I have been living off of 20K p/yr in NYC for the past 4 years and I was pretty burnt out with constantly juggling 2 part-time jobs on top of externship and classes (and I don't have spousal or parental support in this).

 

[ModGirl]

This post is extremely relevant for what I'm going through right now. I received my first acceptance to graduate school. It is not my top choice but after receiving no acceptances last year I feel kind of good. However, there is this nagging feeling that I should just wait it out and try again next year. This post has confirmed my belief that grad school is what you make of it and if I go here I could be successful I may just have to try a little harder.

That's how I'm feeling about it too. I think I would go even if it isn't my top choice. I'll still be graduating with my doctorate, which is the ultimate goal.

 

[berlin81]

berlin81 - I hear ya! Taking out loans to cover tuition AND living expenses will be a killer.

I want to add that I probably would have turned down the program and reapplied if the program didn't offer me any funding. If the program has zero financial support and you're not independently wealthy (or have a rich spouse/parents), is taking out 150K+ loans feasible? Can you handle the stress/anxiety of having to repay this plus interest? My point is that it's OK to accept a program even if it's not your top choice AS LONG AS it's partially/fully funded. If no funding at all, please re-think!

I am thankful that tution was covered for 3 years. Having tution covered goes a long way. But it was hard living in NYC (or anywhere for that matter) w/o a stipend. I had secure my own funding w/ living expenses and that was super stressful!!! Everything ended up working out OK, but I have been living off of 20K p/yr in NYC for the past 4 years and I was pretty burnt out with constantly juggling 2 part-time jobs on top of externship and classes (and I don't have spousal or parental support in this).

@Arsesta - Thanks for your input, and I actually looked at getting my doctorate in NYC last year. But I knew that even with some amount of funding it was going to be extraordinarily tough. Besides my GF got a job here in Chicago and we're glad we came here. Nevertheless, it was a hard choice to turn down NYC, especially Brooklyn!

In regards to funding, my school will not have any funding for me for the first year. Beyond that it will depend on what assistantships and grants are available. But as with most programs, the bulk of the classes taken happen between the first and second years, and the tuition (based on credit hours) is at its peak. So it will be a matter of if I can survive the first 1-2 years and if I can also work part-time, which would in effect take care of my contribution with rent, bills, groceries, etc.

 

[PsychDreams]

This is a really good topic to bring up. Kudos to the original poster!

I'm in a similar situation as well since I was recently accepted to one school and denied an interview at the second school I applied to. Although I am happy to finally have a chance to get my doctorate, the tuition cost is of great concern at this point. Also, I live in Chicago (the school is located here as well), which means that between tuition and living expenses, my student loans could become drastically high.

I have to admit that the previous posts have served some amount of inspiration. Obviously many grad programs are making their admissions process competitive (likely due to more and more applicants), and of course the economy is still in crappy shape in most places. At this point, I want to just suck it up and go but the taking on the loans is a big concern.

I'm in a similar situation where I got admitted into one of my first choices but without any funding. As much as I would love to go there, I am TERRIFIED of relocating to a new expensive city, paying tuition, and trying to work part time to make ends meet. I'm starting to wonder if it's even worth it to take out loans and accept the offer? Would I even be making enough money post-graduation as an academic to pay it off?

It felt amazing to get accepted into the program of my choice. But I swear, it was like the world spit on me when I found out I wouldn't be getting funding.

 

[bsc]

I wish this was hypothetical, but I'm in that exact situation right now. I didn't even want to apply to this school, but I had paid the application fee and didn't want to waste it. I spent practically no time on the application. Well it's the only school that I've been accepted to, and it was my only interview. At first I wasn't going to go, but now I'm leaning towards going. One of the main problems for me is the city the school is in. So i'm trying to figure out how big of a role the city plays. Plus by accepting this school I have to say goodbye to my dream program and most likely career area. It's a tough decision. After my interview I was kind of hoping I wouldn't be accepted so I didn't have to make the choice. But I guess now I'm glad I at least got accepted.

 

[berlin81]

I wish this was hypothetical, but I'm in that exact situation right now. I didn't even want to apply to this school, but I had paid the application fee and didn't want to waste it. I spent practically no time on the application. Well it's the only school that I've been accepted to, and it was my only interview. At first I wasn't going to go, but now I'm leaning towards going. One of the main problems for me is the city the school is in. So i'm trying to figure out how big of a role the city plays. Plus by accepting this school I have to say goodbye to my dream program and most likely career area. It's a tough decision. After my interview I was kind of hoping I wouldn't be accepted so I didn't have to make the choice. But I guess now I'm glad I at least got accepted.

@ bsc - You mentioned your disappointment because the one program you wanted to attend would essentially boost you towards your career interest. I don't exactly have an answer but I at least know that if a school did not have something that I was, at least, minimally interested in, I would seriously reconsider on going. As I mentioned in my posts on this thread, my main concern is the tuition cost and the student loans. I personally think that if I was not interested in their approach, orientation, concentrations, etc., I would be even more hesitant. But then again, it is hard to turn down a chance to get your doctorate. Definitely a tough choice.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I wish this was hypothetical, but I'm in that exact situation right now. I didn't even want to apply to this school, but I had paid the application fee and didn't want to waste it. I spent practically no time on the application. Well it's the only school that I've been accepted to, and it was my only interview. At first I wasn't going to go, but now I'm leaning towards going. One of the main problems for me is the city the school is in. So i'm trying to figure out how big of a role the city plays. Plus by accepting this school I have to say goodbye to my dream program and most likely career area. It's a tough decision. After my interview I was kind of hoping I wouldn't be accepted so I didn't have to make the choice. But I guess now I'm glad I at least got accepted.

If I had been accepted to a program and the only variable of concern was the city, I'd definitely still take the offer and make the trip. However, if attending the program would necessitate an entire shift in career focus (e.g., if I were interested in neuro but would have to instead focus on PTSD or substance abuse), I would seriously consider declining the offer and applying again next year.

 

[bsc]

^^^ Thanks for the thoughts and advice.

@ bsc - You mentioned your disappointment because the one program you wanted to attend would essentially boost you towards your career interest. I don't exactly have an answer but I at least know that if a school did not have something that I was, at least, minimally interested in, I would seriously reconsider on going. As I mentioned in my posts on this thread, my main concern is the tuition cost and the student loans. I personally think that if I was not interested in their approach, orientation, concentrations, etc., I would be even more hesitant. But then again, it is hard to turn down a chance to get your doctorate. Definitely a tough choice.

I think it's a bit different because I am in Canada. There won't be any tuition, and everything is pretty much funded... or at least you have good opportunities to get substantial funding. I wouldn't be doing something I hate, the program/research is a general interest of mine, it's just the other area was my dream area, the area where I would be most happy! The other thing is I may still be able to work in that area in the end (e.g., by getting practicum experience in that area), it will just be a whole lot tougher. The other thing I'm thinking is to accept but apply after my MA to my dream school for my Ph.D (In Canada you get your MA first). I guess I'm trying to look it as, in the end it will get me to my goal of becoming a therapist and professor. Because if I don't accept, and I don't get in next year, I would be devastated.
But again, the location is really making this difficult.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

^^^ Thanks for the thoughts and advice.



I think it's a bit different because I am in Canada. There won't be any tuition, and everything is pretty much funded... or at least you have good opportunities to get substantial funding. I wouldn't be doing something I hate, the program/research is a general interest of mine, it's just the other area was my dream area, the area where I would be most happy! The other thing is I may still be able to work in that area in the end (e.g., by getting practicum experience in that area), it will just be a whole lot tougher. The other thing I'm thinking is to accept but apply after my MA to my dream school for my Ph.D (In Canada you get your MA first). I guess I'm trying to look it as, in the end it will get me to my goal of becoming a therapist and professor. Because if I don't accept, and I don't get in next year, I would be devastated.
But again, the location is really making this difficult.

Switching doctoral programs does happen, but I would imagine that in Canada--much as is the case here in the US--it's generally due to fairly extreme circumstances (e.g., your major professor retires or accepts a position elsewhere). Also, keep in mind that much of the credit from your MA likely wouldn't transfer between schools. Again, sometimes it happens, but more often than not it'll only save you from having to complete another thesis.

 

[BuckeyeAlum]

Just my 2 cents...

Last year, I interviewed at 7 schools. I loved 3 of them, liked 3 others, and hated 1. Honestly, I probably would have turned down the one school had it been my only choice b/c it was sooo not a good fit for me. It just would not have gotten me anywhere near the career I'm shooting for.

The schools I "liked" were not my favorite, but I knew I could be happy there and receive a great education. I would definitely have accepted at my less-favorite schools.

As for funding - that's a tough one and not a situation I've had to deal with. I would generally say that go with whatever school you receive funding unless you would be absolutely miserable there. We just do not make enough money after grad school to attend a program that isn't funded (if there is a choice).