Still Waiting 2009.... Share your ambivalence!

WhatCanYouDoFermi? · Post by **WhatCanYouDoFermi?** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 6:57 pm

With all of the acceptances going out it's getting more and more agonizing every day!

PoincareSection · Post by **PoincareSection** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 6:59 pm

This thread is much needed. Especially tonight now that everyone is getting phone calls and emails.

bosem · Post by **bosem** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:01 pm

Yah man I hear you. Irony is I started the "... Share your joy" thread and I am on the "ambivalence" thread. Anyway, I am still happy for the guys who got into their program of choice and hope they would withdraw their applications from their backup schools making some room for me.

PoincareSection · Post by **PoincareSection** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:02 pm

At least it's still too early to freak out.

WhatCanYouDoFermi? · Post by **WhatCanYouDoFermi?** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:03 pm

The worst part is that I now dread the weekend because I know we won't hear anything again until Monday. Terrible!

PoincareSection · Post by **PoincareSection** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:03 pm

WhatCanYouDoFermi? wrote:The worst part is that I now dread the weekend because I know we won't hear anything again until Monday. Terrible!

haha... I was just explaining to someone how I now hate Fridays.

babazula · Post by **babazula** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:05 pm

well i am wondering if committees evaluate all application together, or is there a priority for natives?
as an international, i am really hoping that there is a priority for natives, since UCSB, my top chice, has released admissions...

grae313 · Post by **grae313** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:06 pm

PoincareSection wrote:
WhatCanYouDoFermi? wrote:The worst part is that I now dread the weekend because I know we won't hear anything again until Monday. Terrible!
haha... I was just explaining to someone how I now hate Fridays.

Ah yes, I remember the Friday hatred

I still checked my mail/email like 15 times a day on the weekends, even though I knew I wouldn't be getting anything. It's a tough time of the year.

grae313 · Post by **grae313** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:07 pm

babazula wrote:well i am wondering if committees evaluate all application together, or is there a priority for natives?
as an international, i am really hoping that there is a priority for natives, since UCSB, my top chice, has released admissions...

Admissions are released in waves. The ones coming in now are the earliest, but the majority of the decisions will only be out by the end of February. Domestic applicants also may be considered first from what I've heard from a few people.

WhatCanYouDoFermi? · Post by **WhatCanYouDoFermi?** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:22 pm

Each time I see another Cornell acceptance w/ fellowship, I die a little inside...

Excalibur1986 · Post by **Excalibur1986** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:24 pm

I'm crossing my fingers for a UCSB email. I have about 1.5 hours left before 5pm PST. Tick-Tock Tick-Tock.

grae313 · Post by **grae313** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:28 pm

WhatCanYouDoFermi? wrote:Each time I see another Cornell acceptance w/ fellowship, I die a little inside...

All it means is that if you get into Cornell, you might have to TA instead of having a fellowship

...

The bulk of admission offers will go out mid to late February.

PoincareSection · Post by **PoincareSection** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:30 pm

grae313 wrote:
WhatCanYouDoFermi? wrote:Each time I see another Cornell acceptance w/ fellowship, I die a little inside...
All it means is that if you get into Cornell, you might have to TA instead of having a fellowship ...

The bulk of admission offers will go out mid to late February.

You are SO lucky to be done with this!!! lol

Ren · Post by **Ren** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:36 pm

shouldn't it be 'share your frustration' ?

come on... Hawaii... Call me...

vaibhavtewari · Post by **vaibhavtewari** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:41 pm

I have applied to 10 universities, and haven't heard from any. I check my email zillion times during the day, I see a little shimmering hope for some result when my google shows a red M on it and finally when I check my mail its nothing but something like you have been tagged on such and such photograph..huh

anerac · Post by **anerac** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:51 pm

Ren wrote:shouldn't it be 'share your frustration' ?

come on... Hawaii... Call me...

Don't worry, Hawaii will call, things just run a bit slow there. They call it being on Hawaiian time... aka late

Helio · Post by **Helio** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 8:03 pm

Ren wrote:shouldn't it be 'share your frustration' ?

come on... Hawaii... Call me...

I am staring at my phone as well.... Are you going to the UT open house because there are only 4 people coming to the later one it seems

metric · Post by **metric** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 8:13 pm

If you want to feel a bit better about your status, think that even if you're accepted you won't feel completely OK. I'm like "OK, so now what?" I applied to one-just-one place and they have accepted me, so this is it?. I've been planning this for an entire year, taking the freaking tests, reminding recommenders to send their letters and suddenly everything stops. ETS should send some idiotic sample tests to allow us to unwind slowly. This is what post-partum depression must feels like

Ren · Post by **Ren** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 8:13 pm

Helio wrote:
Ren wrote:shouldn't it be 'share your frustration' ?

come on... Hawaii... Call me...
I am staring at my phone as well.... Are you going to the UT open house because there are only 4 people coming to the later one it seems

I'm not sure yet, but it seems like I'll be going to the March one. wait, does that mean I'll see you there?

Helio · Post by **Helio** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 8:14 pm

Ren wrote:
Helio wrote:
Ren wrote:shouldn't it be 'share your frustration' ?

come on... Hawaii... Call me...
I am staring at my phone as well.... Are you going to the UT open house because there are only 4 people coming to the later one it seems
I'm not sure yet, but it seems like I'll be going to the March one. wait, does that mean I'll see you there?

Yes I will be there March 12th to 14th

WhatCanYouDoFermi? · Post by **WhatCanYouDoFermi?** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 8:24 pm

Ren wrote:shouldn't it be 'share your frustration' ?

Well, the positive part about it is that you at least haven't been rejected yet!

coreycwgriffin · Post by **coreycwgriffin** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 8:53 pm

I just want one school to accept me now. I don't care what one, I just want to say, "I'm going to graduate school". The rest can let me know April 14, for all I care.

fermiboy · Post by **fermiboy** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 9:49 pm

Wow, this thread was my life last year. It's still early, if you haven't heard anything yet don't worry. A lot of schools accept in waves, and it really doesn't matter what wave you ride in on as long as you get there in the end.

robertson · Post by **robertson** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 9:57 pm

Same here! 8 applications and no news. At least I see that I'm not the only one checking the mail every 5 minutes, it's kinda hard when no one around you is going through the same process, they all know they will be accepted in their chosen university because in Spain is much easier. Good luck guys, don't give up, we'll be celebrating admissions in a few days, trust me!

confused_p · Post by **confused_p** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 12:19 am

I am really glad someone has started this thread. I have been sucking myself for so long that I really feel suicidal. I have received confirmation from two of my schools but these are not the schools I wanted to go inside out when I was initially thinking to go to graduate program. I just hate Cornell, MIT an UCSD for not telling me yes or no. Just tell me one thing and I will be fine with you. I just want to hear some decision. I hate the pain of waiting. I feel it more agonizing then anything else now.

happymonkey · Post by **happymonkey** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 12:32 am

@coreycwgriffin: this is exactly how I feel. I know what I want to do and if I won't be able to do it, at least in an institution, I'll be crushed for a month but then maybe I can move on(?). Not knowing is just painful.

naseermk · Post by **naseermk** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 12:49 am

Just heard from the DGS (@ Minnesota) that my application is rather weak and that my chances for admission is low.

- On further probing apparently 1/3 professors think so [with the DGS + another professor leaning towards my side]

Nitty gritty details of the whole process.

evilclaw2321 · Post by **evilclaw2321** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 11:35 am

I've applied to 10 schools and not a peep from any of them, it is mental torture. I too check my email a million times a day then run home to check the regular mail. I feel like I'm literally going crazy and now a few people at my school have started getting accepted (including to one of the places I applied). Why can't they just hurry up and decide so I can know.

t!m · Post by **t!m** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 12:02 pm

To all of you weekend nay-sayers - I actually heard back from one of my schools at 12:30pm on a Saturday (via e-mail). I was brushing my teeth at the time (yes I woke up late) and heard the characteristic Apple Mail *ding* indicating a new message. I leisurely walked over, expecting that it couldn't be a grad school ... and then had to celebrate awkwardly with a toothbrush in my mouth when it was. So I say continue obsessively checking your e-mail!

mhazelm · Post by **mhazelm** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 2:33 pm

I was fine until I heard that UCSB has sent out some decisions... I haven't heard anything! And so far all the other senior physics students at my school have already been accepted to schools, so I'm the nervous loner out right now...

Hopefully it is just still too early to know much. In the meantime I wrote a fake email acceptance to myself and emailed it from my home email to my school email. I keep opening it and pretending it's the real deal. Is that pathetic or what?

babazula · Post by **babazula** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 2:56 pm

mhazelm wrote:I was fine until I heard that UCSB has sent out some decisions... I haven't heard anything! And so far all the other senior physics students at my school have already been accepted to schools, so I'm the nervous loner out right now...

Hopefully it is just still too early to know much. In the meantime I wrote a fake email acceptance to myself and emailed it from my home email to my school email. I keep opening it and pretending it's the real deal. Is that pathetic or what?

- thegradcafee -2008 admissions -

University Of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Physics, PhD Accepted via E-mail on 25 Feb 2008 4 Mar 2008
University Of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Physics, PhD Accepted via E-mail on 26 Feb 2008 26 Feb 2008
University Of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Physics, PhD Accepted via E-mail on 25 Feb 2008 26 Feb 2008
University Of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Physics, PhD Accepted via E-mail on 25 Feb 2008 25 Feb 2008
University Of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Physics, PhD Accepted via E-mail on 25 Feb 2008 25 Feb 2008
University Of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Physics, PhD Accepted via E-mail on 25 Feb 2008 25 Feb 2008

apparently UCSB releases most of the admissions in late February...

Helio · Post by **Helio** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 3:34 pm

still not a word from Hawaii

tmc · Post by **tmc** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 5:57 pm

We've only heard from one UCSB result, and don't know how he heard, so they may not have released them yet.

pqortic · Post by **pqortic** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 6:09 pm

the worst question these days is when others ask you "what do ya do?" and you say "I check mail regularly". they say "why?" you say "to see whether I get admitted" and they say"huh, you haven't heard yet...!"

murs · Post by **murs** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 8:29 pm

applied to 8 schools and heard from one. I'm happy about getting in, but I'm still going crazy about not hearing anything from anyone else!

gnatman · Post by **gnatman** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:19 pm

I've applied to 10 places, no acceptance, and no rejections yet. I just need one place to say yes, then all the rest of them can say no and I'll still be happy.

I hope I don't have to wait until the end of the month...

dlenmn · Post by **dlenmn** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:58 pm

I hate to say it, but getting one response doesn't really satisfy most people. If a school towards the end of your list gives you the thumbs up, you start itching all the harder about the ones you like more. Hell, even if a school you like lets you in, sometimes it still doesn't help much. Last year, I found a little Team Fortress 2 did wonders for my compulsive email checking... Find what works for you, then sit back and relax, because sometimes closure only comes real close to tax day.

robertson · Post by **robertson** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 11:03 pm

I already did that, two words: Warhammer Online. This *** is the only thing that helps me to avoid the truth about this process

Also my girlfriend, and the QFT and Elementary particles exams, but definitely WAR the most. And some say videogames are bad, no way! Good luck

Helio · Post by **Helio** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 11:07 pm

Why so modern? StaCraft does the trick... I need a new computer for Starcra... Grad school of course

dlenmn · Post by **dlenmn** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 12:41 am

I can't wait for StarCraft 2. I still play the original -- including at school occasionally... A Korean first year student keeps kicking my ass though... Go figure.

Definitely not an excuse for a new computer though.

Helio · Post by **Helio** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 12:59 am

dlenmn wrote:I can't wait for StarCraft 2. I still play the original -- including at school occasionally... A Korean first year student keeps kicking my ass though... Go figure.

Definitely not an excuse for a new computer though.

it was meant as a joke. I just need a bigger screen because my powerbook gave out (after having everything replaced, but the screen) on me I bought a used macbook with 13.3 inch screen and with all the stuff i need to do for my research it is a pain at times

i remember all the korean kids at my high/middle school. They somedays just whipped out laptos and started playing

dlenmn · Post by **dlenmn** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 1:21 am

Helio wrote:it was meant as a joke.

Don't joke about my religion like that!

Helio · Post by **Helio** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 1:46 am

dlenmn wrote:
Helio wrote:it was meant as a joke.
Don't joke about my religion like that!

you have a religion? Do you play around of starcraft every sunday?

sterculus · Post by **sterculus** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 2:00 am

Truly pious disciples of Starcraft must 'worship' for at least three hours per day.

confused_p · Post by **confused_p** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 2:47 am

I like the humor coming to this thread. I am too f***ing tired checking my email for all those stupid facebook crap. GOD send me some acceptances from top schools. Waiting ... waiting ... waiting ..

check this one in the mean time http://lh4.ggpht.com/_S0f-AWxKVdM/SSmK4 ... 5B2%5D.jpg

happymonkey · Post by **happymonkey** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 10:35 pm

It appears UC Davis and Irvine have sent out their acceptance letters. So now I'm waiting for rejection letters.

fastones3 · Post by **fastones3** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 11:08 pm

happymonkey wrote:It appears UC Davis and Irvine have sent out their acceptance letters. So now I'm waiting for rejection letters.

Most schools send out admissions in waves so pump your brakes kid.

Excalibur1986 · Post by **Excalibur1986** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 11:10 pm

happymonkey wrote:It appears UC Davis and Irvine have sent out their acceptance letters. So now I'm waiting for rejection letters.

Don't be so pessimistic--at least not yet. UCI notified me 2/2 that my application was complete and being evaluated. I hardly believe they cranked through the stacks of applications in 3 days and sent out all of the acceptances. If anything, I believe they are admitting students on a rolling basis, where if someone on the committee thinks a particularly strong candidate should be admitted they will send out a letter before evaluating all of the other candidates. Give it another week before losing hope.

mhazelm · Post by **mhazelm** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 12:58 am

a week before losing hope? that's awful. I won't lose all hope until April. And even then, I won't lose hope till April 2010.

So don't despair. And it could be worse, we could all be fleeing from aggressive space aliens trying to kill us right now. Or even worse: Bush could have found a way for a 3rd term in office.

coreycwgriffin · Post by **coreycwgriffin** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 1:11 am

mhazelm wrote:a week before losing hope? that's awful. I won't lose all hope until April. And even then, I won't lose hope till April 2010.

So don't despair. And it could be worse, we could all be fleeing from aggressive space aliens trying to kill us right now. Or even worse: Bush could have found a way for a 3rd term in office.

I like how, according to you, a third Bush term is worse than extraterrestrial annihilation.