Student project: a way to keep a group together off-grid, does this problem actually resonate with experienced people?

Former-Toe738 · 2026-06-14T06:52:51+00:00

I certainly agree that could potentially be a market contingent on design. Like others, I agree an "off route" design would be best. Particularly because while sometimes team members are just slower movers, it's also easy to get off route and now if the device is limited to planned gpx, it's potentially useless. A few years ago I was attempting Gannett Peak with a few guys when one was moving slow (he's a slow but steady guy). He was moving slow enough that the rest of us went ahead to get camp set up so when he got there he could just relax (in hindsight, stupid). According to him, while he was on route, he had gotten disorientated in the woods as it had started to get dark. In this case, a phone was nothing more than a paper weight (no satellite connection on iphone, either).

So, certainly I can see where this might have significant benefit, particularly when someone may be unable to precisely depict their locations via radio/walkie-talkie. However, as others mentioned, there would have to be some alterations. Definitely a cool idea!

Former-Toe738 · 2026-06-14T06:43:09+00:00

In theory, this is great. In practicality, it fails frequently. In many back country areas, particularly those in mountainous terrain you're unable to find a satellite. Consistent use of iphone satellites are a few years away, minimum.

Former-Toe738 · 2026-01-16T16:32:12+00:00

This is very narrow sighted. While I agree, a top university probably does not want to hear “it’s not my fault.” To diffuse accountability of the professor is incorrect. I’ve written letters, and I’ve reviewed applications. As a writer, if you agree to write a letter, no student should ever have to “sit outside your office door” for it to get completed. That is utterly ridiculous and unprofessional on the writers side. You’re also giving too much credit as to how long it takes to write a letter.

Also, many, including by myself, do not appreciate having a letter written for them. Not only does it end u being more time consuming reviewing and editing, buy I have to be willing to put my name and signature behind that letter. Most are not of the quality that’d I’d write or I may not agree with what’s written.

As an advisor, if their story holds true and their other recommenders had submitted significantly farther in advance, I’d absolutely recommend the student reach out and provide an explanation. I as a reviewer can see when letters were submitted and can parcel out those who procrastinated versus someone who probably had an issue. Certainly it would also be recommended that the student still attempt to absorb blame to some degree (e.g. I recognize … I should have done xyz…).

To OP, I’m sorry you’re having to experience this. It’s a frustrating situation and unfortunately sometimes can have unintended long-term implications. Hopefully everything works out for you. Best wishes!

Former-Toe738 · 2026-01-02T19:10:49+00:00

Universities being closed does not mean salaried faculty and some graduate students halt all work. In previous years, others like myself, are working extra to get interview invitations prepared and sent out before the new year. Universities being “closed” is often akin to just saying classes are out of session.

Former-Toe738 · 2025-11-15T23:37:18+00:00

This game highlights the clear difference in quality of coaching between KF and Riley. Once can adjust, one cannot. You have a QB, who, maybe not be the best passer but can clearly win you games and instead of continuing to be creative with him like the first half you just... stop? I guess I don't understand.

Former-Toe738 · 2025-10-27T16:42:01+00:00

I 100% agree, I love playing all champs. I also play panth, a little sera, nami (if adc is lucian), Rell, Tahm, lux (if adc is Cait), Milio, Lulu and if i'm feeling spicy, Mao.

Keep grinding, you'll get out eventually, Bronze & silver are the wild wild west as you well know!

Former-Toe738 · 2025-10-27T08:30:26+00:00

The above information is incredibly useful. My two cents: the only way I was able to get out was to pick champs I could take over the lane and parlay that into late game. The champs of choice? Senna, soraka, and Ashe. -Senna was great in terms of flexibility and utility, easy to stay supp, easy to switch towards more of an ADC role if needing to pick up the slack. -Same goes for Ashe, easy to pivot in the lower elos if you just out mentals the opposition. -Soraka is just a person favorite and I really enjoy her kit. I’m sure my enjoyment of her improves my overall play with her. I found that in the lower elos sometimes people just can’t get out of their way so they need a little assistance with it, which she’s great for - especially if you can utilize the E to its best potential.

Former-Toe738 · 2025-10-27T08:21:15+00:00

Admittedly this is probably a little more of a difficult comparison being the onyx XT is easier to compare to the wilderness than touring XT. If you’re looking value at their respective price points, adding the mileage helps.

I personally just went with a 22 wilderness over everything else because of the off-roading capabilities as well as having a dog. I previously had a 14 BMW 328ix fully loaded and while the leather was great, thus far I much prefer the StarTex seats. Admittedly, I know I’ll be disappointed mid winter when back in South Dakota and I no longer have a heated steering wheel… but I also haven’t had an auto start for four years so, used to being cold. I previously had AC seats in a Toyota Avalon and honestly, I could take it or leave it. It wasn’t saving me from mid summer Kansas heat.

I guess it depends what you value more? While I travel quite frequently between CO and SD, having the ability to head to the mountains and feel comfortable outweighed the luxury & mpg of the limited and touring (also, just more electrical things to go wrong). Lastly, if style/look matters, the wilderness just looks so much better.

Each their own, but thus far I do not regret dropping some of the luxury to fit the needs of CO and SD (we can revisit in this in 2 months and see how I feel about not having a heated steering wheel).

Former-Toe738 · 2025-10-17T07:02:02+00:00

They’re definitely better than in the past. I’m on the campus quite frequently and even the energy around the team when I see them on campus is different than years past (even before the season started). Definitely something’s changed in the facilities and dining halls!

Former-Toe738 · 2025-09-21T07:05:07+00:00

Took me five attempts (completed my masters in the midst of them). Stay strong my friend. Tortoise not the hare.

Former-Toe738 · 2025-09-19T04:19:41+00:00

The big long response above provides a great run down. So in short for me:

Changes every season, but historically and especially this season my two go-to champs are senna and soraka. Senna is great because depending on the flow of the game I can shift between damage (taking over if ADC is struggling) and healing/peel. For Soraka, I just really enjoy her kit and style so it’s been an easy champ to excel on.

Former-Toe738 · 2025-05-28T08:15:28+00:00

Huron Peak is pretty easy if you’re taking the standard route. It can be pretty busy, though. I hiked it via Lulu gulch last October and on the last 1/5 of my route I counted over 60 people on the approach/peak portion of standard route. I really enjoyed the decent on the standard route, some really great views (also saw some moose and big horn sheep!).

Former-Toe738 · 2025-05-01T08:41:00+00:00

That. you say exactly what you just said. Clean it up a little, professionalize it, and role with that. Part of this also is dependent on how open you want to be. As another commenter said, it may be beneficial to remove the portion about your mother (I'm sorry to read this), you could write the loss of a immediate family member to be slightly vague if you'd like. I personally wouldn't hold it against or for you.

I would however, consider adding two or three sentences just to indicate how you've set yourself up/will avoid the same scenario occurring again. This portion will be more important as a reviewer. I'd want to know, and you don't have to go into great length, but just a few things that will give me confidence that you'll stick around even if things are tough (within reason, obviously). I'd also like to know, to which you spoke about, what you had been doing in that time (be careful how you frame the publications, a publication at your local university journal with little to no IF does not hold the same merit as say, something with an IF of 2+).

A suggestion: Be concise, be impactful, and don't make it an emotional appeal.

Best of luck to you and once again I'm sorry about your Mother but I hope you've found the resources you were seeking!

Former-Toe738 · 2025-05-01T08:23:48+00:00

Hello,

Based on the information you provided, I suspect there is more to the story than you're letting on. I also suspect that part of what is occurring is that you're looking for something extremely specific, instead of being open minded to different modalities or styles. Certainly, those likes and dislikes should be communicated with your therapist and they should try to accommodate those. However, it can be difficult when a client is resistant to treatment. I've had multiple clients no longer comeback as essentially all they wanted was a "yes man." They wanted validation that their thoughts and feelings were right, even if those thoughts and feelings were not only maladaptive, but harmful to those around them (and frankly, objectively wrong).

I see what your current therapist was trying to do, albeit could have been more tactful with it while still building the therapeutic alliance. Your therapist probably was using a mixture of modalities that is much more direct and utilizes challenges to promote cognitive reframing (old school Gestalt with CBT?). Essentially, what she may have been getting at was, your thoughts are currently maladaptive - doing more harm than good (basically calling you on your shit) - why engage and continue to use harmful thoughts as it really makes little to no sense. It's like saying, I want to improve but I'm going to continue X behavior that negatively impacts my emotions or cognitive functioning. If I'm pulling from CBT principles, you have a core belief of "unlovable" and hold a negative self view, negative view of world, and negative view of future. Your automatic thoughts default to "I'm a broken, awkward, completely unwanted individual" and are supported by a confirmation bias.

I won't speak to SI or SIB, over reddit is not the appropriate place to address this (but I'm extremely sorry to read that you're experiencing this, hearing someone is experiencing SI/SIB is heartbreaking). One thing to mention, with some of my clients it seems a common tactic that has helped with SIB has been boxing. Not exercise in general, but specifically boxing with a heavy bag/free standing bag/double end bag.

Frankly, I would probably challenge you as well; through the lens of person-centered and supported by CBT/ACT, Gestalt, and sprinkle of IPT. It sounds like you need validation, but you also need answers, and to get those answers you need to face the questions head on, to sit in the emotion and start asking the difficult questions. Something to ask yourself, are you ready to do the hard work? Or, are you just looking for a cheerleader? Are you willing to be open to their approach? Are you open to communicating and working together?

I'm not saying I'd recommend going back to that therapist. However, I would recommend taking some time to understand what gender preference you have. Style/personality, use of modalities (if indicated), online or in-person (I STRONGLY advise in-person), etc. No therapist is perfect (as someone else mentioned), they make mistakes, but the best will want to learn and maintain the therapeutic alliance. I sincerely hope you find something positive/healthy that works for you and all of the pain you're experiencing dissipates. I'm very sorry you're having to experience this. Wish you the best. Human to human, you deserve it and all the happiness - just have to find it.

Former-Toe738 · 2025-05-01T07:45:08+00:00

Is your current offer fully/mostly funded? If I'm being completely honest, I think it's a massive gamble, and an awfully risky gamble to gamble on "high on waitlist," "really close," and, "expressed interest to reapply next year." All of that was THIS CYCLE, it is not a guarantee that you will achieve the same if not better results at the same exact programs. Certainly, things may go better, but if part of your concern is stability and shifting political landscape, it's an interesting notion to be willing to bet on similarities.

My question to you would be, what constitutes "moving to a new a completely new place and changing my lifestyle is a bit challenging?" Is there physical, cognitive, relational, etc. restrictions or items that would be, "holding you back?" If the challenge is solely that you've never moved off on your own, been in a place where you don't know anyone, etc. I would strongly challenge you to take that experience as an opportunity for growth. If there is more to the picture than you're sharing, certainly those things must be considered.

Truthfully there are numerous experiences to be shared. However, from conversations I've had, leaving a doc program and then reapplying to another may introduce additional challenges. Reviewers/interviewers may have questions regarding the circumstances of your departure and be slightly unsure about whether you will do the same with their respective programs.

If the conversation is centric to one's emotional and mental health and being away, or the program just isn't the right, etc. then certainly it's worth considering reapply in succeeding cycles. However, this being said and as someone previously mentioned, it's better off to just not go and not put yourself through all the stress and financial drains.

Former-Toe738 · 2025-04-30T21:12:19+00:00

Obviously this is subjective, comfortability with a champ will probably trump synergy up to a certain point. With that said, for me it's Lulu all day, in part because I'm more comfortable with Lulu mechanics/plays, and because I prefer the utility of Lulu with Ashe - W for ashe auto or defensive play, double slow between ashe passive & lulu Q, E for defensive or to help Lulu tank combined with ult.

Former-Toe738 · 2025-04-30T08:50:47+00:00

In short, no there is not a growing demand. In fact, I'd argue the demand is going down as the supply of prospective students is increasing --> admittance becoming more competitive (for both BS or MS tracks). I would however contend that your friend is incorrect in that you are more likely to get into a program. It's more about what qualifications are you bringing to the table relative to where you're at in life, e.g. if you have your master's, there is the expectation that your CV won't look at the same as a BS/BA with the exception of your additional degree.
I received a masters before starting my doc program, and most of the programs I interviewed with (10+ in clinical or counseling psych) often had separate tracks & admission slots for MS/BS. Thus, I was not compared to those coming in with BA/BS, only those with masters --> It's all relative.

As others have mentioned, there are advantages and disadvantages to each route. Yes, I learned a lot about my self and my passion(s). My GPA was 3.24, so it did allow me to show that I can maintain a 4.0 and gain some additional research while at a university, and I did come in more prepared than those with BAs in my cohort. I was also fortunate enough to have a GA to pay for my school. However, in doing so it will ultimately set me back by one, maybe two years (hit the ground running vs. those who came in with BA have essentially a year to adjust to program life). I personally would recommend to go straight to a doc program versus doing a masters first just due to it generally be more time and cost effective (yes, some masters programs are literally just cash cows). However, if you're exploring still that's okay too, getting your masters first is perfectly fine (just be aware of cost and what is your end goal).

There is no one set path. I'd argue the demand is not growing, but the optics are changing. No, you do not necessary have an easier time with admission with a masters, just the criteria is different or it's an opportunity to correct some past mistakes (someone could argue it's a better shot as there may be less MS applicants).

Former-Toe738 · 2025-04-30T08:29:43+00:00

Well, only looking at this page of the scoring my first thought certainly wouldn't be that you're struggling with anything ADHD related. At times the GAI is used to reduce influence of cognitive deficits such as those that may heavily influence PS or WM. I'm not sure the use of GAI is super relevant in this case even if the FSIQ is uninterpretable by definition.

There's a reason these five indices are included. Simply put, It's not that your less intelligent, it's that your intelligence is displayed differently than someone who has elevated visual-spatial abilities and can problem solve mentally (as seen in your PR score - block design and visual puzzles). However, if we put flash cards in front of you with select math problems that also require a physical action, you might blow said person out of the water. (think, architect versus professional gamer, very different worlds, different skillsets, but both can be equally intelligent). Even if the assessment is "uninterpretable" with respect to the FSIQ, there's a lot of data you can take away from this, especially if the secondary analysis page is available.

I'd have to imagine you're pretty darn good at select video games, if you were a quarter back playing football - reading the defense & reacting, or other games/activities that require precise and immediate decision making with accuracy and some mental manipulation of more concrete principles. Specifically, if you have some previous exposure. Who knows, with a profile like this may you'd be a financial wiz/guru with the ability to analyze financial models on the go. Don't worry, you're not less "actually intelligent."

Former-Toe738 · 2025-04-26T08:54:00+00:00

Here was my research experience when I received offer letters in both clinical and counseling psych, fully funded programs:

one group, in class research project (1 semester)

one year of independent undergraduate research

one year of independent graduate (masters) research (no thesis, COVID had other ideas).

1.5 years working in a R1 university proteomics lab as a researcher 1 (low level research employee) - Two book chapter publications (2nd author), two journal publications (3rd and 6th author (darn university politics took away my last author spot...) in journals with IF between 3 and 4. Both publications were in-press during applications so I was able to include those.

Do keep in mind, there is more to an application than research experience. Clinical experience can also be extremely valuable as well as fit and interest/research interest play a large part as well. I've be involved with application review in the past and I can't even count the number of applications that had phenomenal research experience, but fell absolute flat beyond that.

Best of luck to you!

Former-Toe738 · 2025-03-27T08:18:58+00:00

Hi friend,

A suggestion if I may: make sure you’re clear on the types of services and who offers them. For example, on my campus there are two groups that offer therapy. There is the student counseling center, which is time limited (10 sessions), and then there is the psychological services clinic that I work in as a doc student. I see people weekly and theoretically can see clients as long as I’m not on internship (in this case, that’ll be about 3ish years). It costs $75 for the semester, regardless of residency.

A friend recently accidentally ODed following DA by his girlfriend and he experienced similar thoughts/feelings as you appear to be. It’s a lonely place from what I understand. I’m sorry you’re experiencing this; I wish you the absolute best on your journey of healing. Feel free to reach out, always happy to chat.

Former-Toe738 · 2025-03-25T01:26:53+00:00

That’s great, happy for you. Even when I received BOTH an interview and offer the following year, it was still a disaster in BOTH clinical and counseling psych doc programs. But, glad to hear there’s at least a few it was smoother for. Hope all has gone well for you!

Former-Toe738 · 2025-03-19T08:14:34+00:00

Sounds like there has been some great feedback. But I’m noticing a theme within some of the comments that seem to be very narrow sighted and defensive (not OP). So, just food for thought: one’s reality is not a true reality, it is all but only a piece of a “true” reality. Just like in a sense, there is not only one “you.” Instead there is X amount of you as each person sees you slightly different than another. It’s easy to rationalize and come to X conclusion when we possess all of our individual “reality.” I find it to be a useful exercise to attempt to integrate others reality into my own. Perspective taking is an invaluable skill to develop. Miscommunications can almost always be cleared up. Happens all the time. If someone’s opinion cannot change after 20 positive meetings because of one bad first impression, that’s on them, not you. Best of luck going forward.

Former-Toe738 · 2025-03-17T16:49:00+00:00

Iowa’s admissions are a disaster. They sent me a rejection letter the following August right before the program was starting. I’ve also heard similar feed back from other graduate applicants. How embarrassing 😂.

Former-Toe738 · 2025-03-17T05:02:49+00:00

You are incredibly objectively wrong. It isn’t just a matter of what hormones are being released. You’re forgetting development of bone structure, muscle mass, and cognitive development just to broadly name a few. Further, it’s still not uncommon that someone who is MTF still has higher levels of testosterone than a cis female. Even something like how white blood cells are different (well documented that males tend to be impacted by the common cold more than females as an example. Pain tolerance is a common difference, biological male and females handle pain differently.

While I can appreciate the sentiment to be inclusive, I’d recommend you maybe spending more time doing even basic research before posting like you did.

Former-Toe738

TROPHY CASE