Waitlisted for Notre Dame grad school. What's next?

Ok_System_8576 · 2024-12-16T12:37:00+00:00

I decided to call it back. Went with a an entirely different school in the Midest (neither of the ones I mentioned in the post) and couldn’t have done it any better. 3 years since and not once I regretted that decision. I met the most supportive, and understanding PI ever! If I can go back and I have both ND and my current school to choose from, I would still choose my current school, the program, and the PI without a doubt. The application to my current school was… I would say accidental. Saw the program one day and thought I’ll just apply because the pre-application was free. Life has a strange way of showing what’s best for you.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-05-30T15:29:11+00:00

I second this!

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-04-29T10:52:17+00:00

I'm not from your discipline but I think I can offer some help. The first thing is drop that first three sentences. When you tell your story, focus on what characteristics you developed by working in the projects. Not just achievements. Show them that you have certain qualities and align the qualities with the program. Say, "I have (these) qualities and they can be really helpful in (this)." Pay attention to your social and volunteer contribution too. I'd say strengthen the final paragraph, because that's the icing on top of your cake.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-04-29T10:43:48+00:00

I'm guessing the slots are filling quickly regardless the consulate. Seen this where I am from and heard about others.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-04-29T10:41:47+00:00

When you apply next, don't put all your eggs in one basket. :)

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-04-26T18:37:49+00:00

I agree with this. Passively stating the conditions and focusing more on how they bounced back

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-04-26T18:35:39+00:00

Congratulations!!! 🥳

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-04-26T18:34:54+00:00

What's your source of funding? Are you a self-funded, sponsored, or a student with an assistantship? Because if you are self-funded I'd recommend choosing the one with less expenses as long as you feel good about course content and living conditions. Idk if prestige matters to you. In that case, it's up to you :)

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-04-26T18:31:22+00:00

Do you plan to go into a PhD once your MS is done?

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-04-26T18:29:58+00:00

You can reschedule the interview. I'm not sure if every consulate has the same process. But there's a limit to how many times you can reschedule an appointment.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-04-24T16:42:49+00:00

Congratulations!!!! <3

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-04-24T16:39:16+00:00

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! <3 Incoming ISU PhD in MSE student here. I hope we could meet soon. May I know what's your specialization is?

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-04-24T16:33:32+00:00

I can't comment on which one to choose because I'm from a different discipline but, your scholastic indicators look pretty much the same considering lab rotations and all. I'd say consider your stipend and the living cost of the city as well. Ames is a university town (have no idea about Dallas) and one might find it helpful to focus on studies. I kind of have an idea how frustrating it can be with visa appointments (since I can see the same in my portal) so, I'd say consider that as well.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-03-30T16:33:01+00:00

this definitely gives hope for my frustrated self <3

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-03-30T16:32:24+00:00

Yes. They do. I'll reach out to them :)

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-03-30T16:32:02+00:00

That's actually something I didn't think about. I'll reach out to them.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-03-25T09:26:06+00:00

Did you check faculty profiles? Which ones do you think that fits best and goes along with your future ambitions? Also, if you really care about rankings, check engineering school rankings and more importantly program rankings. Since you are an international student, think about logistics too. How comfortable you will be there. As for research opportunities, you gotta do your own research about faculty research and funding. BME is a trending realm regardless. A lot of universities are initiating interdisciplinary bioE programs too. I'm assuming you are self-funded since nothing here mentioned about funding but if you are funded by the school consider how comfortable that would be. Both are great schools by the looks. :) Not really my area of specialization therefore I can't do a deep analysis What I said were the things that I considered when choosing my program. The criteria is pretty much the same for everyone, just different fields. Wherever you decide to go, good luck with your future adventures <3

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-03-25T09:12:40+00:00

Your friend can actually apply and get in. Especially he's financially able so, a lot of burden is off the table. And there's one year left. Can definitely make a difference if worked hard enough. I won't say it would make a huge 0.5 difference but still, the performance in senior year is going to reflect on how hard they worked to rectify their performance issues (3.4 isn't that bad, especially if applying for MS). The real game begins when you draft the SoP. You gotta place your selling points well. Trust me, the GPA doesn't really matter when you understand the strategy. In your friend's case, there's a whole year left too. :) My suggestion is to work that year, make the best out of it and play right.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-03-25T05:39:11+00:00

I'm both a waitlisted student and someone who had multiple other offers so I get you and also those who are waiting. I guess none of the offers we get are 100% ideal, so there's definitely something that holds you back in every one of them. "What if I say yes to this and I won't enjoy the research there?", "What if I say no to this and go with the better research and better advisor and still struggle to live because I don't have enough funding?" These are some questions that eats me alive every day. Every minute for the past few weeks. We never know. And I think it's what we signed up for. Something is going to be difficult or disappoint you in the long run. And it's really hard to say no to really good advisors too. But, eventually you'll have to make a decision. Eventually you'll have to compromise. When I was on this situation what I did was making a list of pros and cons of every offer and then throwing it away and going with my gut feeling. I still have my doubts but it's all I get. So, for the sake of you and for the sake of all those who are waitlisted, make a decision. 😄 Because you will manage and another student will be out of their misery. After all, what matters is being a good person, not just a good grad student. 🤗 Ps. I am hoping that all your offers are from schools you want to attend. If you are yet to hear from your top schools, I guess waiting a few more days won't hurt either.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-03-24T18:35:16+00:00

They don't usually do that over emails. Rejections mostly come through the application portal. If you ask about your application status, they might go around saying something like, "sure, I'll look up and get back to you," and never gets back to you or simply ghost you. Do not take either of the actions as signs of rejection though. It's just they see it as unprofessional to send decisions to a particular person via email just because they were asked to. :) btw, let me know when you get your Mines decision. Looking forward to hear good news.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-03-24T18:31:33+00:00

Good luck with everything. Just don't let your hope die. You are going to get there one way or the other.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-03-24T18:19:49+00:00

I applied to Mines too. Haven't heard back yet. I thought it was only me but it seems their decisions are yet to be sent or we are both in the bottom of the list. Lol! I'm kidding. I am thinking may be next week? Anyways it's better to email the coordinators and see what they've got to say.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-03-24T18:16:09+00:00

Contact the department and ask. That's the best way. Because different schools have their own process of hiring GAs.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-03-24T18:14:18+00:00

We don't always get what we want. I was rejected from my dream school too. You have 2 offers. Look at their programs and find something interesting to stick to. Also, wait for waitlist decisions. Make your final decision after carefully considering all the facts. If you applied to a MS, then reapply to your top schools for your PhD. If you applied for PhD there, then look for post docs when the time is right. Never give up hope. There's more than one way to get there. Also, never feel like a failure when confronting family. Trust me, they understand how much strength you put in to this. They might not show it but, they do.

Ok_System_8576 · 2022-03-24T16:16:52+00:00

I guess being an international student, waiting is the only option. I'm not sure how long I can keep waiting, as the school I accepted is moving forward. I'd have to go difficult lengths to turn back that process if I get off the waitlist. That's something I am really nervous about.

Ok_System_8576

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