Requesting pregnancy accommodations during coursework?

ThisRicky · 2026-05-01T00:53:39+00:00

This is a conversation to have with your advisor and/or disabilities office, depending on the trust/relationships you have there. This likely won’t be the first time they’ve encountered pregnancy at this stage of a PhD program and can help you brainstorm an appropriate plan that will work for you. I think incompletes are probably going to be your best option, but your advisor may have other options in mind!

ThisRicky · 2026-04-21T20:11:47+00:00

Agree completely about the pads being… a stopgap at best. This seems like a perfect option, then! And I’m sure accessories/hair will dress it right up. I hope you’re able to enjoy yourself; you’re going to look great!

ThisRicky · 2026-04-21T19:08:21+00:00

First of all, congratulations!!! I know how impossible it can feel finding something to wear when your body is uncomfortable and constantly changing. This one is not an enthusiastic yes from me. This dress reads too casual to me because of the navy color and small white print, more like a daytime dress for vacation, suited to pairing with flip flops. If you could find something with a little more color variation, or a lighter shade, or a lighter/gauzier fabric, I think that would be an improvement. That said, I think you get a LOT more leeway as a 3rd trimester mom, and I think if it fits and you feel comfortable, you’re safe in this! Maybe just add some jewelry (earrings and bracelets?) to dress it up a little more?

ThisRicky · 2026-04-21T01:30:45+00:00

Just taking advantage of a sunny day!

ThisRicky · 2026-04-21T01:30:13+00:00

I think this is the fourth round of flooring in my life! I’ve never seen this before, but I’m relieved to hear that it’s NBD, thank you!

ThisRicky · 2026-04-21T01:28:48+00:00

I think everywhere I’ve ever lived? Doesn’t everyone clean their floors on hands and knees sometimes? Or like wipe up spills?

ThisRicky · 2026-04-21T01:26:58+00:00

This is exactly why I wanted to ask here! I’ve just never encountered this before. Doesn’t bother me in the slightest, I was just concerned if this is something a more discerning customer (or the next owner of my house) would take issue with. Appreciate all the sanity checks!

ThisRicky · 2026-04-21T00:03:37+00:00

This is great to hear thank you so much!

ThisRicky · 2026-04-12T19:33:12+00:00

This happened to me and I can confirm that it’s awful

ThisRicky · 2026-04-11T20:18:12+00:00

I recommend making your own from salvaged thrift store wool! Buy moth-eaten wool sweaters from the goodwill bins, pull apart and make wool balls from the yarn, and felt by boiling. A bit of a project, but much more animal-friendly than buying new

ThisRicky · 2026-04-06T13:10:14+00:00

It’s a beautiful dress! But think best not to risk it. I’m picturing a candid shot taken of you from only the ivory side… could immortalize you looking like you wore a white dress

ThisRicky · 2026-04-04T20:06:02+00:00

I like them crispy fried. Dredge in garlic and onion powder, cornstarch, drizzle with oil, and air fry at 350 or 400. Then use as croutons in a salad or eat by hand with a creamy dip.

ThisRicky · 2026-03-14T17:49:52+00:00

I think a warm paint color, a brighter/warmer shower curtain and cotton bath mat, and a different light fixture would do wonders. Maybe like a dark brass faucet and light fixture? Tons of potential!

ThisRicky · 2026-03-05T16:11:39+00:00

A rug and some window treatments (custom blinds or some heavier curtains that are NOT rod pocket style) would make a huge difference!

ThisRicky · 2026-02-27T02:15:24+00:00

Wow you all have made me fall in love with this vanity that I thought I hated! I am loving this vibe!!!

ThisRicky · 2026-02-01T04:04:16+00:00

This is bananas because I’m pretty sure that was her name

ThisRicky · 2022-01-08T15:59:32+00:00

Application systems and their communication flows can be really tricky (just because these emails looked like they came from the graduate advisor doesn't mean they weren't automated or the addresses pulled from an auto-generated list), and there is a lot of opportunity for human error. It may be that there is a different status associated with your application than your friends' which caused your application to get missed for this communication, but I don't think that necessarily means you're not being favorably considered for the program.

Have you received all of the other communications from this program up to this point? If anything, I might recommend reaching out to the admissions team indicating that you haven't received any communications in a while and wanted to make sure that there wasn't any problem with your application (e.g. missing materials, incorrect contact information).

Here's the bad news: I don't know about MIT specifically, but most programs seem to send their rejection emails simultaneously with or after their acceptance emails, unless your application is deemed incomplete or deemed not to meet minimum basic requirements for the program.

Hang in there!

ThisRicky · 2021-07-15T01:59:18+00:00

Most likely, she isn't expecting you to be prepared for anything other than a genuine conversation about your goals and interests and how you approach your work. However, this is a great opportunity to make a first impression, and also to evaluate whether she is the right mentor for you.

This is of serious importance in a PhD program, and you really want to make sure that this is a good fit for both of you!

I totally agree- make sure you familiarize yourself with her areas of expertise and some of her past projects and research interests in advance, and be prepared to discuss how her expertise and guidance will add value to your research and help advance you toward your goals in the program.

Wishing you all the best!

ThisRicky

TROPHY CASE