Hi everyone,

I’m an Indian student looking to pursue an MS in Data Science in the USA, and I’m considering universities like Northeastern University (NEU), Arizona State University (ASU), George Washington University (GWU), Syracuse University, and DePaul University. I have a low GRE score and I’m wondering if these schools would be flexible in waiving the GRE requirement, especially considering my profile. Here’s a quick summary:

• GPA: 2.89

• Publications: 3 research papers

• Conferences: 4 conferences attended and presented (including national and international conferences)

• Internships: Interned at IITM Pune

• Technical Blogs: Published blogs on TOI readers’ blog

• Volunteering: Active with Robin Hood Army

• Honors: 3rd Best Paper Award at National Conference on Cyber Forensics, Selected for Oxford Summer Courses and ACM India Winter School (couldn’t attend due to academic restrictions)

Since I have strong research, practical experience, and technical projects but a low GRE score, I’m hoping to get insights into the following:

• How likely are ASU, NEU, GWU, Syracuse, and DePaul to waive the GRE requirement or consider it optional given my profile as an international applicant?

• How much weight do they place on extracurriculars, publications, and work experience when the GRE score is waived or not a strong factor?

• Does my GPA make me less competitive at these schools, or can my research and experience help balance that out?

Any advice or experiences from international applicants (especially those with similar backgrounds) would be greatly appreciated!

Hi everyone,

I graduated from community college and UC Berkeley with a GPA of 2.82. I'm interested in pursuing a master's degree in computer science, but I'm looking at non-research tracks rather than thesis-based programs.

Given my GPA, do I still have a chance of getting accepted into a CS master's program? If so, what kind of strategies would you recommend to strengthen my application?

Thanks in advance for your advice and insights!

I decided to apply this cycle pretty late. I really was/am confused about a PhD. But I did choose 3 colleges that I would want to go. So, I had no safe unis.

I did my best in the time I had and got all materials submitted on time! (Though didnt get one on priority deadline)

Good luck to everyone applying!!!

I’ve applied to most of the schools I’ve heard of for EE or CS PhD Programs, are they all tier 1-2 schools?

University of Virginia

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin, Madison

University of Minnesota, Twin City

University of Nevada, Vegas

University of Texas, Austin

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Rackham)

University of Chicago

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Are they the same tiers?

hey! I want to talk with some anthro phd applicants here (USA) via comments.
I think many anthro students will get this, but our field is too broad (I have an anthro MA, and even my MA thesis has like five different themes.. It received a good grade also!) I sometimes feel like everything could be my writing sample. I have two first-authored paper (but all not anthropology, humanities, idk it happened like that), co-authored papers (def cannot submit this because it is co-authored), an MA thesis, the term paper that I am particularly proud of grammar and syntax and got the highest grade (I am from a country where grade A is like given to two people out of fifty), and the additional 30 page writing (i know, i need to trim down for schools who has page limit) that bridges my MA thesis and proposed PhD topic.

For schools with no page limits like some UC schools, I went with the last option as I am proud of it, but for the school who wants the shorter version like 6000 or 10 pages, I just do not have time (I think) to trim down the 30-page essay that I came up with (30-page is the amalgamation of my MA thesis findings, new theories I came up with, and connected to the assumptions I have about the PhD topic). So, I am thinking of submitting the highly edited, thus good grammar and syntax, term paper that I received the highest grade but it is not the anthropology paper (However, it is related to my MA thesis and PhD project broadly, as both my MA and PhD topics are interdisciplinary)

My question is, should I just submit the well-written but not-super-relevant-to-anthropology paper for schools who want shorter writing samples, or should I work my ass for the next 10 hours and trim down my 30-page long essay? It is just that I have many disabilities, and English is not my first language, so I am just daunted to edit it that drastically within that short amount of time...

For my MA thesis, although it received the good grade, when I was writing, I was extrmeley sick, so the quality of syntax, grammar, and everything is not really good compared to my most recent 30-pge writing or the term paper :/

Hello, guys. I'm in a bizarre situation; I'm currently doing my bachelor's, and I have been pursuing an off-campus research opportunity which would result in a thesis. The Supervisor is from a foreign university, and the co-supervisor is from my university. The supervisor bombarded me with a lot of work, I ended up doing 1 of my 3 deliverables, which according to all the PhD students is more than enough work for a bachelor's thesis, and they are very appreciative of my work, however, my supervisor is not satisfied, he has impossible standards, he isn't even funding me in an expensive city. He isn't willing to sign on my thesis. Luckily, this setback won't stop my coursework at my home university. my question is, when I submit my CV for grad school admissions, how should I go about putting this work up there( I have anyways decided I will not be asking this guy for a LOR because I have many strong LORS) But how do I list it in my CV is my main question. Please help me out. Cheers!!. Thank you

TLDR- My supervisor has screwed me up big time

Hi, all. I am willing to appear for GMAT in the last week of Dec. Had prepared for CAT this year, did decently. But I want to increase my options and I am in a bit of dilemma. As the application deadlines for R2 for most universities is in the first week/10 days of Jan, I am not sure if the applications can be completed along with GMAT prep within this month. Can anyone guide me, what could be the most effective path here? Is it even possible to write decent essays in this timeline or should I go for R3? (Although I am too skeptical about the acceptance rates during R3) Also, I'd be grateful if someone could suggest me some credible consultants in India who could help me out with profile building. Thanks.

View Poll

One of the apps have all these extra questions which are program specific. One of the questions asks about a “project you’d like to share? You can attach github/website link” , the best project that I talk about is my undergrad thesis which led to my first first author publication but I am talking abt that both in my SOP and PS (in different perspectives ofcourse - the 4 year long project changed my life etc) - and it now seems incredibly repetitive to be talking about it in another questions in the app. However what if I write abt some other project (i dont have nothing to show on github atm fyi) what if they think that the other mentioned project is my most memorable project ? Any thoughts/suggestions/words of wisdome?

I had asked a professor for an academic reference and I learned today that he's moved to a different university (uni B) . He still has access to his old institutional email (uni A). Would his reference be considered valid (as a former professor of uni A)?

DAE, though, have some weird FOMO about not applying to certain places? Twelve apps was a lot of work and a lot of money. It’s at the top end of the number of programs I was recommended to apply to. Yet I’m sitting here questioning whether I did enough and if I made a mistake by applying to one school instead of another.

Nothing can be done now, though. I’m just trying to focus on all the extra time I now have to go have some fun 🙂

how do you guys deal with anxiety regarding your phd applications lol

im an intl student in engineering applied to 7 of 12 unis (5 will be completed this week) but i have that fear i wont get into any place

my recommender said she did not received the request and im panicking af anyone had such experience before? it was on SOPHAS

Columbia and Duke seem to have video interviews for their Ms in DS programs. How does one prepare for it ? Its mainly behavioural questions. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you!

I looked at Grad Cafe and saw people posting results. Have anyone here received rejections or acceptance?? Just curious.

I’m applying to Purdue Northwest’s PsyD program and while there doesn’t seem to be specific mentors, I listed people whose work I was interested in the SOP but not on the app itself. For context it’s the same as Purdue University’s app. There’s a page to list faculty as well. Am I cooked?

The school I’m applying to gives you the option to submit a supplementary 250 word essay explaining any gaps one might have on their academic record or resume. The main glaring thing I can think of for me to have to explain is my GPA. It wasn’t low, but there are some wild discrepancies, with my highest semester GPA being 3.92 and lowest being 3.10. I have one big reason for said discrepancy: due to two disabilities I did not receive a proper diagnosis or treatment for until after graduating, my academic performance could suffer significantly depending on how severely my disabilities were impacting me at the time and how well I was able to cope without proper help (which most of the time wasn’t very well). I am now receiving treatment for said disabilities and I can tell there has been a significant improvement in my daily executive functioning and emotional wellbeing.

How much of that should I disclose in my optional SOP? I imagine I don’t necessarily need to go into what said disabilities are, however I do have paperwork to back me up if need be. I’m afraid of mentioning I have a disability and putting the admissions committee off, so I want to be tactful about it.

To clarify, this is for a masters program in the humanities, and the grades I speak of are from my undergrad.

Any help is appreciated! Thank you!

(I did see there have been versions of this question asked in the past with some conflicting opinions, so I wanted to hear the most current consensus on this matter).

I just submitted my application to a university and after submission I found a typo in my sop. I made sure to read it before submission. I feel so terrible right now.

Hi everyone,

As the title suggests, I wanted to create a thread for individuals to post updates regarding Clinical Psychology PhD/PsyD programs. Everyone is welcomed to post their updates, including the programs they applied to and any related communication regarding these programs. I know this is something that might helpful for those going through the application process, including myself. Moreover, feel free to vent if needed, as the process is rough and we are all going through it. This is also meant to help facilitate any support related to the application process.

Below are the programs I applied to in no particular order, if anyone was curious:

1. UCSD/SDSU Joint Doctoral Program
2. Florida International University
3. University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
4. UCLA
5. USC
6. Yale University
7. University of New Mexico
8. Arizona State University
9. University of Vermont
10. Boston University
11. Penn State University
12. University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
13. University of Pittsburgh

In addition, there is a 👾 server that is dedicated to all things relates to Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology PhD/PsyD programs, including specific threads for feedback, opportunities, and specific programs where members communicate updates. Unfortunately, I can’t link due to posting rules, but happy to send it to you if you DM me!

Again, good luck to everyone!! 🤞🏼

How to send it for MS civil engineering?

I contacted university and they say they do not accept IELTS electronically and have asked to mail it.

However British council the test taking organization is giving me the form of TRF to fill out to send report there. Don't they issue paper report to send ?

What's this anomaly with Virginia tech. Every other universities I've applied have accepted electronic test score report.

Hi all,

I’m applying for a master’s program that requires an academic reference, but my referees have ghosted me despite initially agreeing to my reference letter requests. I’m stuck and could use some advice.

In September, I asked my bachelor’s program director (who taught me one class and supervised my final year project) for a reference. She agreed and asked me to draft the letter for her to sign. I sent it at the end of September, but despite follow up emails in October, November, and December, I haven’t heard back from her, not even an acknowledgment of receiving the email or confirming she would do it. I set a deadline for the end of this week for her to sign off in my last follow up email.

I also reached out to another lecturer (who taught me four classes) in mid October. She agreed and asked for a draft, which I sent within two days. However, she’s also been unresponsive despite two follow ups emails. I even offered to meet her to edit it together or suggested a mid December deadline for her to provide the letter if she wishes to edit it herself (but again, no acknowledgment or reply).

I’ve been trying to resolve this since September and I'm stressed because I want to submit my application by the end of the year to leave time for visa applications and accommodation bookings. The program I'm applying to doesn’t have an official deadline, but it’s competitive and I’m afraid it might fill up.

What should I do? Should I try contacting them through less formal channels like Messenger or Teams (even if it may seem unprofessional)? Or should I visit the university, check their consultation hours, and meet them in person (this might mean separate visits to the university, and it might be difficult since I'm working a full time job), or is this too pushy? Unfortunately, I don’t have other lecturers to ask for a reference, as these two know me and my performance best.

I'd appreciate any advice I could get. Thanks in advance!

help me

i have a tiny bit of research experience but i lost all of the files for those projects (and don’t remember any details about them) so i didn’t end up adding anything research related :(

feel like i have absolutely no idea whether this is a realistic goal or not with my background, my undergrad GPA was a 3.4

I’m applying to 8 schools for a masters in social work and managed to mix up the deadlines for 2 of them. Thankfully, it only affected one application. I submitted the formal application by the deadline, but submitted payment and supporting documents 2 days late just in case I still had a shot/they review my late application. Has anyone ever submitted late and heard back? What are the chances my application isn’t reviewed at all?

I am currently a math undergraduate 3rd-year student outside the U.S. I am hoping to apply for a PhD program (Math/Algebraic Geometry) next year from pending results (for Fall). Otherwise, if I apply after completing my degree, I will have to wait 1 more year, which will lead to wasting 1.5 years of my life. But my concern is in my 3rd-year 1st semester. I was sick during my exam and had to attempt the second time for one of the exams(1st topology course) (My current GPA is around 3.8–3.9 out of 4).

Research Experience: 2–3 preprints, 1 is published in an average journal.

One of the above papers presented at a JMM (Joint Mathematics Meetings)

Should I apply for a U.S. math PhD program with pending results?

Should I apply for a master’s in a U.S. institution, then proceed to a PhD?

Should I wait 1 year and apply for a PhD (1.5 years will be wasted)?

Hi everyone, I'm applying to grad school for the first time to a Masters of Clinical Science Pathologists' Assistant program. The application requires a personal statement with a limit of 1000 characters (150-200ish words) which feels like absolutely nothing. I'm struggling to figure out how to properly introduce myself in such a concise way that still has some personality. Any advice helps!!

Hey all! Title pretty much says it: I'm currently doing research with a geoscience lab at a institution I'm also applying for a masters position at. This PI has provided me a letter of rec for other programs I'm applying for. However, I'm not sure if I could list him as a provider of a letter of rec for admission into his own lab? Has anyone else had this experience? What is standard practice here? Should I find another recommender?

curious since i haven’t seen many applying to this program in this sub

I've been isolating proteins all day, and my head is spinning.

I submitted all my applications, but I didn’t include a letter of recommendation from my current master’s supervisor. When I was applying, I wasn’t even sure I’d go through with it because I was dealing with some major family issues. My supervisor is also super busy, and to be honest, our relationship was a bit strained at the time due to some disagreements about research results. He can be pretty tough to work with, though things are better now.

Now I’m worried this might be a red flag in my application. If I get invited to an interview and they ask why I don’t have a letter from him, should I just explain the situation? Or should I ask him for one now just in case it comes up?

I feel awkward because I didn’t approach him during the application process, and I don’t want to make things uncomfortable. At the same time, I don’t want to leave this unaddressed if it could hurt my chances.

To make things worst, he’s actually the one who recommended me to the professor I applied to because they work closely together. So I might’ve really messed this up. Any advice?

Hello I wanted an opinion on which university would be better from a job placement perspective. I have admits from UC Irvine and Duke MQM, thank you!