<p>So I just heard back from my 2nd choice about my rejection into the PhD program. What would you guys say I should do next? I did get into other programs with offers, but I really don't want a degree from anywhere else. Is it wise to apply again next year? If so how should I spend this year? Somehow find a research position? Or would it be better if I started on MS now and apply again afterward? I am really in need of some opinions, thanks all.</p>
<p>Is it possible for you to...</p>
<p>(a) stay in undergraduate for another year?
(b) Did you do research with a professor? If so, could you tell him about the rejection and your ambitions, and ask him if he could work with you for an additional year? (while not going to school?) Is this possible at all?</p>
<p>Tell me how it goes (PM me, or e-mail me at <a href="mailto:simfish@gmail.com">simfish@gmail.com</a>). I have the same fear when I apply to grad programs a few years from now. What are your GRE scores, GPA, etc...?</p>
<p>And where did you apply? Why no safeties? What are your ambitions?</p>
<p>Er no, don't stay in undergraduate. Graduate, take up a position as a lab tech in a lab and get paid while you build up the credentials to reapply.</p>
<p>Hi guys, thanks for the replies.</p>
<p>merper:</p>
<p>I am leaning toward that too, but how exactly would I apply as a lab tech? If you have any information on that I would greatly appreciate it.</p>
<p>Inqui:</p>
<p>You can find my profile in the Accept/Reject post. My top choice was Stanford EE PhD -- long shot, wasn't surprised when I got rejected. 2nd: UCSD -- a little hurt, professor said I had good chance, and I really love the place. I am currently doing research with a prof, but he seems to be saying start MS and apply after that, which I rather not. My choices now are UCD MS with funding (I think), and UoM fully funded PhD.</p>
<p>Well the first way is to ask your professor if he has any positions open. I would recommend this if you really enjoy the work and are at a point on a project where you can get your name(not necessarily as first author) on a paper going to a prestigious conference. But your chances will probably improve if you can do research with another professor. This way you can have two very good research recs, which will probably benefit you more than whatever improved letter your old research adviser may write. Again, you can start off by asking your adviser if he knows anyone who would be willing to take you on. Otherwise, you'll probably have to go door to door and state your situation, offer your credentials and hope for the best. This also doesn't have to be at the same university. People at my school get paid $20 an hour, for a 40 hr week, which is IMO quite a comfortable wage.</p>
<p>thx merper, i think thats the best thing to do for me right now. I kind of rushed into the whole grad school thing, didnt even decide to apply until a month before school started, and wasn't sure what degree i wanted to go for until consulting the professor just before deadline. I think doing research for a year can really help me understand what I want to do with the rest of my life.</p>
<p>So I take it that I would just email professors in my field even at other schools, and let them know about my situation then ask about Reseach Assistant openings?</p>
<p>Up to you. I would try walking into office hours of professors who do interesting research at your own school first, because they are probably more likely to be willing to take you on.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice, I'm thinking of going in the next few days to talk to my professors. I also plan to email some professors at the schools I wanted and see if that will get me anywhere.</p>
<p>I got a job immediately after my undergrad (didn't apply to grad school) doing research in my field.</p>
<p>I was planning to apply to a bunch of schools but only applied to my top 2 schools because I figured I can always fall back on my job.</p>
<p>I say go work/research if you're confident you'll get in next year. At the very least, you'll get some money in the meantime. Then you can actually afford expensive Stanford :D</p>
<p>well that's the thing though, how can I be sure that I will get in next year? I mean, the GPA GRE and such are all going to stay the same. So what exactly do I need to do within this one year to get there?</p>
<p>What didn't you like about the MS idea?</p>
<p>ditto.</p>
<p>a funded MS program at UCD is better than a 5th year of undergrad. </p>
<p>don't do that. it makes u look like u don't know what u want to do with ur life.</p>
<p>The thing about the MS plan is that I'm worried if I screw up then I wont have a second shot at my dream schools. Maybe I should be a little more confident...</p>
<p>If you only wanted to get into your top 2 choices, why did you apply to the other choices?</p>
<p>Well for MS, you should still be doing research in the field of your choice -correct? If you mess up with that - then perhaps it's not the right direction for you.</p>
<p>I applied to other schools because I thought I would be more open minded. But now that the decisions are out I realized I'm perhaps not...</p>
<p>merper you have a really good point there, maybe I should just follow through and see if this is really the right thing for me.</p>
<p>Well in any case, I'm talking to some PhD students later today, and 2 professors in my field tomorrow to get their feedbacks on whats the best thing to do now. </p>
<p>Thanks all</p>