30 Jan 2023

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Earth, Atmospheric, And Planetary Sciences, PhD (F23)

Accepted via E-mail on 30 Jan 2023

Note

Details: Got a formal letter of admissions this morning via email followed by an email from my potential PI shortly after. I was in close contact with him throughout the Fall and we sent some interesting papers back and forth. I answered some questions he had (about my application) via email on January 15th. No GREs taken, no current publications. Background: I completed my undergrad in Geology at a top 10 R1 University and worked for >2 years on a project fairly related to my POI's work. I also completed a Summer REU in the same field, along with a visiting research fellowship and summer graduate-level training program (again, in the same sub-field). I have multiple B+s and three C's on my undergraduate transcript, all in math/physics, so that focused research background really was key for my application. I was also very well-liked in my department (I asked a lot of questions) and was told by my LORs that they wrote me strong letters (two of whom are famous in their fields). I know the stress is real guys, but remember to find value in your lives outside of grad admissions. I was ecstatic for 10 minutes after getting my admissions notification and then all my anxiety came back and I realized I am still the same person, with the same struggles, and the same potential, as I was before I got this letter. Your response to life's challenges will determine your future, not some old geezers on a grad admission panel. Okay bye.

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