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Topic: Master's program is taking ages to get back  (Read 7041 times)

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Master's program is taking ages to get back
« on: April 25, 2012, 12:26:03 PM »
I applied for a spot on a lovely MSc program that I was really excited about more than a month ago and I haven't heard back. They said they aim to get back in ten days. I've emailed to ask if they need any more documents from me and I check the online status everyday. It just says 'condisering'. I've got a reply that says they have everything they need and that they are still processing my application.

Is this a bad sign? Most people seem to get theirs back with a condtional or unconditional in less than two weeks. My marks were what they ask for (granted I don't have my second semester 3rd year marks yet). So I wonder what the hold up is.

This is more of a rant but any speculation is welcome  ;D
Met DH to be: 2004
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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2012, 12:30:15 PM »
It depends on the size of the Uni, but I know our students just got back, which could really impact any staff that may have been tasked to look at applications. Also, they may have gotten LOADS more applications than normal because of the economic climate (especially if it is a funded programme?), I know that is happening here t0o!

Considering is probably good--at least it's not a no!

edited: because "to" and "too" are different words!
« Last Edit: April 25, 2012, 03:37:42 PM by Jennie »


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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2012, 03:01:07 PM »
It depends on the size of the Uni, but I know our students just got back, which could really impact any staff that may have been tasked to look at applications. Also, they may have gotten LOADS more applications than normal because of the economic climate (especially if it is a funded programme?), I know that is happening here to!

Considering is probably good--at least it's not a no!

:) Thanks! That does make me feel a lot better.

Met DH to be: 2004
Visited back and forth:2005-2008
Student visa: September 2008
Married: September 2009
Flr(m): July 2011
Finished my bachelors: May 2012
Finished MSc: august 2013
ILR approved: September 2013
Citizenship approval: August 2015
Passport received: November 2015
Citizenship journey is complete!





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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2012, 03:38:10 PM »
:) Thanks! That does make me feel a lot better.



 ;D Good.  Good luck!


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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2012, 12:06:08 PM »
Oh, what programme did you decide to go for? You have had lots of ideas!  :)


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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2012, 12:57:01 PM »
Hi Gibby! Just wanted to say that when I applied to my master's course, it was taking longer than the 3 weeks they had said it would. I sent an e-mail to admissions just to ask about it. They got in touch with my department and it turned out that it was a really busy time where PhD students and MLitt students were giving presentations on their research, not to mention exams and such for the undergrads. It was roughly this time of year.

Eventually my soon-to-be course convener got in touch with me and apologised, asked for a couple of more documents, and I got my answer a few days later. So hang in there!  :) And ask after it if you need to, they might need a nudge!
"It is really a matter of ending this silence and solitude, of breathing and stretching one's arms again."


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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2012, 06:55:13 PM »
Oh, what programme did you decide to go for? You have had lots of ideas!  :)

I've pretty much got my mind set on forensic psych :). Fingers crossed!
Met DH to be: 2004
Visited back and forth:2005-2008
Student visa: September 2008
Married: September 2009
Flr(m): July 2011
Finished my bachelors: May 2012
Finished MSc: august 2013
ILR approved: September 2013
Citizenship approval: August 2015
Passport received: November 2015
Citizenship journey is complete!





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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2012, 06:57:50 PM »
Hi Gibby! Just wanted to say that when I applied to my master's course, it was taking longer than the 3 weeks they had said it would. I sent an e-mail to admissions just to ask about it. They got in touch with my department and it turned out that it was a really busy time where PhD students and MLitt students were giving presentations on their research, not to mention exams and such for the undergrads. It was roughly this time of year.

Eventually my soon-to-be course convener got in touch with me and apologised, asked for a couple of more documents, and I got my answer a few days later. So hang in there!  :) And ask after it if you need to, they might need a nudge!

Oh yes, I should've thought of that. I realize since I've turned all of my undergrad work in now including the dissertation, they must be grading all this work at the moment at all the universities.
Met DH to be: 2004
Visited back and forth:2005-2008
Student visa: September 2008
Married: September 2009
Flr(m): July 2011
Finished my bachelors: May 2012
Finished MSc: august 2013
ILR approved: September 2013
Citizenship approval: August 2015
Passport received: November 2015
Citizenship journey is complete!





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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #8 on: April 28, 2012, 09:18:17 PM »
No advice but good luck Gibby Gab! :)


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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #9 on: April 29, 2012, 06:35:52 PM »
I've pretty much got my mind set on forensic psych :). Fingers crossed!

Sounds like a really interesting field.  :)


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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #10 on: April 29, 2012, 06:38:50 PM »
I've pretty much got my mind set on forensic psych :). Fingers crossed!
My daughter is waiting to hear on her application at MMU forensic psych master's....waiting is a pain!!  Good Luck, hope you hear soon.


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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #11 on: May 04, 2012, 04:36:21 PM »
Admin messaged me today to say that I have to go through an interview and now I'm super scared! They said if I'm not able to attend I can have a phone interview which I've asked for as I think I will be visiting my family in California on the date they said my interview is. Am I already at a disadvantage because I'm not going in person?

I don't even know what to study because I don't have a clue what they'll ask. All I know is I feel like throwing up and feel like I'm not good enough (no work experience in the field which they strongly suggest you need to be accepted).

I'm dreading this but I also want to make it on the program so badly!
Met DH to be: 2004
Visited back and forth:2005-2008
Student visa: September 2008
Married: September 2009
Flr(m): July 2011
Finished my bachelors: May 2012
Finished MSc: august 2013
ILR approved: September 2013
Citizenship approval: August 2015
Passport received: November 2015
Citizenship journey is complete!





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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #12 on: May 04, 2012, 05:13:52 PM »
I think this should be taken as a good sign!  :)

If it is a telephone interview, I would prepare by doing the following: 

Make sure you have good internet / technological / telephone access to make sure there are no glitches during the interview. Can you test the system when you get there?

Make sure you have a quiet and private space in which to conduct the interview.

Make key notes, so if you stumble or need to pause to gather your thoughts, the important bits are to hand.

Like any interview:
Make sure you get rest and eat well and have a decent outfit to boost your confidence. Make sure you have water with you. 

What about volunteering in a related field, prior to the interview, to boost your application?
http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/forensic_psychologist_prison_and_probation_services_entry_requirements.jsp

You could also read on a specific topic of interest in forensic psychology in online e- journals. You must still have university access for this at your current uni?

What about the ideas here regarding personal statements:
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/postgradmenu.htm

'Possible content for your statement

Why do you want to do the course/research?

Try to convey your enthusiasm and motivation for study/research. Don't try to write what you think they want to hear, write your real reasons. Write about any projects dissertations or extended essays you have done if they are relevant or demonstrate relevant skills. Mention any prizes you have won, also travel or study abroad and relevant employment. Describe anything that shows creativity, dependability or independence.


Why this subject?

Be clear about why you have chosen this. Is the programme noted for a particular emphasis, speciality or orientation? When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it? What insights have you gained? How have you learned about this field - through classes, seminars, work or conversations with academic staff?

Why this university?

Be specific – don’t make bland statements such as “Because you are an internationally-renowned university with an excellent academic reputation”. Is the programme noted for a particular emphasis, speciality or orientation? Are there specific academic staff you want to do research or study with? What is it about the structure of the course, or the choice of modules, that appeals to you?

What academic skills have you got to offer?

Computing skills, knowledge of relevant scientific techniques etc. If your A levels were poor (or you didn't do these, try to show an upward progression during your time at University).

In general the best candidates (for postgraduate funding)

had read and followed the guidelines and provided the information sought
expressed their proposed project convincingly
avoided jargon and aimed to make their statement intelligible to readers with expertise in the general subject area, but not necessarily in the specific area of their proposed research
were able to make a convincing case about the significance of the proposed topic, and show evidence of wide reading around the subject.

Arts and Humanities Research Board
What personal skills can you offer? e.g. ability to work in a team, with little supervision.
Demonstrate that you've done your homework about the course/research and that you've seriously considered your strengths and weaknesses for postgraduate study or research. If you have done vacation jobs, what skills have you learned: teamworking, communication, working under pressure? Have you had to overcome any obstacles or hardships in your life? This may show evidence of determination/resilience.

What are your strengths?
In what ways are you better than other applicants? If you can't answer this question, don't expect the selectors to answer it for you!

What is the relevance of your first degree to this study?
Point out any circumstances that may have effected your academic results, that you think should be considered by the selectors.

What are your career aims?
You may not have a very clear focus on what you want to do afterwards, but you should have some ideas. A clear direction will strengthen your commitment to do well in your studies and selectors will know this. Your desire to become a lawyer, lecturer, or whatever should be logical, the result of specific experience in your statement.'

Hope that helps and good luck.  :)  [smiley=2thumbsup.gif]


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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #13 on: May 04, 2012, 05:59:51 PM »
Aw thanks! That's a huge help. I'm going to try to get some volunteering in and in fact I've applied to a few places but they're running a CRB on me and those take ages from what I've been told.

I've also been told by several people that had the same interview that they have a massive focus on statistics and the spss software which is my weakest point  :-[. I've not got my hopes up with this one to be honest. I'll try my best though!
Met DH to be: 2004
Visited back and forth:2005-2008
Student visa: September 2008
Married: September 2009
Flr(m): July 2011
Finished my bachelors: May 2012
Finished MSc: august 2013
ILR approved: September 2013
Citizenship approval: August 2015
Passport received: November 2015
Citizenship journey is complete!





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  • Posts: 5416

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Re: Master's program is taking ages to get back
« Reply #14 on: May 04, 2012, 06:13:35 PM »
What about looking at strategies for dealing with your weak points, as you can turn your positive into a negative demonstrating how you tackle problems?

Could you do a statistics course? Does your current uni offer any help with statistics /mathematics for students / alumni? Like:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/student/student-support/ldu/

Or something like this from the OU?
http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/mst121.htm

Chin up, GG. Don't forget to smile on the phone, either!  :)

You can tell them about where you have applied to volunteer and what draws you to these areas, even if you haven't started by the time there is an interview.

They want to hear more from you because they are interested in finding out what you have to offer. Tell them!  :)


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