Your Journey, in Your Own Words

A stepping-stone toward an academic or research career

I like structured tools — planners, apps, or lists

I prefer organic tracking — I keep ideas in my head

I work best around deadlines — urgency helps me focus and get things done

Send a polite reminder and think of a backup plan

Reach out to another reference immediately

Re-evaluate my options and maybe skip that school

Contact the program to ask if late submissions are considered

Note it for next year and move on quickly

Take a short break, then look for alternatives

Read the feedback and adjust for next time

Set the feedback aside until emotions settle

Share it with a mentor to get perspective