Nuclear / High Energy (Experimental). Bachelor's in Physics at Univ. of Washington, 1.5 years in a scientific position at a Department of Energy National Laboratory. No Publication. 6 years of independent research that involves a lot of hands-on work. Both rejections on the same day - hit hard. But lessons learned - I am not qualified yet nor ready yet. This will remind me to work harder. Thank you gradcafe and I wish you the best in your journey!

Interview a month ago went very well. Longest month ever - waiting for official acceptance. Subfield Astrophysics, Space and Planetary (Exp).

2a/3r/0w | 2 years research, 1 paper in prep.

hep-th, quantum gravity. Generic rejection e-mail.

Email from Academic Administrator. Unsure of subfield specifically but most likely experimental nuclear.

AMO exp. PGRE 970, no pubs, 2 years research experience. Undergrad in Engineering.

From the top university in the world, still got rejected

HEP-th, 1 REU, 1 co-authored paper not in physics. undergrad thesis in HEP-th. 1a/5r/1w/1i/8p

Second year/attempt applying to grad school. Have a 2 year MSc, 3+ years research experience, 1 second-author pub., 4 strong/good LORs (2 well-known profs. in the field). Haven't got a single acceptance yet! I guess it's a huge wave of rejects for me this year as well. Totally heartbreaking! I'll probably move to industry :( My heart was in physics/astro research, I will surely miss it! :(