TTPB: (MIT Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. Post below) I did the same when I just finished my bachelor's degree. I wanted to go straight to grad school. I didn't apply for 29 programs tho, I only applied to one program and one scholarship. I failed. I moved one. I started to get a small job with a very low salary, then went to a big company job with a high salary. It took me more than 5 years to get back to grad school. Before I got in with full funding packages, I applied to many programs like you, received many rejections and acceptances as well from all over the world. I am the first generation with formal education as well. But, I never bring that card to my admission process or anything. I have dealt with many rejections in my life; admissions, a love-life, identity, social class, job applications, etc. I survive. I guess I am way older than you. If you could, start small and start slowly in anything. Learn to move on. Good luck!

To the post below, not sure if the school and program you shared is what you apply for, but from my point of view, reaching out to PIs of interest before submitting applications would be a good idea for engineering programs. If you also apply for MS this year, it's still too soon to tell the app result, admissions will be send out till Apr.

To the post below. Please seek medical attention. A therapist and doctor are better than the internet

Did the review process start of this program? I have no update on the website as well as on mail? Did any one you on Gradcafe received any update?

Hey anxious applicant here. which research area did you apply for?

Till now no updates from the department. I'm really nervous already

Guys any update from the graduate administrator? Any update from the department?

To the poster below which group did you apply to?

People who have already recieved their admission results: when did you send your application?

The waitlist is still open and it's daunting everyday. The original list should have been released on April and it's July. Anyone here with any updates?

To the admitted ones: Do you suggest MIT for application?

Nothing yet... assuming corona delays, hope everybody is safe.

Anyone waiting for SMArchS A+U waitlist results as well? Or did anyone receive any notifications of when will the results be out?

Anyone has hear back from the wait-list?

TTPB: Congrats on your admit! Here's the link: shorturl.at/gBVY2

Heads up to future applicants: This program won't let you know if you're on the waitlist, or make any contact post-interview if you are not immediately accepted post-interview. Emailing to ask about your status leads to zero acknowledgment or response, UNTIL either accepted or April 15th hits. I would have appreciated knowing this going into the application process.

Undergrad at Yale, 3 summer REUs, 6 publications, 2 of which are submitted preprints. Participated in Putnam 4 times, and gotten double digit score 3 times. Given invited talks and done workshops.