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Results with a bad start

Posted by Kitkat, 31 January 2012 · 203 views

So my first result comes in with not a good start. UChicago lets me know that I have not been accepted to thier program. And they let me know by mail. I feel that it was a bit quick, and a bit impersonal. But not entirely suprising. I feel that might have been my weakest application. A combination of application burnout, and the fact that there were so few comparative people at that school that I wanted to work with compared to other schools that applied to. It also might be the fact that there are numerous other reasons. They mention that there were many applications to my subfield, but is that just them trying to blunt it a bit?

But is this me justifying the fact that I did not get into one program so that I have a hope into another program? I hope not.

Part of me is being hopeful still, and another part of me is being horribly worried. I don't think I like the idea of the application season starting off this way.

And now my serious self doubt is starting to kick in.

hope4fall2012

Jan 31 2012 03:40 AM

Tough luck on Chicago..

..

It's very difficult when your first decision is a reject.. But the next ones will turn out better hopefully..All the best..

InquilineKea

Jan 31 2012 04:42 AM

I'm sorry to hear that.

I was really hoping that you could get in.

Was it a personal rejection letter (since they mentioned that there were many applications to your subfield) or was it a mass-mailed one?

newms

Jan 31 2012 05:33 AM

It's always tough when your first result is a rejection. Hang in there! Hopefully you'll get some good news any day now.

cokohlik

Jan 31 2012 06:19 AM

I hope good news is coming your way soon! Sorry to hear about Chicago!

Kitkat

Jan 31 2012 04:51 PM

I'm trying to remind myself that it is not all bad about this situation. After all, at least I know now, and I don't have to wait to hear anymore.

@InquilineKea It was a personal one since I had contact with them, so I guess that is something? But its sad to not get in, and in a way is made that much worse that I didn't get in because of this.

LCBucky

Feb 01 2012 01:41 AM

Just like you said, it is still early....which means plenty of other acceptances to come in the near future.

The way I look at it, there is a PERFECT school out there for you. UChicago wasn't it. And I bet you receive an acceptance letter from that perfect school soon!

Keep up the positive thoughts!

nubiadoc

Feb 01 2012 01:21 PM

Sorry to hear that. Hang in there! I am sure you will soon get a great acceptance! A mentor told me that in the end all you need is one good offer with funding and the rest doesn't matter. At the PhD level rejections are most often about fit, funding, faculty able and interested in taking certain students rather than about your ability to be a great graduate student. I'm sure you know you are going to be a great scholar one day and that these are just small bumps in the road. Good luck!

Kitkat

Feb 01 2012 03:50 PM

All I want is at least one acceptance this season ... it would make my life easier. Although having my first response be a rejection is making me focus more on my 'Plan B', just in case.

But at the same time, at least Chicago was not a complete suprise. It wasn't the best fit, and it was a reach school for me.

katerific

Feb 01 2012 09:10 PM

Sorry to hear that, Kitkat. Crossing my fingers for you, and I hope you get good news soon!

waddle

Feb 03 2012 07:18 PM

Sorry to hear, Kitkat. Disappointing news, I am sure, but you know what? It's all about fit. And fit goes both ways. Just keep doing what you find fascinating, and you'll find that fit. Rooting for ya!

lilijane

Feb 06 2012 10:47 PM

Kitkat, you won't be caring about it sometime soon..believe me..your life will be in a different direction...

Kitkat

Feb 07 2012 01:38 AM

And this is why I like this forum. Everyone is so very supportive! :-)

andrea11hr

Feb 07 2012 04:38 AM

So was mine: Purdue. and they didn´t even send an email, I found out by the application link.
Just Application denied at the end of the page. it blows... I hope the other will turn out well..
Good luck

jgbradley1

Feb 07 2012 08:51 PM

Sorry to hear the bad news. I sent out a lot of applications this season (hopefully everyone knows what I mean by "season") too and have only heard back from two schools. One reject and one acceptance. Do you have a plan B in case graduate school doesn't work out? Best of luck!

Kitkat

Feb 07 2012 10:36 PM

Sorry to hear the bad news. I sent out a lot of applications this season (hopefully everyone knows what I mean by "season") too and have only heard back from two schools. One reject and one acceptance. Do you have a plan B in case graduate school doesn't work out? Best of luck!

One of my things this year was to apply to both MA programs as well as PhD programs. If I don't get into an MA program, well I'm starting to look into jobs where I can hopefully gain more experience in the field that I want to get into. Then hopefully apply again next year. This is only my first time applying, but I know very well I might not get in anywhere.