gradkid

With the academy moving -- more openly and out of necessity -- toward career options beyond professorship for its students, do you think there is a potential for independent scholars to advise dissertation work? Especially if the independent scholar holds a Ph.D. in work very directly connected to the student's interests in ways other committee members' research is not?

@CWS2017Consider Roediger's legacy and spaces he's influenced. But also bear in mind that while it's critical to study whiteness, some faculty or departments resist the critical whiteness model because it yet again centers whiteness. I'd look at programs with great critical race theorists (of which there are many). I sat in on a lecture at UMD and thought they were doing outstanding work. As for your background, you're a strong candidate, but it's all about fit. Make sure your interests align clearly with at least two faculty and the departmental mission.

These are all exciting prospects, although I would caution anyone who wanted to get a PhD for the purpose of securing a job. Especially if one's academic pursuits fall in the creative or humanities categories. Spend some time looking at the status of the job market and employed PhD reports. My recommendation would be to find mentors who support your passions -- pose options to them -- then consider this path very carefully. I would also look to people who hold your dream career and reach out to them. Learn how they achieved their own success. Then synthesise your findings and weigh out your options. I also highly recommend professional work before turning to the gruelling training of doctoral work. The professional world adds an important component that I believe allows graduate students to thrive much better in the academy than those who go straight through. I'm not saying it's not advisable to jump from undergrad to a PhD, but I think work and subsequent life experiences can reify your research interests. The experience will probably help you sort out the five options you've listed, too. Best of luck!

Oh chill, @hellatrangsty! I was born and raised in Asheville, NC, actually. But I love Carrboro! The NC tie was another huge selling point for me. My first time near home in the last 7 years.

Your decision to wait it out is completely reasonable and fair, @hellatrangsty. I think if UCSC had been a stronger fit for me I'd have done the same. I went with UNC's AMST program because of my research methodology (oral history) and interest in the American South. Obviously, UNC is far better equipped to grapple with issues facing the South and they have a really exciting, nationally known oral history center. I also felt like I'd be able to test the tools of feminist theory through the schools Women's Studies program as the two departments have overlap. A lot the AMST faculty have strong backgrounds in feminist theory, too. And you never know with acceptances until you do. Good luck to you. If UCSC is your dream program I hope things turn out in your favor!

Yeah, @hellatrangsty, I don't see their communication and effort to respond as a good indication for incoming students. In fact, I went ahead and accepted another offer. It's too bad. Seemed like an interesting program.

I'm slightly turned off that it's taking so long, but I'm not sure that's a fair reaction. But yeah, no strong indications of what's going on via the results page. Anyway, good luck with all your programs!! You never know until you know, right?

@hellatrangsty @kitzi94 I emailed them about a week ago and they responded last Friday. The DGS has been my point of contact and she wrote that because of my situation they would let me know that I was not in their first tier, but that nothing had been decided. That's as specific as she was. I assume it means I'm not being offered admission and that her ambiguity is because they hoped to prevent me from (mis)informing others via a site like, I dunno, gradcafe. I plan to attend my top choice program, but really hoped to hear back from UCSC to compare funding (if there was any). It feels foolish to accept from my anticipated program without hearing back from all programs (even just for peace of mind) but I'm ready to start considering housing and a move! Anyway, hope that sort of helps.

Regarding UCSC, I was able to get a subtle idea of my position on their list of applicants. I told them I was beginning to visit schools where I was accepted and was hopeful they might share their decision to make my decision easier (because, my god, why is it taking so long??). They were very clear that NO decisions were finalized, but did let me know I was not in their pool of top contenders, but then reiterated that I wasn't being denied or accepted and that no final selections have been made. So, I'm not sure if contacting them was even very helpful. Just thought I'd share the news.

I reached out to Brown's DGS and was told all positive communication (i.e. acceptances and waitlists) has been shared. But you might want to confirm with them for peace of mind.

Thanks, @lazaria! That's very helpful. I was accepted to my top program, but was curious what funding packages might have looked like at other institutions and if I could have used other offers to negotiate my acceptance/ funding. (Although, I'm not sure if that's even appropriate in academia - thoughts anyone?). I'll probably email the UC schools tmr just to be certain about admission, though.

Hey FMST scholars, If I haven't heard from UCSB or UCSC's PhD programs is it pretty likely I was rejected? I suppose I could contact DGS on Monday, I'm just itching to accept offers elsewhere. Thanks in advance!

Hey AMST scholars, I'm curious if any of you have an idea of standard PhD funding in this field. Especially for newer, less established programs. Thanks!