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Yay! Way to go, that is wonderful!

Hi Kate, I am beginning a PhD program in the Fall, so I can't offer you an inside perspective. I can, however, tell you about my experience as an applicant. Research experience does seem to matter in your application. I have been a teacher-researcher for the last four years and I believe that this was an important factor when my application was evaluated. A thesis is one type of research experience, but I think, at either place, there should be opportunities to work on research projects. It may be a good idea to contact professors at both schools with whom you would like to work if accepted. I would ask them about opportunities to work as a research assistant. I am assuming your end goal with the PhD is to teach and do research in education, therefore this is a good way to get a sense of whether the PhD is a good fit for you. If you are more practice oriented, then consider the EdD. As far as name recognition, I personally think that matters very little on a doctoral level. I think what really matters is who you work under and how well this person is respected in your field. In my area of education, schools such as the University of Oregon and the University of Washington have greats who would be excellent doctoral mentors. In the end, well-funded institutions are also important to consider because those are the sites where cutting-edge research will be underway. I would start by looking through the literature in your field and identifying the names of people who are doing the type of work you would like to do. Then see what universities these people teach at and apply to those first. These may be "big name" schools, or they may not be. Good Luck! I hope you find a school that is a perfect match!

Now that doctoral candidates have received rejections and acceptances, there are so many choices to make. Let's share our thinking and connect with others making the same decisions. I am currently making decisions and weighing my options, I am thinking about: Cost of living, stipend/funding and jobs for my partner. What's on your mind? How are you making your decision?

I would say give them a call. Why not? It seems that the program Human Development and Education is the only one to whom anyone has been accepted. That's the program I applied to, so I have no idea about the others. The way I see it, it never hurts to call.

HI Jeanne, Those acceptances were for the Ed.D. program. It is strange that they all seem to be from the Human Development and Ed. department. If you applied for a master's, I think those didn't come out yet. I hope that helps!

I was accepted to HGSE and received an call and e-mail from both an advisor and a student. When can I expect to receive a formal letter from the school in the post?

Can we move this to the education sub-section?

The state economy is imploding and government programs are being gutted, so the universities will have less money to spread around.

Peppermint mentioned California, what is the situation with California schools (especially state schools) with regards to funding?

Hi Amelapay! It's nice to meet you! I will be on the lookout for you at Penn! It looks like you have a very strong application. Your interest in character/moral education is really fascinating, this is a topic that I spend a considerable amount of time considering in my life as a practitioner. I am sure that you have many insights to offer!

Anyone hear from UC berkeley?

Teachers are a special group with many outside grants available or, so I have been told. Which are on your list to apply to?

I agree with Tetris, Angelica! I think you are a very strong applicant and who knows what an invite to this weekend means! Also, some departments, because of funding, may not be participating in this weekend.

Hi Angelica- Don't give up hope yet, I am sure that like at many schools, different departments at Penn GSE are on different schedules.

I will be there also, Tetris. We are not in the same division though, so we may not see one another. I will keep my eyes peeled for someone who looks like a Tetris enthusiast!