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I didn't want to make a whole new post for this, but here's a request for everyone: post your results on the results page. You don't have to post your stats if it makes you uncomfortable (though it would help), but at the very least it would be super cool if you posted application updates. These give the rest of us a general idea of if we should hold on hope or if we probably aren't going to hear from the department. In my previous application seasons, the results page was a great resource. I'm just encouraging* you all to help it be one for this cycle, too. *This is a gentle encouragement. I'm not telling anyone that you have to do this, just pointing out that it would be helpful.

Listen guys, I spent there last 4 years trying to get in to a program.. This discussion board can be disheartening, and you may feel like you'll never get in because everyone else is so impressive.. But there is hope! I have loved this field for the last 6 years. I had a tough undergrad (2.8) GPA, took the GRE's 3 times never did well despite numerous classes (V145 Q 144 W 3.5). However my experiences as an SLP-A and LOR'S were amazing! Last year was going to be my last year applying.. I'm glad I didn't give up. You shouldn't either. IT'LL HAPPEN.

I got hit hard by some warm and fuzzy feelings, so... To all my fellow applicants, and especially to the future members of my graduate cohort: December has arrived and with it comes the deadline for many of the programs we hope to attend next fall. Congratulations on all of your hard work not only throughout the application process, but in all of your preparations to make yourself a good candidate! It's been nerve-wracking, but we're stressed because we care about the field and our future in it–I think your passion will be reflected in your statements and in the academic life you're presenting to the faculty of these programs. We'll work through our rejections and come out better for it, even if that means trying again next year. I hope that the programs we attend are our best fits and in a community that we'll love. To any and all faculty members now tasked with admitting students: Us applicants may be feeling some relief, but I know you still have the work of evaluating our applications and making the difficult judgement calls that come with that territory. I hope the process is as hassle free as possible and that the best candidates for your program are easy to find. Good luck and godspeed! It's finally that time of year again: Season's Greetings! And my best wishes for a good new year to all of you! 😊

I don't know what else to say that I haven't said before, but to repeat: I failed out of undergraduate twice (cumulative GPA from my first 2 years: 0.86). I'm now in my fourth year at an Ivy. There may indeed be some political nonsense that means you don't get in this year, or just an unlucky handful of wunderkinds in your precise subject area, but it won't be your stats keeping you out.

Joining the pool of anxious applicants with good research experience/letters/cvs/pubs, but shitty numbers! Here's to hoping our apps don't get thrown in the garbage before they make it to our POI's hands!

So I was leaving my lab this afternoon, feeling nervous about this entire process of course (with lots of self doubt and worries, having been rejected in the past), and I asked the most high for a sign... moments later I check my e-mail, a habit (heh) and I received my a notification that my supervisor (strongest recommender!!) submitted her letter for my #1 program. 😂 SO. MANY. FEELINGS.

I received the letter of acceptance of supervision from my advisor for my PhD !

Since you won't even give us a list of the prereqs you've already taken or any other information that can help us give helpful advice, all I can say is to make a list of schools you may be interested in, then go to their websites and one by one check their lists of prereqs. If you're going to be this vague, you may just have to bite the bullet and figure it out yourself. Unfortunately we are not omniscient, and we can't really tell what you need other than a supportive program (which can be subjective based on individual needs) and a small amount of required prereqs (which may not even matter since you've already taken a year of prereqs). Sorry if I sounded frustrated, but it's a common occurrence on Grad Cafe for someone to ask us to recommend a program (or offer a thesis topic, research proposal, etc) without giving any helpful details or having done any research on their own, and I guess I've read too many of those posts. We're willing to help, but we're not being nosy, we actually have to know, and figuring things out on your own is also an important life skill! That being said, maybe try to find another 3-year program, since you may be able to just take one or two more classes before starting your grad level courses and can graduate sooner. Or narrow down a list of 2-year programs that only require an additional one or two classes and take those through ENMU, Utah State, or another relatively cheap online program. The whole positive environment piece may just have to come from your experience visiting and talking to current students to feel the vibe.

Here you all are: Data on decisions This was a project I did last year. It doesn't include results as of this year but the sample is quite high (~35000). Keep in mind it's based on the results survey, so there may be over or under reporting (i.e., people may be more likely to report interviews than waitlists, or acceptances more than rejections) and some other biases.

I submitted all four of my applications that have a December 1st deadline!

Personally, I found that the drunker you could make your January, the better.

I have officially submitted all my apps. Waiting on professors to submit their letters, first deadline up on Saturday. Fingers crossed. Good luck to everyone.

I nearly submitted a SOP today that referred to another school so there's that... One more app and it's out of my hands!

This is totally understandable and relatable. We've all seen how much thought and effort you've put into your application process, and now it's out of your hands. That's a terrifying feeling. Other posters have offered thoughts on your worries about GPA and GRE; I haven't made it to the other side, so I can't speak to the experience of actually getting through admissions. But I would like to humbly offer my thoughts on anxiety. This cycle is not the end. It's not the end of your academic life, it's not the end of your professional life, it's simply not the end. You are young, hard-working, and motivated. You have a multitude of options ahead of you, and that is true regardless of the outcome of this application cycle. Waiting out the anxiety will be uncomfortable, but it will not last forever. Alcohol is certainly a popular coping strategy for anxiety. I have also had great success with learning a new physical activity. Ever wanted to try rock climbing, curling, hip hop dance, etc.? Now is the time. Anything to get out of your head. It's not for everyone, but meditation has been a great help to me. I practice observing my thoughts from a distance and then letting them float away, like a falling leaf carried off by a stream. If I'm overstepping, I apologize. But I hope you can take what works, and leave the rest. I believe in you, and I'm rooting for you. Sincerely, An internet stranger with many years of fighting this battle.

This. I just want the instant gratification of knowing. If I’m not being considered, great, tell me immediately plz. Thank u,next

All my applications are in and its time to play the waiting game, again! First crate of beer has been bought and bottles are cooling in the fridge. If you want a different vice, I found work and friends tend to be a better coping mechanism than family. My family loves to question me about my graduate studies, which is not a soothing thing during the wait. For all applicants, find your mechanism and stick to it. Before you know it, the wait will be over and we will all have answers. Best of luck to you all!

Hi All, First of all, congratulations on getting to this point. I see that many of you are nervous, but try to take time for self care and make sure that you aren’t too fixated on this process. It is truly the first step of many (believe me, I’m currently a clinical student waiting for internship interview invitations). Try to take everything in but don’t focus too much on any one thing, there will be rejection and frustration, but eventually everything will work out. I am happy to answer any questions to the best of my ability. I have interviewed a lot of grad students for our program. Please feel free to message me or reply to this post. I wish you all the best of luck.

Sometimes I leave these forums with renewed confidence and reassurance and other times... I'm nauseous

The fact that you have to ask this question should be a red flag. No percentage of plagiarism is okay, even if you're hitting a word limit. Edit your text and figure out a way to credit the scholars.

Wrong, wrong, wrong! Very few undergrads have done "meaningful" (i.e., publishable in good journals) research in statistics before they apply. Hence, committees look for evidence of research potential, which can certainly be inferred from contributions to research projects in some other field. Plus, your research advisor will hopefully say nice things about your intellect, work ethic, etc. that are relevant to any field.

Yeah, but have you guys gone back to your email to read responses from POIs to analyze each and every character in case you missed something the first time??? 😂

In a research paper you would want to type out the whole thing first, then put the acronym in parentheses and use the acronym in the rest of the paper, like so: "I have wanted to be a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) since..." They'll like it if you follow the APA style!

This might not be relevant depending on what you mean by "all professors," but if you were only thinking about history professors you could also consider asking someone you took a non-history class with. Humanities or something writing based probably makes the most sense, but depending on your interests you might be able to swing another subject. When one of my intended letter-writers passed away and I had to scramble a bit I ended up getting a letter from a language professor (they were full faculty, not an instructor) and it seems to have worked out fine.

I do not recommend using this tactic. Applicants to graduate programs are not professors' managers and, therefore, should not address professors as if they're subordinates.

@andnothing, this is (probably) going to be an unpopular piece of advice, but I would contact the programs and ask if one of your letters can be from an employer. As an anecdote, my MA program wanted 2 recs, I had one from a professor with whom I closely worked, but I was a lackluster undergrad and didn't form relationships with other profs. I did, however, work in a teaching capacity and asked my boss to write my 2nd letter. Long story short, I got in, did well and am now a happy PhD candidate (side note to meh undergrads like me: you can overcome your mediocre record!) Obviously not all programs will be cool with this, but that's why you ask them. My caveat: this is viable if you work/volunteer in an area somewhat related to history/research/teaching and have a boss who'd support you.