SunnyComposer

I think there are a few composition programs that have yet to send anything out, so some hope may remain.
 
There are two schools that I haven't heard from yet, but I'm not particularly enthused about them, having gone 0/7 thus far. I think instead of applying again next year I'll just hire a guy to send me 9 emails wishing me "future success." Probably way more cost effective.

If there's one thing I know about CUNY, is that they like to promote from within.  I think I got an interview because I went through Queens College, and most of my professors also work at the Graduate Center.  They also hire a lot from within too.  Many CUNY professors were CUNY graduates.  The lesson I take from this is... it's all so subjective that schools tend to go with those they know already.  After I've written this, they'll probably make sure to reject me as well tomorrow.  Good luck with yours!

Finally... I got an acceptance letter from Stony Brook yesterday!  On top of that, I've now interviewed for CUNY, UNT and UT.  Still waiting on NYU, Columbia and UC Davis.  It is gratifying and surreal to be actually accepted after all this time.  What do I do now!?  Still have to wait to see how it all pans out.  Not sure how to rank all of these schools (if I were to get into more than one that is)...

Finally... I got an acceptance letter from Stony Brook yesterday!  On top of that, I've now interviewed for CUNY, UNT and UT.  Still waiting on NYU, Columbia and UC Davis.  It is gratifying and surreal to be actually accepted after all this time.  What do I do now!?  Still have to wait to see how it all pans out.  Not sure how to rank all of these schools (if I were to get into more than one that is)...

Really I think its to early for you to assume you've struck out. You still have plenty of programs to hear from. I am not familiar with any of those "back up" programs but I would really take a look at the faculty and make sure there is someone who would work with your interests. Secondly, would you be happy going to any of those schools? Furthermore, the job market for musicologists is so competitive and you should weigh whether those programs will get you to where you want to be (this is no reflection on these programs. I just know nothing about them).If I strike out I would rather wait til next round and try again. But I understand your feeling of wanting to get in somewhere. If it makes you feel better then apply, but I wouldn't assume defeat yet! You can't give up! I'm sending good luck your way!

I was told the same thing. Originally, I had a long list that included back up schools. Then I was reminded about the competitiveness of the job market for our field. My school hired a new professor this year, and I was able to observe some of the selecting process. All of those offered interviews came from big name schools with the exception of one who was never even interviewed because the job was offered to someone from a big name school (the school was afraid the professor would take an offer from another university). Not that you can't make it with a degree from a lesser known school (especially if its a big school in your field). Certainly if you win big prizes or have a distinguished record it can be done. I suppose I am inclined to believe that the opportunities/ resources/ environment for success are general more available at very prestigious universities/programs, and certainly level of expertise/ experience/ accomplishment is expected when you graduate from these programs. I was told not all doctorates are equal. I was also told that I should only go into this field if I could think of no other way to live my life because the job market is so competitive, and that receiving a degree from a less prestigious school would only make it harder to stand out when the job hunt begins.