TakeMyCoffeeBlack

Great suggestion for the OP. They have contacted me quite a bit over the past couple years. I loved Budapest, but I'm one of those people that needs to be able to communicate in the original language. Plus, I doubt my gf would move there with me.

How did they fair in the past year's US News rankings update?

Speaking for myself, I'm in a position where I can ignore all my other responsibilities and obsess over the results page. Last year, I was finishing my thesis, finishing all my courses, and running too many clubs. I don't know that I'm any more competitive, just able to waste more time. Maybe that's indicative of this year altogether, or maybe this year is generally more competitive (for the field I hope so, for my chances... please God no).

I just look up the stuff whenever I feel competent. I haven't compiled a list because then I can refer to it too easily and be sad.

I know the feeling, but let's stick to hoping for good, right? Because: http://youtu.be/UZimx1wHYcs

http://youtu.be/UhV5RgcNJjE "DRASTIC TIMES CALL FOR WHAT? DRASTIC MEASURES. WHO SAID THAT? THANK YOU!"

Does Notre Dame usually interview?

Well, I'd be beyond happy attending any of the schools to which I applied. It would certainly be an honor to go to Pitt. For a lot of reasons, it's toward the top of my list. But it's hard to predict what kind of factors will influence my decision (if I get to make one) in about two months.

Like an IPA

I'm guessing we'll be hearing from Pitt next Friday or Monday. Good luck!!

Yes sir, but I specialize in integration through law and multi-level governance.

Hey there. I'm in round 2 myself. Here's a short list of questions worth considering: 1.) Is this really, truly what you want to do? 2.) or could you be just as happy settling with a plan B? 3.) If 1 is yes and 2 is no, what might have held you back this round? 4.) Can you fix this in one year? Two years? More? 5.) Have you considered making your plan B one that addresses 3 and 4? Of course, you'll have to take into account for yourself how old you are, your family dynamic, etc. If it doesn't work out this year for me, I'm going to move to where my gf is currently living and get a job (she has some connections there that would probably pull through, and she'll have her masters at the end of summer). I will not be reapplying next year, but that doesn't mean I won't consider it for the year after next.

Okay, maybe I shouldn't have upvoted this one. I don't think that's a good thing. Just a good example.

Okay, I like this answer better.

I wouldn't be surprised if all of us are experiencing this in some way or another. I know I am. For the record, you were the one who made a joke about the wine being too high brow or something, yes? This sort of "cultural sophistication" is nothing more than elitism if it's taken seriously as a measure of success. I imagine you have some cultural experiences specifically because you haven't had the same opportunities, because you're African American, etc. that make you more qualified than a lot of us on these boards. I've read that African Americans (and women) tend to feel this extra scrutiny - a mix of setting the ground work for the next generation and doubts about capabilities because of "affirmative action" type measures. Well, I can't really speak from a first person perspective on either account, being neither black nor a woman, but I think that both are very real concerns, but also too much to ask or expect of yourself. Any special measures taken to increase representation of minorities or women, for example, do not minimize in any way whatsoever your capabilities, qualities or contributions to society and your specific field of study. They are designed in recognition of institutional discrimination that naturally favors the last generation of elites, not in recognition of bringing people with lower capacity for success into the mainstream. That all said, I spent all last night feeling completely inadequate. As though all of my words are part of some script I've written and I'm the lead character. So, the short answer would be: you're in good company.

Hard to say from the point of pure speculation. There's a chance your application will be consider 100% independent of this scenario. Just because the paper didn't fit this particular workshop, does not mean that the professor isn't interested in what you can produce as a student in the program.

As in, the topic you submitted wasn't relevant to the workshop? Or you were using some weird undertones that offended the conversation?

I wish I could keep myself off these boards... If I try to do my work, all I can think about is grad school. Not a good dynamic going for me at the moment.

Man, these boards were hopping yesterday morning. Everyone getting back to real life already?

I'm thinking I'll get some news from at least two schools next Friday or the following Monday. Don't know if I'm ready for it (and at the same time, I can't wait for the waiting period to end).

I've been with my girlfriend for well over three years. We had the misfortune of meeting at college, and are from towns 9 hours apart, so our first taste of long distance was for holidays. Then we both studied abroad, and because our programs weren't at the same time we spent 9 months apart, with under two weeks of visits thrown in. Right now I'm on a Fulbright, and when I get back at the end of 10 months we'll be bumping into year four (though she did come for a month over Christmas). So, we've resolved to make this our final year apart. The good news (for me) is that she will be finishing up her masters and is willing to be flexible for me. I applied to a few schools that were on her "ideal" list (read: Ivy's nearby family... so, yeah, long shot) and I applied to schools that are really great for what I want to do (but she approved all the locations - though she's nervous about the long distance moves). Of course, I feel guilty because her long term dream is to get a Ph.D. in English Lit, and she will be geographically limited because of me, and then there's the question of whose career takes priority when relocating for a job. But we think we're prepared to deal with these questions and problems as we encounter them. As they say, there ain't no ring on her finger (yet)

You should be fine. Good luck!

There's also always the chance you can get a completely deflating, heart breaking response. I got one of those last week. I really think it was nothing more than a misunderstanding, but my ego got bruised up pretty badly (and it was not the POIs intention to offend, or at least I don't think so).

I had suspected as much. Thanks for the insights.

Sure, those are all "risks," but I don't think they're highly risky. There's always a chance that your preferred POI might be retiring (well, not always the chance in the case that they're very young, but perhaps a professor is leaving for another opportunity), for example, but the department can then decide a.) well, the only professor that could have fit this student substantively is gone or b.) we may be saying goodbye to Prof. X, but young recruit Prof. Y is doing similar research that might interest this student. I think when you identify POIs, more than anything, you're showing 1.) that you've done your research 2.) that there are people doing similar research to yours in the department, and therefore you fit and 3.) that, having faculty you admire and are interested in learning from or working under, you are more likely to accept an offer of admission. Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule.