TakeMyCoffeeBlack

Sending awkward I-don't-really-know-you cyber hugs to those facing disappointment right now. 

Blah blah blah political science speak blah blah blah. That's all I hear.

Blah blah blah political science speak blah blah blah. That's all I hear.

Blah blah blah political science speak blah blah blah. That's all I hear.

I was even checking on my phone during a lull in my seminar today. Granted, our discussion of border regimes turned to digital borders, and I don't think anyone in the class had read (I was assigned another reading, in my defense)... But still, it's pretty terrible.

Sending awkward I-don't-really-know-you cyber hugs to those facing disappointment right now. 

Yeah I think I run out daily.

Sending awkward I-don't-really-know-you cyber hugs to those facing disappointment right now. 

Sending awkward I-don't-really-know-you cyber hugs to those facing disappointment right now. 

Had a breakthrough in my current project. Maybe I will spend a little less time refreshing this page. Then again, maybe not.

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

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

Best bet is to shoot the programs an e-mail (better yet, professors at the program). There's a chance that English/Humanities programs might not look at Q scores at all.

I wish each school would just set a date for when they will announce results and let us know. This would decrease the number of times I refresh the gradcafe results page and possibly prevent my lack of productivity. 

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.

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.

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.

Hey my friend, what are you talking about? Didn't you already get accepted to a great program!!? I would KILL (well probably not literally) to get into any program (doesn't mean I don't have my preferences). If UIUC thinks you have what it takes, for sure you are no impostor on this forum.
 
We all have our area of expertise. Just embrace yours and keep a keen ear for new, critical discussions you are exposed to. No one is expected to enter into a PhD program ready to teach and research flawlessly (or why would we go). It is about potential. I think your early result already speaks for itself.
 
Good luck. Stay strong. Be happy. I'm super jealous (but happy) about your early admit. You can relax now. Really. 

Hi guys. I claim the Emory interview. I made a mistake typing the info. It reads "email from an adcom to schedule interview via skype". However, I meant this: "to schedule skype interview". 
I still think they will fly most interviewees over. Skype is an arrangement for people outside the States.

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.

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.

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).

Just a couple things:
 
1.) I don't think you actually read what I wrote. I think you're stuck in this alternative universe and you refuse to take a look out the window.
 
2.) It's extremely offensive for you to project your view of what constitutes happiness onto others (like saying you don't know why your aunt is happy, and that it's sad to you that her successful career is in itself fulfilling). We all have different paths and goals in our lives. A past boss made a great point (in response to some people teasing a gay friend about not yet having found "the one" in his mid thirties): "Some people just see one path for happiness and fulfillment and feel bad for anyone who hasn't taken their path. But the fact is that not everyone may need or want the same things." He's right, and it's extremely rude and ignorant to do that. 
 
3.) First, you clearly DO have prospects for a relationship, otherwise you wouldn't be open to one. Simple as that. Second, why do you have to meet someone in the next year or two in order to be married by 30? That's silly and rather immature, because chances are you're going to need to find someone with a similar vision for the future as you, and that probably means a short relationship and a short engagement. Who knows, maybe when you're 29 you'll meet someone, fall in love, get engaged and get married within those 365 days. It's possible - and the very fact that you believe otherwise is itself a limitation of the chances for success in potential future relationships. You are choosing only to see one possible way for this all to work out the way you want it to, and short of that you've failed and are going to live a long, miserable life alone. The problem is, that's not at all how reality works. 
 
You really need to start looking to empower yourself. I truly believe that the people best suited for relationships, are the people who are comfortable with themselves outside of a relationship. You ought to consider reading The Feminine Mystique, or at least reading the synopsis on Wikipedia... In some ways, I'm hopeful that graduate school and living in a new city will provide you the opportunity to open your eyes and not see so narrowly.

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.

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.