TippyGradHopeful

I'm not sure who to talk to, so I'm reaching out to some of you experts in the GradCafe world! I was recently admitted to the masters program at Northwestern (Communication) and Parsons The New School for Design (Strategic Design and Management) and am having a difficult time making a decision. I am leaning more in one direction, but wanted to get everyone's perspective. Both schools are very different, as are the programs. Northwestern is definitely an incredible school. But any thoughts out there on the Parsons? They're very well known as well and the program seems amazing. Plus the opportunity in NY is unlike many. Any thoughts, experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I applied to 8 programs and have heard back from 3 so far. It really depends on the school I think. When I started the process I had the impression that most of my decisions wouldn't be available until March - which, for the most part, is proving to be case. Two of the programs that I've heard from had application deadlines in December. I was accepted to one program and rejected from the other two. I applied for early decision for 4 programs, but I'm not sure what constitutes as "early" -- considering I've only received notification from one of those early decision applications. Usually if you read around your program's website, you can find an FAQ section that has an estimate of when decisions will be made. In my experience it's been close to the estimate, if not sooner. Past years results search can also give you a rough estimate. Good luck!

Thanks everyone for your responses! It helps a lot. I was getting a bit worried but it's great to read all your situations/experiences.

Hey everyone! I received an acceptance via email and in it stated that I would recieve my formal acceptance package via postal mail. How long does this usually take? How long before you received your formal packages? Thanks!

I would definitely check! The online system I used to said that all my LORs and files were submitted. However, when I hadn't heard from the University in a over a month, I sent an email just to double check. When the program coordinator wrote back he said I was still missing one LOR. I was so frustrated because it said that it was complete online and had been for months. I sent over a screenshot of the online system I was looking at to him. Turns out it was glitch in their own system that had not picked up my completed application. It was cleared up after that and luckily on the deadline day. DEFINITELY double check, especially if you're worried. Hope it helps!

Hi Everyone! After receiving my first rejection last Friday, from a program that I considered a "safety" school. I felt extremely discouraged and not worthwhile of any of the programs I applied to. However, I received my first acceptance today — to a program I had really considered a "reach" from the very beginning. I am absolutely elated! I want to cry, to scream, and all those roller coaster emotions. If you're still waiting, don't give up hope. This forum has helped me through sleepless nights and surges of anxiety. Thank you for providing me hope and I only wish all that same hope to all of you!

I haven't seen any recent posts for the Advertising Programs... so any feedback or news from any of you would be helpful. I'm curious about at UT Austin. Has anyone heard? I saw on the results page the several PHD decisions were already sent out, but didn't know if anyone who applied to the MA program as heard yet?

Another Monday! Best wishes to everyone this week . May we all receive some good news!

Thanks for sharing that. Much needed in a time like this.

Thanks for the optimistic thoughts, much appreciated! Good luck with your programs, long day but hopefully well worth it.

Thanks iphi! It's much needed.

Just received my first rejection today... and it was for a program I thought that I really had a chance at. It's making me feel incredibly hopeless at this point that I will not get into any of my other programs. What a sad, disappointing start to the weekend.

I got my first rejection just now. It's the first school I've heard back from... one that I really thought I had a chance with. Now it's really making me second guess my ability to get into any other program I applied to. Feeling very hopeless at this point

I've been trolling these forums for the past... week? (Wow. Exactly a week today. It feels a lot longer than that, when you're here everyday). I started my grad school process in fall of 2012. Finished all my applications in December and then sent them off on their merry way. I was living my life, working and really, doing JUST FINE. Content with the idea of waiting until, March? For most, if not all my decisions. ...And then... I had an interview. And the flood gates opened and I've been anxious and obsessive since. AH! Glad to know I'm not alone . Thanks for sharing, everyone!