snowflakes

I honestly am leaning towards Oxford. The Columbia MA is just too expensive and Oxford is such a nice option. And yes I do want a PhD from the US eventually (I did my undergrad there) but an Oxford MA would not hurt my chances for that at a later time would it?

So I just got into the MA program in Soc. Anth. at Columbia instead of the PhD program and am now trying to decide whether its worth trying to get funding for that. I also got into Oxford and funding for that is much more realistic because I am a EU citizen and my country has a few options for people who want to study in the UK. So, any input, is the Columbia MA worth it?

Thank you so much mp429 that was really helpful. I will definitely go for an MA, especially because I am actually getting funding for at least one program, and then reapply in a year or two. All the best with your PhD:)

I agree. Plus I have to say I am super confused about the process and the criteria. I am an international student who went to a selective liberal arts college in the US and I have gotten accepted to a few wonderful MA programs in Europe. But no luck with PhD programs in the US. The part that confuses me is that I don't think there is anything really missing from my application, except maybe publications. I have good grades, GRE scores etc. as well as 1 1/2 years of research experience in the area I want to work in and a lot of independent project work in education and the development sector. I guess I don't really know how to make my application stronger. Get an MA first? get published? Go about the SOP differently? Is there any way that the lovely people who have gotten lots of offers could tell me a little about their background to help me figure out a strategy for next year? I would really appreicate it!

Thanks for the response:) Does anyone have any idea what the protocol is for contacting a department about your application status? I have never done it before, so who do people usually write to and how does one phrase the inquiry?

Hey So is anyone still waiting to hear from the University of Arizona, Tuson? I have seen both acceptances and rejections and I have heard nothing. Should I contact them?

Hey I just have one question about Harvard. Did they accept anyone via postal service? I am beginning to think that they do in fact inform accepted applicants by phone or email and only send rejections by post, since no one on the board got in through a letter.

Congratulations radiomars, that is wonderful news. I have to say I am a little hurt by Berkeley. I had an interview early January and never heard back, which obviously means I didn't get in and that's fine. But after my POI was so enthusiastic about the possibility of me attending I would have thought that he would at least send me a nice email, saying that unfortunately it didn't work out this year etc. At this point I am really not upset about the rejection as much as about the process.

Hey:) I just saw that someone posted a Harvard acceptance via email. Could that person perhaps post a little more information. I thought Harvard only notified by phone or mail. Thank you!

Hey everyone, just FYI for anyone who applied to Columbia: I wrote to them a few days ago because my GRE scores are still listed as "awaiting" and they told me that there is an error in their system and that therefore people's GRE and TOEFL score haven't been matched up yet. Apparently if the department starts reviewing applications before the system is back on track they simply rely on the scores you listed in the form. So no one needs to stress about this. It also sounded like they are just starting the selection process.

Also, does anyone know what the deal is with that Berkeley rejection? Have more people gotten these or just the one person?

You remember college admissions when there was ONE day when the results came out and you just had to mentally prepare for that? And afterwards you could either jump around happily or buy ice cream and cookie dough and hide and wallow and get over it? Not that it was fun but at least there was a clear time line!!!!!!!!!!!

According to last year's thread Berkley sent out its rejection letters in early March, but they informed everyone who had gotten accepted long before. So, I guess, except for the rare exceptions if we haven't heard yet, we are probably out of the Berkley game. Although I am kind of reluctant to accept that .

Hey nritya, Unfortunately I can confirm what anxiousanthro said about funding at public schools. I had a skype interview with Berkeley two weeks ago and it was really nice. Bu at the end my POI wanted to know whether I had any external funding options (fellowships in my home country etc.). He said that it is incredibly difficult for them to finance international students and that therefore they only take 1-2 a year. He also said that if it were up to him he would accept me right away but that there is so much internal department politics and that they have so many international applicants this year (many of whom are good) that he can't say. So I don't know where you applied but I am assuming that the funding situation is similar at most public universities. Kind of a bummer but I hope it helps:)

Wow it seems like letters are starting to roll in fast now. Congratulations everyone!!!! Especially Platysaurus seems to be experiencing a rocking application cycle. You go girl/boy;)