dmmar

@bfat and others—sorry, I didn't mean to overwhelm the board like that. People were wondering the past few days when Michigan would finally send out responses, so I'd thought I'd share the news. I, of course, have no idea what your individual situations are, and don't presume to know, but if it makes anyone feel any better, this is my third round in applying to graduate schools. The first round, I was rejected everywhere. The second round, I was rejected from all the PhD programs, accepted to an interdisciplinary MA program at NYU with no funding, and accepted to a MA program at a totally unknown school in my area. I ended up doing the MA program in my area, and after working like crazy and getting good grades in all my courses, developing a much better writing sample and personal statement, plus letters from professors who knew my most recent work and really supported me, only now, in my third round of PhD applications, have I been accepted *anywhere*. I know a lot of people (including professors I admire) who also had to go through a few rounds of applications. So, first of all—the season isn't over yet, and some schools haven't sent out responses. Second, if this is really something you want—keep working at it. Having been through a few rounds, I learned a lot that ultimately helped my application, and I've been accepted to seven schools so far. So really: don't let anything discourage you!

@cicada123 generic email with a bunch of attachments, slightly more personalized pdf letter, fellowship award!!

OH MY GOSH YOU GUYS JUST ACCEPTED TO UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN FREAKING OUT

@damequixote, modernist and contemporary poetry, theory, philosophies of language. The email says: "Our graduate committee was very impressed by your writing sample and, given our faculty strengths in your research area (of 20th-century poetry), we believe that you are a perfect fit for our program." It seems like there's a large degree of chance at work in acceptance decisions—lining up with faculty interest, but also lining up with faculty who are able to take (or bargain for) new advisees, as sometimes they have to take turns.

@dazedandbemused, oh, I'm thrilled! Just felt sort of odd responding to the inquiry.

@damequixote, I was accepted to UIC...