AL2013

For all of the programs I looked at offers of $15k - $20k were what was given, not any more (so way to go on CMU and RAND). Like others, I think you have to consider years of support, health insurance (which a program should really offer you), cost of living (important when comparing two locations, a lower number might actually be a better deal), and the requirements attached to the stipend. Most schools require 20 hours of work with full funding, but some will give you a year or two with no work requirements, which could be especially valuable when you're writing a dissertation or out doing research. You could also ask other students about the situation at the school where only three years is guaranteed - maybe it's not a big deal. They have the perspective you want! (And of course, you should get tuition!)

In case anyone else is waiting to hear from the Ford School regarding the Public Policy/Sociology Joint PhD program: I just called and they said they hoped to have everyone's decision out by April 1st (so late!!!). I would assume people who got in will know before then, but apparently they are super slow.

LBJ did admissions really early - much faster than other schools. I just went on a visit day and a fellow prospective student said she was told they made 12 offers. Did you check the website? (My decision was also posted there, although I did get an email when it was updated.) I was the person who posted on the 12th after I got a call from them Jan. 20th (I didn't find this website until Feb). I would email - no harm in asking, right?

Thanks! Policy/Sociology at Ford, but there is a rejection up on the forum for that program as well (and acceptances that were posted in early/mid February). PolyWonk - are you headed to Duke? I think if you're excited about their offer and it's your top choice, go for it! (Especially if you've already visited!)

Hey tmj143 - how did you hear from Michigan? I anticipate I was probably rejected, but I haven't heard a word. Did you get an email? Is there a way to see on the website? It seems like their decisions are clearly out...but I can't find word on mine, which seems weird. Also, as posts on the forum show - Evans (WA) issued decisions last week. I got a call (good news!) on Thursday.

I haven't heard anything directly from MD, but agree decisions will probably be out soon. The professor who has been helping me in the application process wrote me an email yesterday saying that I shouldn't worry if I don't get in, because he thought they were worried they couldn't offer me what I needed. He is friends with a professor there who he had spoken to about my application, so I assume that is where the word came from. (I also thought MD was probably not the right fit for me, so it's not surprising.) So this plus tmj143's call for an interview suggests word will be out soon. So I second that.

It does look like Michigan should come out any day now...hopefully soon! I applied to PP&Soc, so it's especially driving me crazy. I don't expect to get in anyway, but knowing it was a rejection would be helpful too. I got a phone call from Texas first, but the decision posted in the online system 1/23 (I got an email when that showed up). The PhD program adviser did tell me they were trying to get all decisions out really early, but maybe there are some faculty members that are slower. Clearly MI Ford doesn't send out all decisions at once. I've heard similar things on visits with the adviser, although it's unclear to me if the person they pair you with at your acceptance remains your adviser throughout the process. But perhaps that will be more clear when I have my first visit next week. Anyway, happy to hear from others in this process! Hopefully we all get more decisions (and good news!) soon!

You'll also need to get a relevant master's degree for serious consideration from any PhD programs. Many schools require it and most schools don't consider students without it (the coursework of the master's is essentially a prerequisite).

Has anyone heard from Michigan (Ford)? Two people in the results section have noted that they were accepted to the Public Policy & Sociology Program there already (one 2/11 and one yesterday, 2/18). Ever since I saw the first one, I check for results way too often. I've heard from Texas (yes, came by phone call on 1/20), USC (yes, by postal mail on 2/7), and Duke (no, 2/11, I didn't get an interview, so no surprise there). Does anyone know when Washington (Evans School) notifies people? I know their email said mid-March, but it seems so late when you have to decide by April 15th. Would also love to hear people's thoughts on deciding between places. (Any tips on social policy in these programs would be appreciated too!)