strudelle

JMU - that's exactly what I was thinkin when Sara mentioned that we would finally stop waiting when classes start. We really just learn to apply for and wait for answers on additional things at that point. I just applied for my first grant and it was actually a lot less intimidating since I've done the whole grad school application process.

I love all the debate in this thread. Y'all are gonna make great academics

Hell yeah DigDeep! That's awesome!

*hugs* Emma, I think all of us have an idea of what you're going through and it's seriously tough. I feel like I've been through a freaking war with you guys because of how stressful and scary this all is. It feels like your whole life is resting on the grad committee's decisions and social science/humanities degrees are not very marketable at all without significant additional schooling. I am so sorry you are going through this and I really hope you hear something good soon. You can always vent here no matter what happens <3

Yaaaaay Canis! That's great news!

I sort of feel like acceptance is just the first part of the waiting game. Then you have to wait to hear about funding and housing and visiting weekends. I'm still waiting! I almost wish I would have been notified of acceptance and all the other stuff at the same time.

I'm so sorry skylarking. I know it was your top choice.

I haven't been there and don't know about the program, but I would recommend emailing current or former grad students if you haven't already. Most of them are usually listed on the departmental website. And I think a few people here also applied there so hopefully someone will have some insight for you Congrats on your many options!!

Congrats widefellow!!

Just saw an acceptance to UCSD. Anyone wanna claim it?

I was gonna say, I'm surprised that you were talking about UNLV. I've actually heard amazing things about their program and many of my professors suggested I apply there. I also agree that ranking is not everything. It's really the connections you make and what you make of it. I would go for it if I were you!

I've been wondering about this as well. I know people who got their PhD in 4-6 years. The average time for completion in my program is apparently 5 years. And I'm just thinking "is that really possible?" I mean it would be wonderful. But is it possible without brain explosions?

Forsaken - I agree. I wish everything got sent out at once. The waiting just adds to the angst. I really hope you hear something soon! There is still time for acceptances! KingScilla - I would say it depends. Did you contact the POI first or did they contact you unprompted? If it was unprompted, I would say that is a GREAT sign!

Sorry sarab But you do have other GREAT options that are a better fit. You're doing great! I got my official UCSD acceptance letter today!!! Now I'm going to stop worrying for real.

I was actually really scared that someone from the schools I applied to was going to see me freaking out on here and not accept me. I've been kind of nervous to say where I've been accepted because I thought they would decide not to take me because of my unprofessional online behavior.

I will echo what sarab said. It really depends on the department and your POI. I got into a relatively competitive program (funded) with awful GRE scores and little other experience due to the fact that my research interests fit so well with my POI and my letters of recommendation and SOP were very strong. Sometimes you can do all of the right things and still not get accepted due to a number of factors concerning fit and just plain luck. Notification season isn't over, so don't lose hope yet! In my opinion, you have a strong profile (much stronger than mine). The only thing that might be an issue is your GRE score; however, my GRE wasn't much better and I was told by a few professors who reviewed my SOP that my bad GRE would keep me out of the school that was my top choice, but it didn't!

Congrats humankoko! What's your research focus?

When I met with my POI in early January, she said they make decisions mid-Feb. So any time now we should hear something!

I applied to UCR and haven't heard a peep!

I will bet so much money it went better than you think. My initial interview with my POI seemed like it was terrible and I completely wrote off any chance of being accepted. I legitimately thought they hated me. And then I randomly got accepted anyway. What?

DigDeep - This is my biggest concern about dressing for grad school/professional stuff. The weather. I've lived on the East Coast and Midwest most of my life, so I'm used to being able to wear cardigans and scarves and boots. I am going to school in California, and I have no idea how to look professional when it's hot outside.

Damn daykid, you're cleaning up! And congrats coba! I've already got the acceptance I wanted but I keep obsessively checking here because I'm so invested in all your results. This week should be good! I'm really pulling for you guys!

Ooooo good point archaeostudent. My poi called me at around 5:30 her time (aka after school) and others have sent emails late at night. I bet campuses being closed won't effect POIs contacting people if the committee has already met.

I don't have anything to add to the great advice here, because I am not sure what I would do in your position either. Just wanted to say don't lose hope yet on UPenn and Michigan and I am really really hoping you get in somewhere and can pursue your PhD *HUGS*!

I don't think academic has to mean boring. I've seen a lot of professors get creative with it and still look professional. I think you can probably pull it off I would like to wear cute kinda vintagey looking stuff that's a little quirky but still professional. I don't want to totally lose my style. But I'm not too sure how to do it.