praxismakesperfect

Alternate for the pre-doc in Ethnic Studies.... is it worth holding on hope?

So, I just started my first grad school courses and I am already starting to feel the imposter syndrome symptoms--coming into my program without a masters definitely is not helping matters. I feel like everyone has a much better grasp of theoretical concepts and language than I do at this point; in short, I feel pretty dumb. This is not discouraging per se--I like being surrounded by people who can push me-- it just makes me know that I have to work extra hard and really be on point. I was thinking of using professors office hours to go over material that I may have issues with, and just make sure that I'm really understanding things--is this frowned upon in grad school? Should I be doing the "heavy lifting" by myself/with my peers--do you think professors would be annoyed at a grad student coming to their office hours for reassurance?

I'm a bit less freaked out than I was a week ago--I managed to find and secure an apartment (though I'm not sure how I'm going to come up with the money for first & last months rent in 2 weeks...), which was the source of a lot of my stress, and purchase my ticket to Chicago. I haven't had a job all summer so I'm scrambling to find money to fund everything, it's really nerve racking. Not to mention the lingering fears about wether I'm fit to be in PhD program, if they admitted me by mistake, imposter syndrome-type stuff. Also the fact that I've gotten some questionable vibes from my department.... and I'm the only person in my cohort.... We'll see tho. Moving in less than 2 weeks.

Is anyone else the only person in their cohort? I am, and I'm a bit worried about it to be honest. Any advice?

Um.... are you serious? UC Riverside!! No question.

Who exactly should I contact in order to get feedback? The letter doesn't state that information.

Got my Yale rejection yesterday. Oh well, don't really care either way

Thank you!

I am also anxiously awaiting a Yale decision. Even though I got into my top 2 programs (Northwestern and UT) and will likely end up at one of those, I'd still love to have the option of Yale and the opportunity to visit.

Is Northwestern a part of this consortium?

My fastest was 18 days (I got admitted btw).

Congrats on Brown! Your research sounds really interesting!

I got my first rejection a few days ago, but I've already been accepted to my top 3 programs so I didn't really care much to be honest. It was a program that I was iffy about anyway.

So apparently a lot of people have heard back from Duke Cultural Anthro.... I haven't heard anything from them, and my app status just says "submitted"-- does this mean I am waitlisted?

I also got an acceptance today (Minnesota) -- best of luck guys. And congrats beekay!