Mattie Roh

Hi fellas -- I'll probably throw my hat into the ring again too. Already trying to think of what I can do to clarify my approach, add to my SOP. I'm also somewhat limited by distance. "Once more unto the breech, dear friends, once more"

I emailed Dr. Scheil (who had contacted me before) and explained that I only have a small window to visit the campus with my job situation and need to put in my requests soon. I basically asked for insight on the wait list to see if I should try to visit in April or May. I didn't ask for my rank, but she gave it to me.

FWIW, I just found out that I've "moved up to number eight" on the wait list. This was relayed as happy news, but doesn't seem all that encouraging. Anyway, it's good to know and I'll probably stop holding my breath now. I did not ask if this was within a specific subfield, but I imagine so.

I'm trying not to think about it until at least April. But I'm totally checking my email constantly and maybe planning an April trip to MN just in case.

Waitlisted as well. Fortunately (!?) I was rejected from the other two programs I applied to, so I'm under considerably less stress. I'm trying to just assume that I won't get in and then it will be a pleasant surprise/mad scramble if I do.

Nope. No change on the website. The letter was dated Feb. 26, if it's any help.

That answers that question. Just got my rejection in the mail yesterday. Sorry I won't be joining you guys! I may pick your brains a year from now if I apply again, though.

Well, that sucks but at least I can be pretty confident that my application hasn't been mislaid somewhere.

So I haven't heard anything from UIUC one way or the other yet. I emailed Ms. Shockey a week ago to see if there was any movement on a decision, but I haven't gotten a response. Since visiting weekend is coming up, I'm going to guess it's a no, but a definitive answer would be nice. :/ Anyone else in the same position?

More coffee than usual. Baked goods. I plan to give up Coca Cola for Lent (not because I'm religious or anything but to prove it doesn't own me). This may end up being a mistake.

Ha! I wouldn't know. I'm from Western Mass. I live in a place so rural Urbana looks like a metropolis. No word from them yet, but maybe I'll see you there!

This thread almost brought tears to my eyes. It's so nice to see people from backgrounds similar to my own with the same doubts I have. I've been agonizing over things since I applied -- not because I'm worried about a plan B, but because I'm afraid of having to make this choice that, when I can clear my mind of all the extraneous crap, I'm SO sure of. I half hope to get rejected so I don't have to. But some of these posts made me feel better (or at least not alone) so thank you all for that!

I was waitlisted for the PhD program and received an email as well. My subfield is dramatic literature.

I was waitlisted yesterday. Results seem to be coming in drips and drabs. On another thread here someone said they were finishing up the first round stuff this week, but that Minnesota typically makes a good amount of admits in the second round.

If it makes you feel any better, I'm 33 and this is my first round... If I don't get in, I'm seriously considering packing up and moving somewhere new anyway. I've lived in the same town all my life and if nothing else it would be good to experience living in a different area. I'm terrified that I will chicken out and stay here in the same terrible job, though.

I also applied to only three schools. As much as I'd like to move out to the west coast, I can't afford it. I need to be able to drive home if my family needs me so midwest was as far as I could look (and even that is a helluva drive). It is what it is. And anyway, having limitations saves a lot of agonizing and application fees.

"You'll get in! Why don't you think you'll get in?!" (said in a sympathetic voice as if I just have low self esteem or something)