DreamSearch

I applied to C&I.

I don't understand the purpose of programs refusing to be more transparent at this stage in the game either. The Learning Sciences program (the other Ed PhD program at Northwestern) was forthcoming with information about the timeline over the phone and in virtual info sessions. I didn't apply to either program, but I certainly appreciated being given honest information. If the timeline is similar to Learning Sciences, it would seem that they have already interviewed and notified admits. Plus, the message on the results page seems fairly reliable since it allegedly came directly from the department chair. Also, sometimes smaller programs don't have a waitlist because they are only allowed a maximum # of offers (not just based on funding but on the total # of applications they received). If someone declines, they don't always get to offer to someone else because they have to maintain selectivity for their rankings. It sucks, but it's true.

The learning sciences program at Northwestern conducts interviews in early February. Invitations to interview are sent in the middle/end of January. I didn't apply, but attended a virtual info session where this was explained. They typically invite 14 people to campus to interview and make decisions from that pool.