Ari*

Hello! I am considering going to Notre Dame for a PhD this fall, and I am addicted to salsa dancing. Can anyone speak to the opportunities for salsa dancing? Are there any clubs that consistently (weekly) have salsa/latin dance? This might seem a little bit silly, but it is such a great way to get rid of stress for me, I am not sure that I can live without it. Thanks!

This is a great thread! I was just lamenting to myself about how even though I have heard back from some schools, I am still in a waiting period. I have been: rejected from 3 schools. accepted without funding at 1 school. (there is a "slight possibility" for funding, but they won't know until much later) waitlisted at 2 schools I have yet to hear from 2 schools. There is a pretty good chance I will get into one of my waitlists (I was told I am #2 on the list, and they are "optomistic" about my chances). I am just tired of waiting. It would be great to finally hear something definitive.

I bought a cat. I have always wanted one. She is proving to be a delightful distraction. She will either be celebratory: "yay! I got into grad school AND I finally have a cat!" or consolatory: "I didn't get into grad school, but at least I have a cat."

I recently began visiting this site as well as WhoGotIn? and I was surprised to read that many posters applied to all of the top 10 or top 20 philosophy schools according to the PGR, and were rejected by most or sometimes all of these schools. I applied to 4 PhD programs for which I could argue a great fit, and 4 Masters programs as Plan B. I cannot help but notice the difference in tactics that I took (and was advised to take) and the strategy of those who apply to the top 10. I imagine that if I had done likewise, I could easily expect rejection from most of them based on fit alone (and not because my interests are esoteric in any way). I simply cannot believe that the top 10 or 20 programs are so similar that one could argue a good fit with each of them. Understanding the caveats (1) that admissions into a philosophy program is insanely competitive any way you spin it, regardless of both fit and school rank, (2) that this process is not a rational one, and (3) that we all presumably sought some balance between fit and quality of program, I have a few questions: When choosing programs, to what extent did you value fit over PGR rank or vice versa? How do you think this helps or hurts your chances? Is it possible that our fear of the highly competitive nature of this field both in graduate programs and job prospects causes us to value rank and name over fit and interests? Just a few thought as I await my results... and good luck everyone!

Such a good thread! I applied to 4 Phd programs in Philosophy and 4 Masters Programs. Here is why I am getting in to these programs: - 3.73 undergrad major gpa - 3.8 phil PhD level gpa (taken during my masters program) - A Masters degree in a related field. - 6.0 AW GRE (1200+ on the other sections combined) - Great rec letters from 3 profs + one rec letter from a prof who is famous in the field - good feedback on my personal statement - I applied to programs that were a good fit for me, instead of blindly applying to the top 20 in the discipline. - A good start on language study (3+ years of Greek, 1 year Latin, 1 semester German) - A revamped writing sample that got good marks from aformentioned famous prof showing "high levels of philosophical engagement" - Some teaching experience. - The assurance that at least one Masters Program was "impressed" with my application. (Man, does it feel good to get any kind of positive feedback!) Congratulations everyone for being so awesome! We can do this!

Funny, I am torn between my top choice school(s) for philosophy. Notre Dame is the top tier school that I would have to go to if I am accepted. It has the name recognition and is a quality program. On the other hand, Villanova has much less notoriety, but a lot more perks: an arguably better fit, more face time with profs, a great teacher training program, etc. etc. I think I have narrowed my top choice down to these 2 schools. Here's hoping...