Kamisha

Well this thread went somewhere I hadn’t expected. Haha. I’m enjoying listening to people battle it out, though

I emailed a school that rejected me today to ask what I could do to make myself a more competitive applicant in the future. I’m not sure if the answer was encouraging or really scary. They told me that “there was nothing quantifiably lacking in [my] application” and that the decision on who to admit was made solely on program “fit.” On a more positive note, they did mention that my SoP was one of the “stronger, more artistic statements the admissions committee reviewed this application season," that it was a “pleasure to read,” and that they feel confident that I’ll find the right school. The scary part? I thought I was a great fit. I guess the moral of the story is that you can work your ass off to make yourself as competitive as possible and a committee can be impressed with you, but it all comes down to whether the program likes your research interests. I wasn’t even wait listed. Boo. ​I’m sad and discouraged. This feels hopeless.

What do you guys think about going to a PhD program that isn’t well ranked (I mean anything below like 75)? Are we talking career suicide? Or does it really matter with things as competitive as they are anyway?

What I wouldn’t give to be wait listed at Berkeley (or, at this point, anywhere). Congrats!

This honestly is my exact plan, too. Haha. I guess we Englishy folks think alike.

Lol. One of my professors just gave me some advice: “Trisha [that’s my name, by the way], get the f*#$ off GradCafe. That site will drive you crazy. You’ll get in somewhere. Stop worrying so much.” I hope he’s right. I kind of wonder if my research interests are too “pop culture” for English departments. I maybe should have applied to Film programs, but I want to teach in an English department.

What do you guys think about the concept of “implied rejection?” I find myself saying it a lot lately in reference to my own applications. I’ve only received one official rejection, but I’m assuming five more right now and it SUCKS.

I got lucky. For what it’s worth, I absolutely bombed my subject test and had to cut all of the schools that required it off my list (though I kept Berkeley on there purely because I’m a masochist).

Oh! Haha I was 98 verbal and 65 quantitative. Who likes math anyway?

Any UC Davis people in here who might be able to shed light on the situation? Have they notified all accepted applicants?

I’m confused by what you are reporting...I thought the scores were between 120 and 170??

Now UC-Davis is posting?! Gah! I am starting to feel really down about life.

I have one rejection, one interview, and no acceptances. Gah. I think once I get a solid “Yes” somewhere, I’ll be able to calm down.

Mine was from a class in my Master’s program, as well. I tried to adapt part of my thesis and it just didn’t work, so I bagged it at the last minute. I’m not happy with my writing sample, but I hope it’s enough to get me an acceptance or two.

I hope we hear soon! I’m seriously going crazy waiting! Then again, I’m already feeling battle scarred and still have 13 schools to hear from. So...might be bad news. Haha.

Never underestimate the important of “fit.” Honestly, your qualifications are good and so long as you are the right fit for the university, you’ll be good. I’ve seen people with 3.0GPAs, 154 verbal scores, and zero publications/conferences get into awesome schools because their interests matched that of the department.

Thanks everyone for all of your excellent input! This is the alter-ego of Switters, by the way. My account is active again, so I probably won’t be posting under that username anymore.

I’m back! Woohoo! Unless I get locked out again, Switters shall cease to exist.

This wasn’t directed at me, but I’ll answer it because I want other people’s answers, as well. Haha. I have a two-day interview/meet-and-greet at a potential university, so here is what I’m planning on wearing: Day One: The dress in this picture (http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/work-with-me-dress-in-black) with grey tights and a pair of sensible heels. I’ll have a couple of jewelry pieces, but nothing distracting. Day two: Skinny black slacks tucked into these boots (http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/tommy-hilfiger-hamden-tall-riding-boots?ID=880577&LinkshareID=QFGLnEolOWg-Y3yKXNwMtWYnJdPRE7Avfw&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-5-_-63-_-MP563) with a camel-colored sweater, a colorful blazer, and a statement necklace.

I live in a ridiculously snowy, cold climate. Last year we had three weeks where the temperature didn’t rise above -22. As such, I’ve become well versed in the art of dressing professionally when it is really, really uncomfortable to do so. My tips: Invest in a pair of “skinny” cut slacks that can easily go into boots. They look modern and professional and can easily be paired with flats and heels, as well. If you want to wear your heels or booties, keep a pair of cute socks and ballet flats in your purse and put them on when you have to walk across campus. Your pants will cover up the socks and you can change them as soon as you get back indoors. My best advice, however: Pretty coat, cute/professional top of some kind, a skirt, fleece-tights, and booties/boots. These looks are super in-style right now, look professional, and will keep you really warm. I wear fleece-lined tights almost every day and they are just as warm (if not warmer) than slacks. I hope this helps!

I can’t write my thesis unless I’m eating Teddy Grahams and Frosting. True story. I think it is a coping mechanism because it reminds me of my childhood comfort food, Dunkaroos.

I know that Florida State puts all potential PhD students in competition with one another for fellowships. Has anyone received notification yet that they’ve been nominated? It looks like they posted nominations last year on the 23rd, but I haven’t seen anything this year.

Anyone want to play the Projected Results Game where you list the schools where you think you have a good shot at admission or you just have that special feeling that you’re going to get in? I’ve seen it on a few other threads and think it’s both interesting and scary.

Emails are typically less intrusive than phone calls. If you are concerned, I would likely go that route.

Stay calm Remember, all that matter is if you get one acceptance, which you are going to. You’ll be somewhere and you’ll be happy. Enjoy those pastries now, because next year you will be out of France, in grad school, and unable to afford them! (PS...I hate you for having pastries when I do not.)