JackOfStyle

Absolutely. I'd go to where I'm funded.

It should be noted that I applied to Educational Studies, not Ed. Psychology. Different department, different timeline.

Paraphrasing the email: They had a great many applications this year, so they have placed me in the "alternate group." If funding becomes available, they'll go into this pool. So, wait listed. Looks like those accepted will be contacted soon? Good luck guys.

Yep, just got the "alternate status" email this morning.

It seems like there's not enough info in the results page to really make any firm conclusions about Stanford, other than the fact that they hardly accept anyone. They're a mystery to me.

Sigh. I didn't get an accept or a reject from Ed Studies yet. Looks like I'm hanging in the balance . . . today at least.

Hi, I applied and was accepted into the Education PhD (Policy and Leadership). Although it's one big umbrella program, I think that the various "strands" have autonomy as to when/how they notify, so just because some people have been notified, I wouldn't discount the possibility of an admittance just yet.

Educational Studies department is still reviewing applications. The admission office says to give it a few weeks. Until then, how does it go: "breathe in, breathe out"? Or is it the other way around - I've forgotten!

Don't worry about it girlbat. I was just giving my perspective (for PhD programs, not masters) - I'm not omniscient and like I said, I'm just an applicant along with everyone else, with some acceptances and rejections. So I wouldn't want you to worry based on my John the Baptist moment. There's a phrase I like, "ad meliora." It's Latin for, "toward better things." Every time things don't work out for me, or every time I make a new plan or goal, I think about that phrase. I'm not a person who believe that things happen for a reason, but I do believe that no matter what, there is always a way to move forward. I find this helps when I start obsessing about minute mistakes I may have made in my applications or interviews - was my tone too informal, should I have used a different word here? Then I realize that's a dead end. You will always find something you would have changed when you reflect - always. Then I realize, that's just who I am. It's my DNA and I spent the better part of a year flattening it into an application. If my single-spaced paper self doesn't jive with a department's vision and ideals, then I can't cry over it. Because I can't be anything else but myself. Doing so would probably make for a miserable grad school experience otherwise. I mean, it's education. We're in it because we want to help improve other people's lives. Despair and navel-gazing in the face of adversity isn't for us! We have work to do, and no matter what, we'll find a way to do it. (Okay. I'll stop now before you all figure out how to insert the little eye-roll emoticon!) Heh, found it.

What previous posters have said about the fit is the crux of it, I think. Unlike the hard sciences there really is no "If you have X publications, then . . ." or, "If you have X research internships, then . . . " advice for an Education PhD. The departments know they can mold you into a research machine in due time. Here's what I've gleaned from talking to 10+ professors from different schools last year: 1. Experience in the field (work experience) is always positive. 2. Research experience is a plus, and for some programs carries more weight, but not one professor said it was required. 3. Likewise quant/statistical background is a plus, and for some programs carries more weight, but it's not required. You can make up for a lack of research methods experience with a good GRE score (160+ maybe) and vice versa. 4. Professor contact + a detailed SOP are probably the two most crucial factors of your app. It really is about fit. You might be a top candidate but if there isn't a professor at the school who a) shares your interests and sees you as an asset to his/her/the school's current work and is able to take on new advisees, then you could be passed over. It's not YOU, it's them. You're likely fantastic. 5. Professor contact is crucial. 6 (to infinity). Professor contact is CRUCIAL. I sent introduction emails to professors who never replied. Naturally I assumed I'd have less of a chance at these schools. To my surprise, when I heard back from these schools about acceptance or interview, the emails I received were from these professors in REPLY to the emails I'd sent. So they must be filing these emails away somewhere even if they don't reply (makes sense - they probably get so many they can't reply to all of them). I was chuffed, absolutely chuffed. Sorry, that's really all I know. I'm in the same boat as everyone else - accepted some places, interviews some places, and half my applications seem to have disappeared into a void of quiet, polite no-thank-you.

I applied to LPO, Education Policy Studies with a K-12 focus.

Ah well. It's nice to have the solidarity of fellow applicants, at least.

I have an interview with them next week for PhD. Has anyone had an interview? Any tips? What will they ask me? I'm super nervous.

I emailed a POI last week and she said they weren't through them all yet. It's a competitive program (naturally) so I'm guessing the lack of results on this site reflects selectivity and may not be so accurate. Best of luck to you.

Has anyone heard from the University of Maryland College Park yet? Their app was due December 1st - I'm not optimistic.

It's hard to tell. Of course, it's very possible that you're wait-listed seeing as you haven't heard one thing or another yet. I think it would be best to call the program rather than email - you're more likely to get an answer.

Good luck to you too! I see. I had a very brief interview with another program last week. What does it mean if the interview is only 20-30 minutes? They didn't ask me hardly anything. Is that a good or bad sign? Is it just a "courtesy" interview so I don't feel bad? Oh paranoia. I applied to Educational Studies and so far it seems like nobody's heard much. I'm a little about not getting that Penn interview, and not hearing from Michigan would also be a bummer. Have an interview with Vanderbilt Peabody soon, though. Has anyone interviewed with them yet? I'm intimidated but hoping to do my best.

Thought I'd say hello too. I've applied to Ph.D programs at 8 schools for ed and ed policy. Was also very disappointed not to receive an email from Penn, as I thought my application there was stronger than some of the ones I sent to schools that have already accepted me. But hey, it's an Ivy. Reach baby reach. I've done an interview (via Skype) so far. It was for my #1 choice and I'm fairly sure I blew it, as it was my first and I was fairly nervous. I also live overseas so the interview ended up being at 6:30 AM. To the person who received an invite from Michigan - was it an informal email from a POI? Was it from an admissions coordinator? I've also applied there and am waiting with . . . bated breath!