colalalala

Lol my advisor has been asking me daily whether I heard from WG or not. I think maybe we'll hear something next week?

I am in the same boat as well!!! Just threw in 3 more applications for master programs because I am not holding my breath for the remaining PhD programs. Is it bad that I am still hoping for miracles? Because I can't help it
 
Just know you are not alone, Skylarking. I found that it gives me so much strength knowing someone else is going through the same process and literally in the same situation with you. I am so glad we have each other for support.

I am in the same boat as well!!! Just threw in 3 more applications for master programs because I am not holding my breath for the remaining PhD programs. Is it bad that I am still hoping for miracles? Because I can't help it
 
Just know you are not alone, Skylarking. I found that it gives me so much strength knowing someone else is going through the same process and literally in the same situation with you. I am so glad we have each other for support.

Have you applied to safety schools?  I mean, I see you have applied to Harvard, Penn, Michigan, Cornell.........these schools are ridiculously tough to get into. Are you opposed to state schools? 
 
Also, I have seen a lot of disregard for Masters programs, and I think it is silly. The MA/MS allows you the opportunity to gain valuable research, publish, go to conferences, network, learn new analytical techniques, learn multivariate statistics in various software, make colleagues, the list goes on. I get it, a MA/MS does not do much for a job, BUT it DOES do a lot for your future career as an academic. Education is a marathon, not a sprint. I would suggest not looking down on Masters programs (if you are) and apply to some. Maybe even state schools. If you ARE qualified enough for those schools you are applying to, then you can probably go to some state school with a GREAT funding package for an MA. It's not unheard of, I am doing it as we speak (Ok, so it's not a great funding package but it's free+ school). 
 
As for your decision: First, there are tons of opportunities for external funding. You should be applying to as many of these as possible anyways. Second, if you do go to Cornell without funding then I would have to say that it needs to be under the strict rule that you HAVE to be ready to do everything in your power to get funding. Talk to faculty, join research projects, apply for scholarships, fellowships, TA positions in other departments, OR even try to get a job at a local community college to offset costs. On that note, you need to KICK ASS that first semester and quarter and go WELL out of your way to do so. Turn heads. So, what I'm saying is you have to dominate your coursework (4.0, no ifs ands or buts), volunteer at a Center or Institute to get the "in" on a research group, or try to get job if you have previous experience, and try to get involved in independent research. Furthermore, you have to excel in all of these endeavors. If you do this, you WILL get funding. I guarantee it, but it's not easy....
 
You will be amazed at how many people come out of the woodworks to help genuine individuals who care about learning and share a passion for it. If you're willing to do those things, then I think you will do fine. You just have to work [bleeping] hard. I would seriously consider if you can make this happen, if not then I wouldn't do it. Time is a luxury, that not many have (especially when you have dependents) and everything I just said takes lots of it.
 
Good luck with your journey, and good luck with your other schools! 

Sarab, I have to say you are the most thoughtful of posters... Some fellow applicants and I have been rooting for you for months! Congratulations! You deserve so much happiness in grad school~!

Colorless, 
 
I agree with what everyone is telling you, and that is to calm down and don't let the rejection reflect negatively on you as a person in anyway,  We have seen how the process goes now, and from this we can tell that acceptance is dependent on a great variety of factors, many of which you can't control.  I don't know what your current situation is, but this is not the end of the world. There are also plenty of MA programs still taking applications. Theses programs may not be funded, but they could allow you to gain valuable experience and increase your network. 
 
The last thing you should do is jump from a window, though I'm sure, it's hyperbole (I hope). 
 
Just don't give up hope yet! If you do get swept this season, stay in contact with any POI that has been helpful and showed interest. Develop your relationship with them if possible.  Not getting in can be turned positive allowing it be used as an extra year of preparation, a chance to get better funding next year, and possibly some work related experience. 

yea, for sure. we can have a nice little commune of grad school rejects, just living off the land.

this entire month has been extremely excruciating...and while it's coming to an end, most schools I applied still haven't made their decisions...so here I come painfully long February
 
it's kinda nice to know I am not alone in this u guys

this entire month has been extremely excruciating...and while it's coming to an end, most schools I applied still haven't made their decisions...so here I come painfully long February
 
it's kinda nice to know I am not alone in this u guys