hopefulpessimiste

Well I don't know if it counts as "wisdom" per se, but I do have some opinions I'll share. First of all, Monadology is totally right. And yes to Bill! He's so awesome! Other points: I think UWM is probably great preparation for doctoral programs; there is A LOT of work. Absolutely make sure to stay on top of things and don't fall behind! Definitely start thinking about your writing sample over the summer after your first year and do some preliminary work, at least. Additionally, though this may be an odd thing to hear right after getting in, UWM stessed when I was there that it's because of the high caliber of the students who go through the program that their placement record is so good (which it really is). They told the group of us starting our second year that there is no magic forumula for placing people. You just have to work really hard and do your best possible work and that will determine (at least in part) your success with doctoral applications. I found my time there extremely helpful and stressful. I have no idea if other graduates feel the same way. That said, I'm glad I went because I learned a ton and I got to work with a lot of fabulous professors and fellow students. Best of luck!

I'm signing off (for the most part), as well. But I do want to send out good vibes to everyone on here! It's been so great to have these forums to communicate with eachother as we go through this crazy, stressful, and majorly subjective process. I wish everyone the best of luck in future endeavors!

Or it could be UW Milwaukee...

Congrats to you! What an exciting and nerve-wracking day you've had!

Congrats to you! 1/1 I must say that's an impressive and interesting stat!

Congrats Perpetuavix and Hopephily! And Hopephily, I don't know if you have any questions re: Northwestern, but I went there for undergrad and maintained very strong ties with many of the faculty, so feel free to PM me if you want to talk Northwestern or Evanston/Chicago! I can pretty much guarantee you that you'll be happy there!

Congrats!! I think that might be a good idea to let Wisconsin know that you are waiting for another offer, but that you will very likely accept. It's probably easier to get a release from a school than it is to get an offer you've turned down.

Congratulations! I've been rooting for you!

Totally don't want to be a buzz-kill, but I thought that people would want to know this info. I learned from Madison that, as of Friday, they had only one place open. It seems like almost all of the people initially accepted ended up accepting their offers--which is a great sign for Madison and its appeal. But, since it's coming down to the wire, I thought I'd share what I was told for those waiting for a response.

Out of sheer curiousity--I have no horse in this race--is anyone from this thread going to Princeton? I'm just curious! I don't rememeber as many postings about it as some other top 10 schools. It was my dream school though...

It's official--going to Penn!! (I gave up on waiting for UCLA any longer...)

Thanks for the info, that's actually very helpful to hear! And yes, Madison does have a kick-ass placement record, and Madison's cost of living is pretty low. If I get a formal offer, I'll have some very serious--and very fast--thinking to do!

I agree. UWM's funding was relatively good, though not nearly as good as GSU. NIU's funding was alright, but to me it seemed like more of gesture than something that would actually be helpful. And UWM's placement record seems to me to be very comparable with Brandeis's. The only reason I would still but Tufts first is that it does have the best placement record, but also the profs have a number of great connections at other universities, and many do top-notch work. I guess I've functionally outed myself (concerning where I got my MA) based on my comments...

Seconded! Congrats you guys!

This is my opinion; it's backed up fairly well by admissions stats, but also takes into account expenses and the faculty. I would rate them as follows: 1. Tufts 2. UW-Milwaukee 3. Brandeis 4. Georgia State 5. Virginia Tech 6. NIU... When I was applying to MA programs, I spent a great deal of time looking not only at placement records and stipend amounts, but also at where professors in various departments went and what work they had done. I was accepted at Brandeis, UWM, GSU, and NIU (I didn't apply to VT and I got rejected from Tufts). I spent a lot of time on each department and it took me a while to make a decision. A big factor in my deciding not to go to Brandeis was not only the really limited funding and relatively high cost of living in that area, but also the fact that in a one year program, you're basically re-applying right after you start the program (unless you take an additional year off). To me, that sort of defeated the purpose of the MA. It takes time to establish yourself in classes, write papers, and form relationships with professors--not to mention learn new material! I actually think Brandeis should make their program a two-year one, but I may be in the minority. Anyway, those are my two cents based on my own research.

So I posted this elsewhere, but I think this thread is probably the right place: I heard this afternoon that it is likely that I will receive an offer from Madison. However, at this point I am leaning toward Penn. Nothing official, but just thought I'd let people know that it's likely that I will not be competing for a Madison spot if I get an offer. Though far from conclusive, one thing that really made me hesitant about Madison (aside from the ginormous teaching load!) is the stingey stipend. Combined with other fees, it really is a pitance. I don't want to be taking out loans to get my PhD. This is 100% the fault of Scott Walker (the abhorrant governor of WI) cutting the UW system's budget. So I don't blame the department, but I do think I'm going to let them know that monetary issues are a factor in my decision-making.

Just received word that it is likely that I will be admitted to Wisconsin off the waitlist. But, I am strongly leaning toward declining it in favor of Penn. Or UCLA if they would ever get back to me!

I highly doubt that UCLA would care or bother to trace an anymous letter complainign that their admissions process needs to be re-examined.

I agree with this suggestion! Of course this is understandably a carzy process, but UCLA is really making things difficult for not only the applicants, but also other departments with their policy. I'd be amenable to something like an anyonmous letter stating my concern.

I wonder how many people are waiting for a response from UCLA before answering this question! I'm totally not bitter...not even a bit....

More on UW-Milwaukee for those interested. The past two years have placed EXTREMELY well, but they have also been very large class sizes for UWM, and several people re-applied this year from previous years for a number of reasons. Some were shut out, but others had personal reasons.

How soon were any of you planning to call UCLA? I loathe the idea of contacting them again (since I already sent them an email). But I also refuse to wait until April 15th to make a decision. I would not do that to Penn or to Madison--that would be awful to the people on the waitlist at both programs. Their whole way of doing things has been so dreadfully insensitive and uniquely bizarre that I wonder if that bodes ill for attending the program. On the other hand, it could be that those who are not on the adcom are still wonderful people with whom to work. But, at the very least this does raise serious questions for me about the responsiveness of the department.

By "never wanted to hear a rejection so badly" I did not mean that I want to get rejected; I meant that at this point hearing ANYTHING about my status, rejection included, would be a relief.

Ok seriously UCLA? REALLY?!?! It's April 2nd, and that means there are exactly 12 days before D-day (decision day, not invading Normandy). I have never wanted to hear a rejection so badly. Am I the only one going insane over this? I emailed Normore asking if they were planning on making any more offers on March 21st and never got a reply. I just can't believe how disrespectful this is to everyone who spent the money and effort applying.

Congrats on UNC!