hopefulpessimiste

Apparently UCLA does not have waitlist--instead they admit people in rounds, apparently only a few at a time. But yes, this timing is totally insane. They should at the very least communicate to applicants whether they have been rejected or whether their application is still under considieration by now. It's April tomorrow, and in two very short weeks, the decisions MUST be made. I even emailed UCLA to ask if they were planning on making any more offers (not even asking about my own application, just whether or not they were finished admitting people) and Calvin Normore still hasn't gotten back to me a week later. This is so rude. That said, if I got in I'd probably go lol...

Adding my own take to this, in case anyone finds it helpful! I certainly don't know if I'm qualified to be giving advice given that this is my first time applying to PhD programs and I'm not exactly tripping over accetpances. Nevertheless, here a few thoughts: 1) Cultivate relationships with profs. I did not plan on pursuing philosophy during half of my time in undergrad (I was a double major in philosophy and in biochem), but I frequently went to office hours. When I did decide to apply to MA programs, I had a number of professors in the field who knew me well both as a philosophy student and as an individual. I got into to four out of the five MA programs to which I applied. I relied on these relationships so much over the course of my studies, not only for the pragmatic benefits, but also for the wisdom, advice, and suppport of my professors. I think I had strong letters as a result. 2) Apply only to programs to which you would actually want to attend. This may seem like a strange point, especially given the odds, but I applied to only those programs where I thought I would be both happy and successful. I absolutely do not think of the idea "safety schools" applies to doctoral applications. 3) Force yourself to leave the house during at least SOME of the time you are waiting for responses from schools. I can't even count the number of days I felt hopeless and miserable before I heard, and even moreso when I got my first few rejections. But I dragged myself outside every so often, and being in the world made a big difference. Distraction is key. Good luck to everyone!

I generally agree with what's been said here, but I thought I'd add what my experience has been so far. I contacted the head of the adcom at Wisconsin, and said that I am still very much interested in the program (though truthfully speaking even if I got in I might go to Penn instead) and that I would like to visit, if possible. My reasoning is that if I were to get in off the waitlist very last minute, I would need to make an informed decision. I mentioned very briefly that I had mulitiple offers out there and wanted as much information as possbile. The adcom responded that it would be fine if I were to come and visit, and that I could sit in on a class or two if I wanted, but he said to wait to come until April. That way, he said they'd have (hopefully) a better picture of my chances of getting slot. I definitely would not email people outside of the adcom because, let's face it, they're busy! They are probably writing, and teaching, and doing all sorts of other things and probably don't have time to deal with people who aren't in the program. But for those on the committee, presumabley they've allocated a certain amount of their time to dealing with all issues related to admission, so I think it's reasonable to contact them to reiterate your interest. Anyway, that's my take. Good luck to all waitlisted folks out there!

Adding my info to the Madison speculation: I received an email on March 18 saying that I was in the top 10 on the waitlist, but there was no ranking within the ten. So, clearly the 15 was not a typo, and they are grouping things in fives. Within the groups of five, they might be organized by AOI so they might not be ranked. My AOI is ethics, so I'm a bit freaked out. At least I have another offer I'm super happy about.

Well, when Paul Guyer left for Brown several years ago, I'm told that the reason for the move was monitary. But with Adrienne Martin leaving, I don't know. It just seems like they've lost several people recently, so they need a bunch of good hires. But, they have made one good hire, so hopefully that will help. I"ll be asking them about that this week. There is also a "very reasonable chance" that I will be admitted to Wisconsin, so at least I have options (hopefully!)...

I never would have thought this, but apparently getting into grad school is only part of the problem...you have to make sure there are people at the department once you get there. Penn seems to be making the latter a bit difficult...

Wow Michigan thanks for making my Saturday ridiculously frustrating. Boo.

And congrats, hopephily!

When, if you don't mind my asking, did you get that email?

Still no claimant for the recent Wisconsin acceptance? So far, we've all seen a bunch of hopefuls (including myself) but no claim. Anyone know any more about the situation on the waitilist? I received a second email about a week after the intital waitlist email, but it wasn't super helpful. I had inferred (incorrectly, it seems) that I must be high up on the list to get a second email. But it didn't contain any information about ranking on the waitlist, or the liklihood of admission. Anyone know any more about this??

Can anyone claim the acceptance off the waitlist to Wisconsin?

So, do you guys think that Michigan is finished sending out offers? It's hard to tell becuase of how slowly they've been trickling in. I haven't seen any waitlist posts...anyone know if they normally have one?

I'm also curious about UCLA. It's a bit hard to track what's going on since they have sent out admissions over such a long period, a few at a time. Are their any waitlistees? I know they haven't sent out rejections yet...I am I right in thinking that if I haven't heard, it means a rejection will be coming in at some point? I'm in the same boat for Michigan...their whole process (months in between admits, and like two at a time) is baffling to me.

Congrats to you! You have so many amazing programs to choose from (including my two top choice departments...)!

I think it is fair to say that Chicago is one of the best cities on Earth. It has fantastic museums, symphony, theater, food, and drink. And it is way cheaper, cleaner, and prettier (yes, with trees and a huge lakefront) than NYC. Also, I have a good friend at Riverside, and she is very happly there. So yay for you!

Thanks for the tip! I'm honestly very depressed about leaving my native Chicago. If UCSD or UCLA had accepted me, maybe I'd be ok...lol.

It's weird, they told me the 15th when I emailed them back in February. At first I thought that was really bizarre, but given how active weekends seem to be (unfortunately), that made sense to me. But then again, I'm a bit baffled by how things have gone where Michigan is concerned. But you, DHume, also have a number of wonderful choices!

I'd like to know, too! At least, in your case Modal, you have tons of great choics! Have you narrowed down your options?

I know, right?!

Congrats to the Oxford admits! I didn't even have the balls to apply...you guys who got in totally rock!

I'm very frustrated with Michigan now. Those first few acceptances were quite some time ago, and in their response to my query, they said that they hoped to have all their offers out by March 15th. But, why on Earth are their acceptanes so far apart? It would make sense if they sent out a number of first round acceptances, and were waiting to hear back before doing a second round. But from the results page research and info on the forum, it seems as though they sent out only a very few acceptances already. Why would their adcom make a small number of offers and then wait to make more? I know that being mad about this is silly because I won't get in anyway, but in addition to stringing me along, it's the principle that bothers me.

Just got my Princeton rejection. I'll be away from the computer for a while...going to go cry...

Congrats again to those accepted yesterday! I checked the results page, but did not see any waitlists for Princeton, or for UCLA. Does that seem strange to anyone else? Think they'll be sending some? I'm just trying to cling to a tiny bit of hope...

Huge congrats to the Princeton admits! Any info you can share? I'm dying and will be perfectly happy to live vicariously through you. Even though I'm lucky enough to have an offer, I'm soooooo depressed I didn't get the email.

I second the suggestion that al the papers posted (at least those I've looked at) were interesting and well-written. I think everyone should be proud of the work they've done to even get to this point (to be a competitive PhD applicant is hard enough!). I am kinda turned on by headings and sub-headings, though...they're pretty neat (especially when someone is skimming a paper or looking for a part of an argument). But where is Princeton!??! I just want to know...