Mr protagonist

Nvm. Lol.

Ok thank you. Just curious. I am expecting a rejection, but it seems odd that most went out earlier this week (or today, I see) and I still haven't heard from them.

Do you know how many spots they have to fill?

So what's the news? I see several waitlists and two acceptances up on the boards. Anyone care to share?

Thanks all of you for some great advice. I more than likely will be rejecting the offer, because I just can't do that to myself -- as disappointed as I am to miss out on such an opportunity. But, I'm sure more doors will open, as they say.

Thanks for the tip, good advice. Although one program is UPenn, not expecting much there. The other is U Washington, and I've read they take a while to get back to students. Also, NYU needs an answer by March 27.

Thanks all -- really good advice. I was also told, by *every* faculty member I consulted, never to do an unfunded degree. I also have nearly $60,000 in undergraduate debt. So, realistically, I don't think I'll be taking the offer. I will think about it, but TDazzle, your points are very helpful. This also makes me skeptical of such an offer. And I am in contact with faculty in the department about funding opportunities, etc. arober6912 -- my areas of interest are international modernism, American post-modernism, theory, and linguistics. shortstack51 -- your posts are very uplifting (much thanks), but I think our circumstances are different. However, I would think NYU would offer some student jobs, work study, etc. This is tough!

Hi everybody, I have a problem. And since many of you are much more experienced, I was hoping you could help. I applied to several PhD programs and have, so far, received multiple rejections and one wait list. I was just notified today that I was accepted to NYU's unfuded MA program. I still have two more programs to hear from, one that offers funding, but is highly competitive, and the other that is lower ranked, but has flaky funding packages. I'm not sure how funding issues work out for wait-listed applicants should they be accepted. So, should I take the offer? This would mean I would have to quickly search and apply for external funding, which, hopefully, the university would match, or should I wait for other options? If I do not receive funding, I'll have to take out loans for tuition and living expenses...in New York. Any feedback would be most appreciated.

I'm here.

I must say that I lacked the confidence in myself to even apply to PhD programs -- let alone, the highly-regarded programs I selected upon recommendation -- before a distinguished faculty member approached me about applying to these programs. Preparing all elements of this process since May has been, quite honestly, a series of unbelievable highs and dismal lows. After I submitted my applications, I plateaued at a state of zen-like acceptance, which I was proud of. Now, as decisions have started rolling in, I am once again at an incredible low. I am with purpleperson -- I would be unimaginably grateful for one, just one, honestly-earned acceptance. My projection, sadly, is 0 out of 7. waitlisted at 1, rejected from 2 PhDs and 1 MA to PhD still waiting to hear from 2 PhDs and 1 MA to PhD -- (and, realistically, I'd say I really only have a shot at one of these) The reality: I think I WAY overshot with some of the programs I applied to. But, the good news is, I anticipate being bummed out for a period after results come in and reaching that wonderful zen-like state once again (haha).

This thread is really helpful and totally comforting. I'm also on the implicit-rejection wagon, though I'm trying to trick myself into thinking if I haven't heard back, I still have a chance! Rejected from 2, waitlisted at 1, 4 more to go... And on top of that, kidney stones! My god. I'll be occupying my time with Carl Sagan, The Walking Dead, and alcohol (probably not great for the stones).

So how do waitlists actually work? Are they waiting to pick people of the lists for admission, or are we waiting for people who were accepted to pass on their offer?

Thanks for the feedback all. This is my first time applying, so I'm just feeling things out.

I was waitlisted for the PhD program, also curious to see how many people were waitlisted for that.

As it looks like I will not be getting many offers this season, I am curious -- how do you second-round applicants stay positive and motivated? I know, life goes on after across-the-board rejections. But it's still a bummer. What are your stories?