Gambaosaka1

Fantastic news!

Thanks and congrats to you too! Can't wait to hear where you end up...so many great options. I'm guessing after that we all need to find out where the next AHA conference shall be?

Columbia decisions are out...got my rejection (completely expected and not the best fit). Just waiting for funding decision from UCSB but my cycle is complete.

I deliberated for ages about contacting POI's and the advice on message boards as well as from former advisers was inconclusive. I decided to start emailing the academics I knew have expertise in work I wanted to work in and got some great replies. Going into this process, based on the replies from those POI's I thought I had a decent (not assured by any means) chance of getting into the three programs I did. I was advised by one to broaden my research focus, while another advised me to apply for the MA instead because of my language proficiency with indications re it being funded. I also didn't waste my time with a UC Berkeley app because the POI, who was lovely and gave a long detailed email, told me my research area wouldn't fit into the department but told me what departments he thought I would be a decent fit in. Some didn't get back (Michigan, Cornell and Wisconsin, for example) which was disappointing, and a couple of others were very positive about my research area but I ended up getting rejected at(IU and UW), but I know that happens to many people. These responses were positive but I never got any indications that they were trying to tell me I was in or anything, whereas responses from UCSB, UCLA and UNC were far more detailed with regards to their interest in my research topic. I wish I had written to the other programs I applied to (Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford). I may have gotten an indication re their interest. So from my experience at least, it certainly did help.

Don't stress it! I sent a really long email to a POI to say I wasn't going to attend but wanted to show my appreciation for the offer/advice throughout the process but have not heard back either. I'm guessing that's more understandable though

I'm sorry! You will kill it in the next cycle. Good Luck!

I'm really sorry to hear about the sad news in your personal life. It's probably a good idea to deal with family/personal issues before heading to graduate school. All the best! I got my cornell rejection as well just now...just waiting on Columbia to do the same so my cycle is over.

Completely understandable to be down! You wouldn't be if you didn't really want this. The teaching gig is still really impressive. Can't think of many better avenues to improve your application for the next cycle than teaching. Many of us have zero experience teaching...well at least I certainly don't and would love to have that opportunity. You're going to kill it next cycle and be 2016's ashiepoo.

Hey! I am so sorry to hear that. Is Vandy is still an option? What about the teaching gig at Oregan? I have a friend here who is in the PhD program there you should probably meet up with if you head out there. I worked in journalism before quitting to study Japanese and when I spoke to some tenured academics who worked as contributors at major institutions about my plans at least three told me they got rejected their first cycle. It doesn't feel nice hearing it now but there are many different routes people end up taking to get into this silly business. I'm genuinely sorry for you but the teaching gig sounds pretty sweet to me. Not sure I would get any offers like that at this stage.

Fantastic news! It does just take one "yes." I have a very close friend finishing his PhD in the Political Science department this year and has really enjoyed his time there. He's also had some really great research opportunities there.

@Ellebe thanks! Really hope you get offers from UC Davis and UCLA. They are both fantastic programs.

Yeah, I would too! Don't think it is unreasonable at all to email now but that's just me. I got my IU rejection a few weeks back so I reckon you are in with a good shout there. Fingers crossed as I know how highly to rate their program. I emailed Harvard, Columbia, and USCB over the past 2 couple of weeks. Harvard: terrible timing as I they put the rejection letter up for everyone that day a couple of hours later! Columbia: saying my decision is still pending and it should be available by mid/late March. USCB: to wait for early March (accepted yesterday). You have such fantastic choices...once you have made your choice, please tell me how you came to that decision. I am genuinely curious.

Haha, you should take your time making the right decision! I think JJWS just meant to say you've done incredibly well this cycle. We all can't wait to hear which lucky program you end up choosing. Professor Plum- I agree with you completely...I think we (the posters at least) take the words written here in context, although the idea of it being a closed forum is a good one. The bit about professors possibly going on this page interests me though. Personally, having to look for work after my MA in the worst climate for graduates in the UK for decades some years back was an important experience. I don't take rejection personally or get too anxious re decisions, however, I do understand not everyone is in the same boat re where their lives are at present and what options are available if a cycle doesn't go well. Thanks for the insight into the process.

Haha, same here Wullblomen. Just want Columbia and Cornell to do the same ASAP. Have they let most of those candidates know already though? Saw a bunch on the results page a couple of weeks or so if I'm not mistaken (very easy considering how much I've been drinking recently). That's brilliant! I know someone studying with me who's a PhD student at the History dept at UO. Regardless, that is great news. Brilliant! Congrats. Decisions decisions decisions...

Im so sorry Josh! What about the Vanderbilt (Religion) PhD decision?

Congrats!

Sweet! That sounds great. Assuming drinking is a part of the whole thing? Wish I was able to attend a recruitment weekend...don't make any sense coming over from Tokyo though. Good luck with the rest.

Got my rejections from Michigan (email) and Harvard (system). Just happy they are answering...am hoping Columbia get back quick as well so I can accept UNC!

Fingers crossed! Congrats on UC Davis btw. When do you have to inform them by?

I don't have anything to add to this (atm) that is but just wanted to say this is great advice! Wish I had something like this to read prior to applying.

That's beautiful...

It's great they tell you when you'll know. Fingers crossed!

Thanks!

If you were referring to me: sorry, I thought I upvoted you! Didn't mean to sound annoyed with you at all...apologies if it came off that way.

That's great! Sounds like a great program, I think you're in. Update us as soon as you know (which might be when-ish?). Although Vanderbilt would also be great.