mhoudek

Initial thoughts on how to tactfully decline a PhD admittance offer: "We need to talk. I really appreciate that you think that we could work so well together. The fact is, though, I'm just not ready for a long term relationship with you. You're great and any scholar would be very fortunate to attend you. Really, I should be so lucky - it's me, not you. What? Is there somebody else? Oh shucks, you can read right through me! I'm sorry, it happened so unexpectedly. I never thought that others would be so interested me - and such a perfect match, too! You two would actually really get along well. Really though, as for me and you, it just wasn't the right time... be strong, you'll find some other great young scholar that will make you both very happy. I'm sure of it. I wish you the best. Take care."

Right, I'm on the same page. I heard through the grapevine that their decisions are rolling out so late on account of not knowing how many spots they were going to be able to offer. Apparently there were/are a few lingering PhD students, dissertating beyond their expected time frame. Ultimately, it would be difficult to make the decision between UW and Iowa, as both programs are comparable and yet distinct in their own ways (and the Iowa offer is fairly generous). We shall see, I guess...

Any word from University of Wisconsin's Comm Arts program (Rhetoric, Politics, Culture track)? I had a friend who had an interview and then was rejected, and I believe someone posted that they were accepted in late January --congratulations!-- but I haven't heard a word. I understand that they only have a few spots, so perhaps 'no news is not totally bad news' at this point? Either way, I'm stoked to have a couple good/decent options (Iowa, UC-Boulder, Utah). Good luck out there, ya'll!