mosquito0016

The problem with people like me (that is, people close to the process, but not actually a part of it) is that we know a lot about what's typical, probable, etc., but almost nothing for certain. Patterns are made to be broken!

You know, I don't know why, but we don't have many international students. There are a few Canadians, some Brits. That's about it. This is actually the subject of much speculation among grad students in the department. In short, I don't know why, but what you have heard is true. The waitlist is very dynamic here. Many admits also get into places like HYPS, which siphon them away. Thus, people get off the waitlist all the time. If you end up on it, being eager and communicative with the DGS and prospective advisors can definitely help, too. (This is in contradistinction to most waitlists at other programs, which are quite rigid.) The waitlist is secretly ranked. You could try fishing to find your place on it (it has been done successfully), but that could backfire. I can say that the new DGS (Prof. Tamarkin) is extremely friendly and helpful, so perhaps she'd be forthcoming with information like that.

No problem. Happy to help. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know.

All students are now funded. I am not on the admissions committee, so it would be untruthful for me to say that I am totally sure all acceptances have not been sent. I would confidently surmise, however, that departmental fellowships (the bulk of the cohort) have yet to be sent out. The only time you'll know for sure that all offers have been sent is when people begin reporting waitlist offers, or of course if they send you a negative email before that.

Berkeley's English department changed their admittance policy last year. It used to be the case that they admitted a large number of students (~25 wouldn't be unusual) with no waitlist. The catch was that half the cohort would be unfunded. Now, they admit a regularly-sized cohort (~12) with a waitlist, like every other program. Last year an unexpectedly large number of students accepted offers of admission, so I would guess the department will try to offset some this year. Admissions decisions aren't "rolling" per se; describing them as waves is, indeed, probably more correct. A select few will hear very early (late January). These are the students nominated for Regent's fellowships (five years fully funded no teaching). Right around now, the next tier of university-wide fellowships should be hearing (diversity fellowship nominees, chancellor's fellowships, students that chaired professors want to give money to, FLAS, etc.). Next will come the departmental fellowships, and finally the waitlist will hear. Each step happens all at once, but no step happens at the same time as another step. Hope this helps. (I should also add that this could be a little different this year because the department has a new DGS and a number of new staff members, including a graduate secretary who was literally just hired last week. But it seems, so far, to be following the usual pattern.)

I would really, really appreciate some sort of answer to this. : ) It's a question that has been asked before but never actually responded to, as far as I can tell. If you are a white male, what are the chances of winning a Ford? If there is any chance, must your white maleness be overcome by proven diversity work, to the tune of 5+ years commitment to one or more causes, plus academic interests in the subject? Or (and I believe the answer to this is no, but would love to be wrong) is it enough to have only a small background in diversity causes/work, as long as the policy you lay out for bringing diversity into your future classroom is novel and passionate? In the latter scenario, how imperative is a history of peer-reviewed published articles? Essentially, can you win this thing with only three real demonstrable achievements: extremely well written, persuasive essays, outstanding recommendations, and perfect grades (summa cum laude in undergrad, equivalent level so far in grad, etc...)?

Germany is so early this year! I'm dying because I went to my girlfriend's this weekend, so maybe it's just sitting there at my house! I wonder if rejections and alternates came out this week also, or just winners.

No way! Jesus, officially flipping the f*^& out.

Johns Hopkins has been discussed a little here in the past, but the opinions are conflicting. I've heard it described as "theory intensive" and "very traditional, oriented towards close reading." Well, which is it? Both? In general, does anyone have anything to share about Johns Hopkins? What's it like? The department is so tiny. I'm very worried about that. What about admissions statistics? Any idea how many apps they get and what their admit rate is? They're considered a "top program" correct?

Congrats!!

An acceptance just popped up. Anyone want to claim it?

Sorry to post another topic with a questions as its title. I have two offers on the table, and I'm unclear which is the better option. OPTION 1: - Very prestigious school, top in my area of study, couldn't get in better as far as prestige - Semi-compatible with faculty. To tell the truth, I'm not feeling super excited about any of them, but I will visit soon and maybe this will change. - Lovely, super ideal area - Small funding package, no fellowship first two years, probably will have to work a lot (TAships, Readerships) OPTION 2: - Top 10 school, well admired for my field, but can't touch the first for prestige - Somewhat/moderately more compatible with faculty interests, though I'm still not super attached to any of them - Nice area, but not as nice as option 1 - Very nice funding package, with potential to make it even better with university-wide fellowship Basically the question comes down to prestige vs funding, with a little bit of tug on the compatibility end. Is option 1 worth it?

ps. congrats princeton peeps

what i really like, is books. also reading. poetry is good too. y'all rock... nice to see peeps interested in grad school and forums and the humanities.

what i really like, is books. also reading. poetry is good too. y'all rock... nice to see peeps interested in grad school and forums and the humanities.

Woah there's lots of Princetons now

I was in just your situation this year. I graduated after my grad school apps didn't work out. I got a part time job (and luckily lived for free with a family I was friends with) over the summer. I then acquired a series of Craigslist jobs as I finished my apps and moved out on my own. The process of working and having to provide for your self is very educational, and I actually recommend it. It will be hard, but I think you will learn a lot. And, if you so choose to re-apply, I think you will find that your apps are easier to make stellar when you aren't burdened by course work in the evenings. Actually, you might enjoy living in the "real world." It took me 8 months to find, but my current job is very nice. It's nice enough to consider keeping over school. It just takes time and trial and error to find something like that. Also, I'd recommend staying close to your friends, not moving in with parents, finding cheap rent (even if it means living in a bad neighborhood or a rural area), and signing up for food stamps (food stamps are the best).

Yeah very cool. also I received my letter from the department only last night at 8pm EST. So they may still be sending them out even today.

And I have gotten my acceptance through the website, but no letter!

: ( sorry about UCLA. Let's hope we BOTH get into Johns Hopkins!

Yeah definitely, mine could totally be a glitch or something. I've still not received any kind of email or anything, just the letter under decision status. Really didn't mean to upset anyone!

Oh man I definitely didn't want to make anyone sad. I'm sure they're just working up through the alphabet or something. I clearly caught my letter right after it went up (obsessive checking). I'm sure everyone's decisions will show up soon.

Oh, sweet! Yeah it was me who posted. Hope other people get some good news too!

Check your decision status!! Letters are there now!! Woooo!

I think not yet. According to past trends they send out rejects around the 25th. Acceptances (and apparently waitlists) go out now.