Philmajor

Stud Theol, Very well put! I completely agree that when I look back on this moment this rejection will be one of the best things that could have happened. Even though, at this moment, I can't imagine not being an academic, perhaps that's not what I'm meant to do. My first goal is to get over the panic and figure out what kind of job I could get. Bills will need to be paid and student loans are going to start rolling in. I've looked at the standard job boards and the office jobs are of no interest, the NFL won't draft me nor will the NHL, perhaps I'll take my guitar and play for food Unless you have some suggestions? Revolage suggested finding adjunct positions - it's a possibility - any more ideas?

Adjuncting? I hadn't even given that a thought - could you perhaps explain how one would go about doing that? Why is BU taking so long with their funding decisions? Do they really think anyone will accept/decline without all the necessary information?

Thanks for the kind words Revolage. Have you heard from BU on funding yet? I should think that would happen soon so that decisions can be made. I will certainly spread my wings further next time around and I hope to be a stronger candidate. I'm not sure what I will do this coming year but somehow I'll manage and my family is being amazing with their support. Though I'm not attending this year I will continue to read and post here so keep me updated on your decisions. My fingers are crossed that Marquette comes through for you. BTW - I assume you're over the worst of the flu?

I'm going to take the year and re-evaluate my goals. If I do decide to reapply next cycle I will apply to Chicago but I will be applying to many other universities. The internal application process for Chicago wasn't as difficult or time consuming as applying as an external candidate so it was really a no-brainer. Being on the quarter system doesn't allow for any "free" time to pull together applications, essays, transcripts, etc. If I decide to stay in Chicago and not head overseas I just hope to find a position that isn't so boring that I want to claw my eyes out before noon time :roll:

Thanks bah! I had a feeling I wouldn't be accepted but the finality of it is crushing. I'm sure there are many options but for the last 4 or 5 years I always thought I'd study and get a position teaching and researching at the university level. I have 2 languages - French and Sanskrit. I had hoped to take a intensive summer program in Tibetan but that deadline is gone and I'm broke I'm not interested in teaching inner city children - I'm thinking about ESL in Korea. I had seriously considered it prior to applying for my master's and I wonder if now would be a good opportunity. The 9-5 office jobs don't seems to be very interesting; perhaps I'm just missing something.

If anyone else is on the wait list at UChicago Divinity and applied to the Philosophy of Religion area - 2 offers were made, both are internal candidates and both are accepting. Therefore, there isn't a waitlist - we've been rejected. I have to figure out what type of work I'm qualified to do and start searching. Does anyone have any suggestions, I'm feeling very lost.

Revlolage, I've been worried about you! I was rather hoping you were out celebrating your acceptance to Chicago and forgot to update us. Sadly, you have the nasty flu that is going around. I'm sorry you didn't get into Chicago as I was hoping you'd decline and I would get off the wait list - I only say this because I knew the acceptance you have was from an excellent school. Hope you feel better soon and after I meet with the Dean next week I'll let you know if there is a chance in hell of getting in off the waitlist. Personally, I'm not holding out much hope. Any suggestions on what type of job I should look into?

Letters were mailed on Tuesday and Wednesday. I would expect that anyone who has not heard yet to hear today. I remember when I was accepted to the MA program the letter was mailed on a Thursday and arrived in Boston on Saturday. Keep us posted and good luck. Only 18 offers to PhD candidates this year including internal candidates; no word on the Master's class.

Revolage, Have you received any news today? I am anxious to hear good news!

thatindividual - Congratulations! That is great news and I'm sure you are thrilled. You're correct to assume that some students get a full scholarship (1 or 2) and some get 1/2 scholarship. I received notification via postal today that I was waitlisted for the PhD program (I'm an internal applicant) :cry: I was told that they don't waitlist. Offers are made and that's that. I know financial issues have plagued the entire graduate program this year but it seems to be rectified - perhaps that is why they went to a waitlist this year? This leaves me in limbo as Chicago was the only place I applied to this year. Not sure what to do; except pray that lots of people turn down their offers quickly - I don't want to wait until the end of April to know what I'm doing in the fall.

Foureyes, Very interesting post with some valid points and some points that just don't make sense to me. I'm a current MA student and I picked my own advisor. Nobody appointed an advisor - he was the person I most wanted to work with so I just attended offce hours. Secondly, ALL professors have office hours - it's part of being a professor. Somehow I think there was a miscommunication. As for the placement of PhD candidates I never asked to see a hard copy of the numbers but I think that depends greatly on the student and the student's interests. I'm not really impressed with schools that say they place their PhD's into the top 10 universities - that seems a bit of stretch. The school does give their own a greater chance which if you think about it makes sense. The current students have already proven themselves. Their writing samples have already been read and commented on by professors and they are submitted in that format. Outside students have the opportunity to take their writing sample and revise it numerous times. The MA students have already completed 1 year towards their PhD which means they could finish within 3-4 years (probably more like 4+). Keep in mind, they don't accept ALL of the MA's that apply. It's too bad you didn't withdrawn your application though. Divinity only makes one round of offers; they don't have a waiting list or rounds of offers. I wish you well and hope that the program you decide to attend fits your needs.

deus_absconditus, Perhaps that is good news! I'm hoping that acceptances were mailed on Wednesday and the rejections went out on Tuesday - of course I could just be living in a fantasy! What division are you applying into? Did you have any contact with any of the professors?

Oh crap! Are you sure the mailman came? Maybe he mixed it up with your neighbors mail? I would have figured that if you were in the lot that was mailed on Wednesday then you would have received it today? Would it take that long to get to you from Hyde Park? I had better received something today - I'm just down the street from the school. My mail arrives sometime in the afternoon and of course I have class - I won't know anything until I get back around 4:00 :roll:

Revolage, Have you checked your mail yet today? If letters were mailed on Tuesday and Wednesday then today must be the day - right?!

Revolage, UChicago explicits states that decisions will not be forthcoming from e-mail. At a meeting held on how to submit applications to the PhD program we were told not to e-mail for decisions because the e-mail would be ignored. Chicago only notifies via postal mail. The person who received an answer must have caught someone in a really good mood. I think tomorrow will be the day; of course I've been thinking that since Monday :? I really had hoped that applicants that got accepted last year or the previous year would have come on to share their knowledge!

I wonder why the letters were sent out in 2 batches. Rejections first which would be the bulk of the mail and the acceptances today? Anyone think this is a possibility?

Religionstudent, Sorry you received bad news for Chicago. At least you got into your dream school - which school is that? Could you fill us in on some details. Such as which program specifically were you applying for; who were you hoping would be your advisor; are you an internal or external candidate?

Mail has not arrived yet - I would contact the Dean of Students or the Grad Secretary and ask when the letters were mailed. There isn't any need to give your name; just call and ask. I would but I'm off to class for the rest of the afternoon.

Thanks Stud Theol. Your suggestions are much appreciated. Perhaps I'll get great news today and all will be right with the world!

Revolage - what did you do with your year off? I'm trying to figure out what type of job to persue should I be rejected as I think I will be. Thanks.

Thanks Revolage. I'm an internal candidate that also applied to Philosophy of Religion - what is your interest? Although I had hoped internal students got a leg up on the external applicants I don't think that's true. The difference between us is that my paper has been read, graded, and commented on by the professor I wish to study under - perhaps that will help. I've also had 2 years to show them that i'm committed to this entire process. Which professor did you speak with? Internal applicants pick who they want on the committee (we need to explain which exams we'll take) so that may help a little. I think the entire process is a crap shot and the secrecy around the process is maddening. I too shall post as soon as I have the results - if I survive another night of waiting (I'm also preparing for finals next week)!

Revolage, Post as soon as you receive your acceptance from Chicago Divinity! Are you a current student at the Divinity school? I've been trying to find information on how they do acceptance - do internal candidates have a leg up on external? How many students are they planning on accepting? Any info would be really appreciated.

Don't most, if not all, schools notify by March 15th unless you're wait-listed?

According to the Results section UChicago-Divinity mailed their letters this morning. Internal candidates/Chicago residents should know tomorrow. I'm so nervous I could puke :roll: I would probably feel better if I had info on their acceptance rate for internal candidates vs. external but in a few days the wait will be over and I really hope I am jumping up and down and not collapsing onto the floor in tears.

Stud. Theol. The year I applied to Claremont I heard around this time; it shouldn't be much longer. Good luck!