goldielocks

Hello, all! I'm an applicant from last year, just popping my head in because I remember this experience far too well. A year ago, I was in the same boat as all of you, and it was... excruciating. The waiting, waiting, and more waiting. And then it gets even more excruciating because (if you're lucky) you have to face decisions. Just wanted to stop by and say that I really wish I'd not let myself get so stressed about applications, when I was going through this. It felt like life or death, even though I knew that it wasn't. I guess I'd just like to offer a very small reminder that this is just a stressful phase, it will pass, and your value as a human being/intellectual will not be determined by the admissions decisions which should start rolling in within a couple of weeks. I wish someone would have reminded me of that more when I was in this boat -- hope this helps someone to put things in perspective. Though I've gotta say, I read through part of this thread, and you all seem far less neurotic than we were this time last year. So kudos to you! And best of luck to all of you in the exciting months ahead.

Hi everyone! I haven't been here in ages, and it just occurred to me to check in and see how everyone is doing. How are you all? Can't believe we were going through this crazy process a year ago.

Just decided to come back for a visit. So strange that I don't spend much time here these days, since I was practically connected 24/7 during app season. PonPonpon -- I agree with TMP. Don't sweat it. Emphasize what you do have. What makes you different? An MA application is quite different from a PhD, in that you're not expected to have a great deal of professionalization yet. But if you can demonstrate focus and specificity in your project, language skills, have a stellar writing sample, and really great letters... you'll be fine.

PS: Congrats to everyone who has been making decisions/getting off of waitlists/etc. I haven't been around. Those of you lurkers on here who are also on friends with me on Facebook will already know that I am in thesis hell. Hell. I know many people reach this point of utter desperation mixed with complete rage, but wow... I never thought this damn thing would make me this crazy. I just want to get drunk and cry. /rant

Congrats monster!

That's what the CV is for, right? I don't think anyone wants to hear about anything else I have to say that isn't included in the proposal or my CV. But that's just my opinion -- I've never had to sort through emails on the other end of this sort of thing. Though I have watched my advisor do it -- and felt sorry for her as she became more and more swamped by submissions. So I think it's usually best to just stick to the basics.

Yep, that's fine. Just "Please find attached" and "Thank you for your consideration." Easy peasy.

I would chime in here to say that I would never start up a conversation about how faculty can "improve their own program" — and I say this with lots of respect, Sigaba. I just don't think that I'm in any place, as a fledging grad student, to offer advice to established faculty on how they can create a "more dynamic" program. I'd be happy to tactfully answer questions about why I chose the program I chose... but I'd never offer suggestions about how to improve another one. Just my $.02. C&C: I was pretty open all along with my POIs about my other offers. They expect you to be considering other offers. They go through this every year. When it came time for me to start declining, I tried to do the following: 1. Express sincere gratitude for the POI's time 2. Express how flattered I was to receive an offer 3. Note that I've decided to attend another program that I feel will best serve my research interests 4. Mention that I hope we can cross paths in the future 5. Do all of this concisely, and as soon as I'd decided -- so as not to waste anyone's time or resources, being mindful of those waitlisted. Best of luck!

Just popping in to say HELLO and I hope you are all holding up! I've been terrible about keeping up with the boards the last week or two. Looks like I've missed lots of excitement. Congrats to everyone who is starting to make decisions. Pretty exciting stuff.

My go to is a pair of dark jeans, a plain tee or blouse, and one of my vintage suit jackets (I have way too many from being a thrift store addict), and heels/flats. I haven't felt over/under-dressed at any visits. And there have been people dressed in all manners, from jeans and hoodies, to full on suits. Hope this helps, and have fun!

Congrats, Safferz!

Thanks, everyone! It definitely feels wonderful. Now to the hard stuff. Like, you know, making it through the PhD. But first: finishing my MA thesis.

I just declined at Rutgers. It broke my heart, but I know it was the right decision. Here's hoping that frees up a spot for one of you on the wait list. As for me, I guess that means I'm D-O-N-E with this process. Now to the hard stuff! Thanks to all of you for being such a wonderful resource. I'll be lurking...

Declined at UIC today, and withdrew from UT. Hoping this helps out somebody!

Just got a fellowship at UIC!