goldielocks

Well congratulations! I hope it's a smooth semester for you. It might seem like a dream after the chaos of having to do applications with your teaching load last semester.

Haha, Sandy... how many preps do you have to do this semester? I know that you kept mentioning last semester that things were a bit overwhelming.

PS: Where is everyone? I feel like the board just died all of a sudden, as soon as apps went out.

Well, because it is midnight here and I am unable to fall asleep, and I find myself lurking around here anyway, I'll bite. I'm such a weirdo about giving away research specifics online, since I like to maintain some semblance of anonymity, so please forgive me if any of these are too generic. Undergrad Institution: Large, public, research I university, class of 2009, with high honors M.A. Program: Very, very small (practically a no-name) small liberal arts university (a state school). I will graduate this May. Honors Program: No (Worked full-time to put myself through school — many of these missed opportunities make me sad, but I did my best.) B.A. Major(s): History, Theatre Studies M.A. Major(s):History (Modern Europe, and Modern Britain more specifically) GPA in B.A Major: 3.88 Overall undergrad GPA: 3.6 Position in Class: I have no idea. I didn't even do the commencement ceremony. I just got out as fast as I could. M.A. GPA: 4.0 Type of Student: White female, socioeconomically underrepresented background, first in family to go to college GRE Scores (revised): (I can't find where I wrote these down, and the ETS website won't let me log in — Ahh! But I scored around 97 in verbal, high 80s in writing, and somewhere pathetic for the quantitative.) Q: V: W: Research Experience: M.A. Thesis. I "discovered" an archival collection which has been neglected for this subject, and it has been an enormous discovery. I have high hopes for what it will bring to my field. Until then, I'm slaving away at cataloging/transcribing/synthesizing/organizing/staying sane! It will probably take me at least a year or two to get through the whole thing, as long as I keep treating it like a full time job. Yes, it's that large. I also have two sizable (and unrelated) seminar papers, and one large course project completed through a local historical institution. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Dean's List throughout BA and all of MA; two conference papers delivered and another one being delivered next month, with another likely (in a panel) proposed for this fall Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Besides busting my rear to put myself through school and managing to graduate with honors, I completed a relevant internship, founded a meeting and writing group at my MA institution, serve on the executive board for my MA institution's grad student council, volunteered at a local historical site, and I work for one of the H-Net list servs. Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: Professional memberships through the two biggest organizations in my field Applying to Where: This is all in my signature, but: Rutgers, Yale, U of Washington, UIC, Berkeley, Northwestern, UT Austin, Boston U, SUNY Buffalo Research Interests & Areas of Focus: I do interdisciplinary work, but my generic umbrella field is Modern Britain (I will share more specific details after admissions results are finished, I suppose. If anyone is interested, you can always PM me too.) Languages: English (native, obviously), French (reading, speaking), German (reading), American Sign Language (intermediate) Letters of Recommendation: My MA thesis advisor with whom I am very close and lucky to have, a professor at my MA institution who I've spent a lot of time talking about my plans with (and who I've had for three grad courses), and a prof from my undergrad institution who I've kept in touch with since graduation. They're all lovely people and I feel very lucky to have had their guidance in this process. Statement of Purpose: I tailored my SOP for each school, and made a very concerted effort to describe how that specific program would contribute to my proposed dissertation (this was a possibility for me because of the collection I mention above). Then I describe what I can offer in exchange for those resources. I started out each one by talking about my current research and preparation. I just tried to be honest and precise. It would have been easy to make mine too sad or melodramatic, so I saved most of my personal details for those apps which asked for a diversity statement. I concentrated on the meat and potatoes: my work, my goals, my interactions with potential advisors, the way the faculty's scholarship has informed my research, etc. Writing Sample: I submitted a seminar paper which represents the beginning stages of my MA thesis, trying to emphasize all of those primary sources from the collection I referenced above. I think it turned out well. It also fuses two of my conference papers from this past semester — I tried to be efficient. Communication with POIs: I contacted a million POIs. Well, maybe that's an exaggeration. But I contacted many people whose work has influenced me, and who were at programs I was interested in. Some of them said things like, "Fantastic project! Can't wait to read it! But I'll be on sabbatical, sorry!" Some said "Great project! Would love to see where it takes you! But I can't take on any more PhD students with a clear conscience, since [this many] of my current students are still searching for employment. Contact [these people] at [these programs] instead. Good luck!" Luckily, several others said, "Yes. This sounds like a worthwhile project. Would welcome your application. I see how it relates to my work here and here and here. And we have this resource and this other resource which might prove useful to you. Here's some advice for your application, to maximize your chances. Let me know if you have any questions. Look forward to seeing your materials." Only two didn't answer at all. I chose 9 of those who seemed enthusiastic, and applied there (only to programs I already wanted to apply to, of course). For some others, I wrote that I had decided against applying to the program (because of funding, usually, or whatever), and asked if they'd mind me keeping in touch to solicit their feedback on my work. I was pleasantly surprised when each of them sent an encouraging email and agreed to keep in touch. It's incredible what can happen if you just ask, politely, after having really spent a lot of time with their work, and are able to concisely describe how it connects to yours. I also visited two programs last semester, and met with my PAs. Lessons Learned from Application Process: You are much more than a GRE score or a GPA. Mine are okay, but certainly not perfect. Learn to accentuate the things you bring to the table that make you a valuable addition to the intellectual culture wherever you're going. If that's not enough for them, maybe it's for the best. Or maybe you just need a year (or two, or three...) to come into your own before tackling this process. It's a journey, but admissions results do not define you, or your intellectual promise, and should not destroy your self worth. Allow yourself days to stress out. Have someone to hold you accountable, though... someone who can tell you when to woman (or man) up and focus on your day-to-day life. Have someone who will encourage you to apply to the places you'd never be brave enough to do. I sincerely entertain no hopes of being considered at Yale or Berkeley, for example. But I knew that if I didn't apply, since several of the historians whose work has really shaped mine are there, I'd regret it. Put forth your best effort anyway. You never know what will happen. Focus on people who are there, who you want to work with. Read them first. Contact current grad students. Look into job placement statistics. If you wouldn't work at most of the places where their recent grads have achieved placement — don't apply. If you can't see yourself living in the program's city/town/whatever for at least 5 years, don't apply. But by all means, if there is a program (or two) that you've dreamt about attending for years and years, do it. All you can lose is the application fee. The worst they can say is no. That's all it is, too, not a reflection of your value as a student or a scholar or a person. Just a simple no. And if it's a prestigious program (like Yale or Berkeley, for me), then the majority of applicants receive a "no" anyway. Do your research on every single program. Don't be afraid to contact POIs early. Be concise and polite. Be kind to all administrative assistants/grad coordinators/etc. First, that is the decent thing to do as a moral human being. Second, they can make or break you if you need a favor at the last minute (like that transcript that got lost somewhere in the mail...). Finally, have heart. It's just one small chapter in your life. Whatever happens, you'll learn something and become a stronger applicant next year, or move in a different direction... or maybe, get an offer from one of those programs you've been dreaming about.

Isn't it crazy to think that in a month we could all start hearing where we are/are not headed? With the new semester starting, I think it'll fly by. Not too much longer!

The second one. Just referring to the bleak outlook for the field in general (which I'm sure you're informed on), not Oxbridge in particular.

Hi there, I see that you were accepted to Cambridge. Congratulations! That's wonderful. To answer your question: I don't know about other fields, but in mine (Modern Britain), an Oxbridge degree goes a long way. Many of the biggest names in my specialization matriculated there, and now teach at some of the top programs in the states. I'm not sure about other universities, but I do know that several of the big names in my field attended some of the red bricks and have obviously done very well for themselves here in the states. I think it is important to bear in mind, too, how the unfortunate developments in the humanities and the job market have impacted placement for students from Oxford/Cambridge. But I would suspect (and this is merely speculation) that if you are studying a UK-related field, an Oxbridge degree would give you a leg up on the competition here in the USA. Have you thought about emailing your POI or the postgraduate coordinator at Cambridge about this, now that you have an acceptance? I'm sure they would be the best people to speak to about this. Hope this helps a bit, and again, congratulations on your acceptance!

Also, I think this would be tremendously helpful. I am curious what you mean about the transition from the MA to the PhD being "inexplicably more difficult." I'm going to have my MA. Do you mean in terms of what's expected of you as a doctoral student, research expectations, any teaching obligations, etc?

This is so kind of you to say. I would like to emphasize (again, as you've noted), that this is all an informal affair at this point, and certainly not an offer. I will not know until February. I am hoping that it's a good sign, and that's about as much as I'm willing to read into it at this point. But still, thanks for saying something so nice, Sig. And Sapper — no worries. We all say silly things when we're drunk. (Some are more brilliant than others: http://www.funnyordie.com/drunkhistory) How are you all doing with waiting? I am more excited than anything at this point. I feel like this is the time to enjoy the process, because it still seems like anything can happen — before we start getting rejections. Trying to savor how up in the air everything feels at this point.

Also, for whatever reason, I have taken to reading through the results thread from last cycle ("It Has Begun"). Bad idea. February cannot come soon enough!

Um, ew.

Haha, awwww, that is just cruel.

Haha, I would suspect it's a bit too early for that. Give it a week or two before initial meetings, I think. Until then, have a cocktail!

Haha, but then who would I have to help me procrastinate on this conference paper?

I thought I'd jump in on this thread, so hello! I am applying for a PhD in History, and I have 8/9 applications submitted, and the 9th will go out tomorrow. Most of my deadlines have just passed, so it will be at least a month before I hear anything. I did get some news on a fellowship nomination already, but that was unusually early. For the next month, I'm just trying to be productive and let it all go to the back of my mind. Hope everyone else is managing to stay sane.

Sapper, I understand. It's a very stressful process. I am just trying to keep from going crazy by pouring my nervous energy into things like finishing my MA thesis, or catching up on reading. This process really will eat up as much of your energy as you allow it to.

Thanks, Sandy. And congrats on finishing your apps! I think all of your work with teaching and course preps should keep you occupied until results come in. Also, I have an interesting question for you -- I'll PM you.

SapperDaddy, I think it's still quite early to be hearing anything from any programs. I spoke with a POI about a fellowship opportunity, but she even said that their program doesn't start giving offers until the first or second week of February — and they're one of the earlier ones. I know it's hard to wait. I'm just saying I wouldn't be at all discouraged if you haven't heard anything yet. It's far too early.

Crater, I agree on the feeling that this process sort of just keeps going. It's like a blur. I can't believe it'll soon be February and we'll all start receiving results.

Where's everyone else been? Avoiding the board in an attempt to stay sane?

Thanks tmp. I am definitely not getting my hopes up until I actually have an offer. I spoke with the POI tonight and it was unbelievable. I am still in disbelief that they want me. Like many of us, I have second-guessed and agonized and exhausted myself in scrutinizing my desirability as a doctoral candidate. And here I am, with this possibility in front of me that I never expected. Only time will tell what is going to happen, but I hope everyone takes my word that If it can happen to me, it can happen to you, too. I hope we start seeing more good news popping up soon.

Safferz, I still have one last app to send out. I am so ready to be done. I can't believe it's already January, either. I was looking at the results page and some of the programs I'm applying to were making offers as early as the first week of February last year (including the one I've been posting about). It really just flew by.

Thanks, crazedandconfused. I hope you get good news, too. And congrats on quitting the smoking habit. I imagine that must be difficult. I talk to my POI tonight. I'm excited but very nervous. I really didn't expect to be considered at this school, so I'm just a bit overwhelmed. Hopefully it will all go well, and then I can share some good news (and more details, of course) with all of you. How's everyone else holding up? I had managed to forget about most of my apps until this happened. Happy New Year!

Thanks so much, Safferz. I am trying not to get ahead of myself, since this isn't an offer of admission. But hopefully it's a pretty good sign. I hope you have similar luck!

Well, kids, I just got a wonderful belated Christmas surprise: an email from my POI at one of my dream schools. I am being nominated for a fellowship. I will post details after I speak with the professor and have more information. Talk about a surprise. I was just checking my email while making a late dinner and I dropped my phone... Wishing everyone else all the best and lots of luck!