lioneironaut

Sorry, could you clarify? As in, they are trying to keep the cohort small, or they are being more careful with rejections since this year's cohort ended up smaller than intended?

Interesting about Brown, because they've literally never notified this early from the results history. My guess is that one is another special case and we won't hear until next week.

I know it's hard to stay calm, but don't sweat it!!! Even if the worst happens, and you don't get into any of them, you might even think about the rejections as an opportunity—you get a whole year to narrow/strengthen your interests, and to improve your applications with all the knowledge you've gained from this cycle. I was roundly rejected last year, and this year I'm getting into my dream schools. Just be patient and confident that this is what you want with your career, and I have no doubt that you'll make it happen

The sticky thread indicates that ONE top-20 school has a graduate school-wide GRE cutoff at 300 combined scores; that doesn't mean that all of them do. I don't know why somebody would post a result with precise stats and everything just to troll people. I'm inclined to believe that it's a real acceptance, and therefore, the person effectively convinced the adcom that they were a qualified candidate despite the low scores. There are a million ways that could have happened, none of us can even guess what kind of background the person has unless they post here to tell us. The process is mysterious and unpredictable, didn't we know that already? That result makes me a little less cynical about the process, honestly.

They also probably say that because most applicants WILL in fact hear in February, because they usually release rejections a week or two after the first wave of acceptances.

I don't think there is a rigid GPA cut (other than the 3.0 grad office minimum), although there does seem to be more evidence for a GRE filter.. My overall GPA was significantly lower than yours, and I still got into UW. My perception is that Brown is actually a more difficult school to get into for our interests (mine are vaguely similar), given that it's a much smaller program and sends students to at least as good placements. My guess is the reason for your UW rejection is something more nuanced, at least, given your amazing credentials—I hope you get good feedback from them through asking. Congrats again on Brown

CONGRATS!!!!!! Such a good program!!!! See there was no reason to despair

Well thanks for your quick responses, looks like I don't have to worry. Just got an acceptance too!!

CONGRATS YOU GUYS!!! So excited for you Can I ask what the content of the email is like—is it a form letter or more personalized? Funding info in there yet? Has your status changed on their website? (I'm still pending, no emails either)

That Washington admit also made me nervous... I noticed today (while creeping on the dept website) that the details of the 2016 recruitment weekend have recently been posted in full. Makes me think admits have either already gone out or will go out very soon. Although, in past years there have been at least 5-6 people posting on the results forum, so they can't all have right??! ...right!?!

I'm sure it depends on the school because they probably work from data on their typical 'yield' of acceptances, but the stats for the schools I applied to suggest they accept around 2 to 2.5x their ideal incoming cohort as a first wave, then keep a few more on unofficial/official wait lists.

Anyone have any extra insight on UW madison's decision date? Last year looks like it was 31st/1st, which could mean this weekend/monday, but it also seems that previous years were later in the month...