Katia_chan

I'm going to say something that I feel I have the right to say after getting kicked to the curb on my ass 3 and a half times.
 
Do. Not. Base. Your. Self-worth. on. grad admissions.
 
Or you will want to throw yourself in front of a bus.
 
You want to, and it's easy to do, and I did it, and I didn't listen to other people when they told me not to do it, but I'm going to try to tell you now.
 
If you get in, you're awesome. If you don't, you're still awesome.  And you're also not out forever if you don't get in this round. This is my third season, with an all-but-my-undergrad-institution fail for my MA.  And I did it again, and I adjuncted for a while, and I reapplied, And this time, I did get a very nice acceptance.  So if it's what you want, and it doesn't happen right away, keep going.  And if you do keep applying, or choose not to, remember that this process does not assign your value as a person, or even as an academic.
 
Just my two cents--you are all so freaking amazing, and I'd like to try to stem the tide of sadness and anxiety I've seen today. <3 to all of you.

I'm going to say something that I feel I have the right to say after getting kicked to the curb on my ass 3 and a half times.
 
Do. Not. Base. Your. Self-worth. on. grad admissions.
 
Or you will want to throw yourself in front of a bus.
 
You want to, and it's easy to do, and I did it, and I didn't listen to other people when they told me not to do it, but I'm going to try to tell you now.
 
If you get in, you're awesome. If you don't, you're still awesome.  And you're also not out forever if you don't get in this round. This is my third season, with an all-but-my-undergrad-institution fail for my MA.  And I did it again, and I adjuncted for a while, and I reapplied, And this time, I did get a very nice acceptance.  So if it's what you want, and it doesn't happen right away, keep going.  And if you do keep applying, or choose not to, remember that this process does not assign your value as a person, or even as an academic.
 
Just my two cents--you are all so freaking amazing, and I'd like to try to stem the tide of sadness and anxiety I've seen today. <3 to all of you.

Annnnd I just got the official email from Ohio State. Granted, the DGS called me a week ago and gave me some info, but this is much more detailed (includes some funding info, the schedule for the visit day, etc). Huzzah!

Okay, I take the bit about Vanderbilt back. I just got into UCSD.... I'm completely freaking out. 

Personally, I think those programs can be just as good as higher ranked programs, especially given how flawed some of the ranking systems are. Granted, they may not have the same degree of notoriety/connections, but I still think they can be great fits. And some of the lower ranked schools I've looked at still have really good placement rates (sometimes even better than higher ranked schools). For my own bit, I applied to one school in the Top 30s, 2 schools ranked between 30 and 70, 2 schools ranked around 100, and one unranked school. But I tried not to focus too much on where they fell in the rankings and looked more at what the programs could offer me, their commitment to professionalization, their placement rates, where former students ended up, etc.

Here to join the slightly-better torment that is the waitlist pile. got on the list for Texas Tech last night.  Probably the friendliest letter I have ever received.  Very nice and encouraging, and, most impressive, very honest and forthcoming about their process and their struggles.
 
But, because I'm kinda a moron sometimes, I didn't even think to ask a few questions in the thank-you Email.  I just thanked them and said that I was still thrilled to be in consideration.  But their letter said funding was pretty short, so I'm kind of figuring they don't know much more than I do at this point about how many they're likely to take off the list.
 
...still wish I'd asked, though.  This is why I shouldn't Email people before 9 A.M.

As a side note, I'm feeling an overwhelming urge to poke schools.  Several notified last year at the equivalent of last week.  Where are they this year... come on, people.  Grad students wanna know.
 
As for the scores, I think you're alright if your application is solid.  As much as you can, try not to worry.  I know it's ridiculously hard, but at this point, you can't change them.  So fretting only makes the anxiety worse.

I don't know about the others, but I think it's safe to say with Nebraska that the person who entered theirs was likely a rhet/comp person...at least, that's what I'm telling myself to survive. Based on last year's stats, Nebraska let everyone know within the same 6 day window, so there's at least hope in that if they do it the same way this year, you (and I) will know something soon. I do find it weird that the MA's have heard back/gotten funding before any PhD has heard either way, but who knows. The fact of the matter is nobody has been rejected yet and because of that I'm not going to allow myself to freak out. 
 
As far as the other places go, I'm sorry :/ It must be total hell to think that you've crossed five off (potentially) in one weekend, but you're right--fourteen is a fantastic number. I had originally hoped to apply to fourteen but ended up with twelve, which I feel pretty good/okay about. The bottom line is that it's out of our hands and at the very least we all know that we did the best we could. 
 
Even though it seems impossible, I think positivity (or at least non-negativity) is the best way to move from here. That said, I'm keeping positive thoughts in mind for all applicants who haven't heard from anyone yet--I hope everyone finds the place that is best for them and who appreciates what they have to offer as scholars, whether that's a seat at the table of academia or another year perfecting their work. From my own vantage point, I know it would be beyond incredible to get into at least one of the schools that I applied to, but I also know that I am up against some of you amazing scholars and that there is nothing wrong with losing spots to people as dedicated and intelligent as you all are (even if it feels like hell). I'd rather know that one of you posters who works their ass off and gives a shit gets a spot at a university that I want--at least that way I would feel justified. 
 
Not that I don't want a spot more than humanly possible. Because I do. Or something. 
 
Bottom line: good luck to everyone, let us share in your good news, your woes, and your anxiety. This community is one that has made me feel less alone in an extremely isolating process, and for that I am extremely thankful. 

Yeah, especially if you haven't signed with them, you are fine.  They know what app season is like, and they know you have to do what is best for you.  They know how many different offers some people get; they probably did much the same thing.
 
Now, if you break an admission, then it might  get a bit hairier.  Not to say that you shouldn't do what is best for you there, but consider that you would be essentially walking out on them, and just keep that in mind.  It's like previous poster said, you have to weigh the merits of cutting out on a school, and consider the fact that some faculty could carry a grudge if you were applying for a job later. Starts to look like you don't take contracts seriously.
 
I know you were more looking for insight on the former, when you hadn't already signed any contracts, so take the second paragraph as just my ramblings.  For the situation you *actually* seem to be curious about, you are fine and dandy.  Just as the  schools made no promise to admit you, you made no promise to take their offer.

Holy crap, guys. I had given up hope on OSU and then on a whim checked app status this evening and I was accepted!!! I haven't gotten an email or a phone call yet, so I don't know details, but I'm stoked. For anyone else still waiting to hear, I'm comp/rhet, so if you are too, check appstatus. So stoked!

I got the call...
 
Besides making a mistake and thinking that I was still waiting for my MA degree...I'm in.
 
And yeah, I jabbered on about the weather (hey I'm in northern MN--our weather is actually conversation-worthy lately), and thanked him a thousand times.
 
I mostly got out of the "any questions?" thing because I was already running five minutes late for the class I was, you know, supposed to be teaching.  But I have an invite to call back/Email with any questions I think of.
 
Someone please pinch me.
 
I feel bad freaking out with excitement while most everyone is still in radio silence--I've been there, and it SUCKS!  But I hope everyone else gets good news soon.  I'm going to go cry in a corner now.

I got the call...
 
Besides making a mistake and thinking that I was still waiting for my MA degree...I'm in.
 
And yeah, I jabbered on about the weather (hey I'm in northern MN--our weather is actually conversation-worthy lately), and thanked him a thousand times.
 
I mostly got out of the "any questions?" thing because I was already running five minutes late for the class I was, you know, supposed to be teaching.  But I have an invite to call back/Email with any questions I think of.
 
Someone please pinch me.
 
I feel bad freaking out with excitement while most everyone is still in radio silence--I've been there, and it SUCKS!  But I hope everyone else gets good news soon.  I'm going to go cry in a corner now.

I want to open a tea shop/bookstore.  The world needs more tea. *still might do this someday*.
 
Either that, or I'll just become a backpacking bum in England.  I could be happy there...

I got the call...
 
Besides making a mistake and thinking that I was still waiting for my MA degree...I'm in.
 
And yeah, I jabbered on about the weather (hey I'm in northern MN--our weather is actually conversation-worthy lately), and thanked him a thousand times.
 
I mostly got out of the "any questions?" thing because I was already running five minutes late for the class I was, you know, supposed to be teaching.  But I have an invite to call back/Email with any questions I think of.
 
Someone please pinch me.
 
I feel bad freaking out with excitement while most everyone is still in radio silence--I've been there, and it SUCKS!  But I hope everyone else gets good news soon.  I'm going to go cry in a corner now.

I got the call...
 
Besides making a mistake and thinking that I was still waiting for my MA degree...I'm in.
 
And yeah, I jabbered on about the weather (hey I'm in northern MN--our weather is actually conversation-worthy lately), and thanked him a thousand times.
 
I mostly got out of the "any questions?" thing because I was already running five minutes late for the class I was, you know, supposed to be teaching.  But I have an invite to call back/Email with any questions I think of.
 
Someone please pinch me.
 
I feel bad freaking out with excitement while most everyone is still in radio silence--I've been there, and it SUCKS!  But I hope everyone else gets good news soon.  I'm going to go cry in a corner now.

I got the call...
 
Besides making a mistake and thinking that I was still waiting for my MA degree...I'm in.
 
And yeah, I jabbered on about the weather (hey I'm in northern MN--our weather is actually conversation-worthy lately), and thanked him a thousand times.
 
I mostly got out of the "any questions?" thing because I was already running five minutes late for the class I was, you know, supposed to be teaching.  But I have an invite to call back/Email with any questions I think of.
 
Someone please pinch me.
 
I feel bad freaking out with excitement while most everyone is still in radio silence--I've been there, and it SUCKS!  But I hope everyone else gets good news soon.  I'm going to go cry in a corner now.

I got the call...
 
Besides making a mistake and thinking that I was still waiting for my MA degree...I'm in.
 
And yeah, I jabbered on about the weather (hey I'm in northern MN--our weather is actually conversation-worthy lately), and thanked him a thousand times.
 
I mostly got out of the "any questions?" thing because I was already running five minutes late for the class I was, you know, supposed to be teaching.  But I have an invite to call back/Email with any questions I think of.
 
Someone please pinch me.
 
I feel bad freaking out with excitement while most everyone is still in radio silence--I've been there, and it SUCKS!  But I hope everyone else gets good news soon.  I'm going to go cry in a corner now.

I got the call...
 
Besides making a mistake and thinking that I was still waiting for my MA degree...I'm in.
 
And yeah, I jabbered on about the weather (hey I'm in northern MN--our weather is actually conversation-worthy lately), and thanked him a thousand times.
 
I mostly got out of the "any questions?" thing because I was already running five minutes late for the class I was, you know, supposed to be teaching.  But I have an invite to call back/Email with any questions I think of.
 
Someone please pinch me.
 
I feel bad freaking out with excitement while most everyone is still in radio silence--I've been there, and it SUCKS!  But I hope everyone else gets good news soon.  I'm going to go cry in a corner now.

Alright, so I know I'm going to look neurotic, but does anyone know, generally of course, once the department has recommended you, how long it usually takes for the grad school to make it "official"?
 
The DGS sent me information about assistantships, and a handbook, and a few other things.  But I still don't have an "official" notice.  I've been careful about screaming the news, because I'm terrified of a last-minute fluke, but I'd really like to get properly excited.  I just don't know if the documents he sent are supposed to imply the official notice, or if I'm going to need to wait another week or something.
 
He said the grad school's decision was basically just checking everything's in, so...
 
I know, I'm doing the crazy questions-loop.
 
One more...after he sent me the documents, is it appropriate to send my thanks?  Or does effusive thanking just come off as annoying. (yes, in my paranoia I obsess over the little things).

I just got an Email from the DGS at St. Louis University, telling me they are recommending me for admission.
 
I made the mistake of reading it while teaching, and had to leave the room; my hands were shaking too hard and I thought I was going to cry.
 
And...someone please tell me because I've gone mad and can't remember, if they're "recommending" me, does that mean that I could still get rejected by the grad school?  Do I still need to be scared? Should I be drowning my hopes and bracing myself?
 
I'm freaking out.  3 cycles...almost 4...

I just got an Email from the DGS at St. Louis University, telling me they are recommending me for admission.
 
I made the mistake of reading it while teaching, and had to leave the room; my hands were shaking too hard and I thought I was going to cry.
 
And...someone please tell me because I've gone mad and can't remember, if they're "recommending" me, does that mean that I could still get rejected by the grad school?  Do I still need to be scared? Should I be drowning my hopes and bracing myself?
 
I'm freaking out.  3 cycles...almost 4...

YAAAAAAAY!  So glad you got good news, Katia.  As far as the phrasing, I think that's pretty standard, and even if the graduate school rejects you for some reason (which actually happened to me at the school I'm now attending thanks to my undergrad GPA being a hair shy of 3.0), generally all that means is the DGS has to fill out a form and send it over explaining that the English Department wants you and they can go suck an egg.
 
In the meantime: go celebrate!  Part your hair behind!  Eat a peach!  Preferably doused in the alcoholic beverage of your choice!

I just got an Email from the DGS at St. Louis University, telling me they are recommending me for admission.
 
I made the mistake of reading it while teaching, and had to leave the room; my hands were shaking too hard and I thought I was going to cry.
 
And...someone please tell me because I've gone mad and can't remember, if they're "recommending" me, does that mean that I could still get rejected by the grad school?  Do I still need to be scared? Should I be drowning my hopes and bracing myself?
 
I'm freaking out.  3 cycles...almost 4...

I just got an Email from the DGS at St. Louis University, telling me they are recommending me for admission.
 
I made the mistake of reading it while teaching, and had to leave the room; my hands were shaking too hard and I thought I was going to cry.
 
And...someone please tell me because I've gone mad and can't remember, if they're "recommending" me, does that mean that I could still get rejected by the grad school?  Do I still need to be scared? Should I be drowning my hopes and bracing myself?
 
I'm freaking out.  3 cycles...almost 4...

Air on the side of formal. Let them dictate the relationship (i.e. when to use first name).

example-

Salutations Professor Pond,

To briefly answer your question, yes it is bigger on the inside. Thank you for the concern and thank you for contacting me about this.

I hope you have a really wonderful semester.

Regards,
Rory