wpg205

Whats the best means by which I can solicit some feedback on my applications from programs? I know most programs explicitly say they cannot provide this kind of information, but there must be some way. I had the worst possible cycle, despite being told my ducks were in a row and doing my best strengthen my application. Any feedback at all would go a long way towards helping me move on. UCLA seemed to be open to the possibility if you send them snail mail, which I am actually considering, but I would really appreciate it if any has some thoughts.

I know this cycle has gone well for many people, but for those who have shared in the complete train wreck of season it has been, let me just say that this process is bullshit.

I read that article as well, but that was about grad school applications at large. Given what happened to my friend (accepted at very high level programs, rejected by all of the lower ranked schools they applied to), I'm fairly confident it is going on in political science departments in particular.

I know from a friend's experience that schools definitely reject applicants they think will get in and accept somewhere better. There are so few spots that I think they are very strategic about who they accept.

Unless you are on a waitlist... What does everyone think the etiquette is on asking for an update on your status? I would also like to go to visiting students day, even if I am still in waitlist limbo, just so I can make an informed choice should I be given the decision.

I'm guessing Yale is coming out soon. My application had all the materials in on time, but wasn't formally marked as "Completed" until last night at 2 AM. Could really use some good news...

yeah its the same troll I think. It's just not plausible. That person has some problems.

I think thats a troll, notice the lack of other acceptances.

Did you check the website? They posted a decision letter there.

Stanford is up on their website. It was always improbable, but definitely still hurts.

Is the Stanford post real?

I wouldn't say the admissions process works... I swear I'm not bitter.

sending out acceptances piecemeal has to be literally the most painful and anxiety producing way to do it.

Well if you get into Princeton then you will probably get into somewhere else quite good, so many Princeton admits will have to turn something good down.

Did you hear about the waitlist by email?

I think it is either BS, or someone heard directly from a POI. Doesn't look like it is the extension of formal offers.

Anyone want to claim the Princeton admit?

At least for my applications, schools are definitely notifying later than last year.

it would be really nice to get some news.

I was also among the Berkeley rejects. Also, got wait listed at NYU. Seems there are at least a few of us. Definitely don't know what to make of it, but it is definitely better than nothing.

Happened to me last year, and I reapplied. If it happens again, I'm out. But don't take it personally. This is an incredibly noisy process, with far too many qualified applicants than there are spots. It sucks not getting in, but there is always next cycle and you can always find ways to enjoy your life that involve making more than 20 grand a year and spending all your time alone in the library.

We've only seen one acceptance to Berk. I also think that if you see acceptances and hear nothing, its prolly a rejection, but sometimes they do seem to send them one by one. I won't put myself into the "likely rejection" pile until I see a few more.

Congrats on Berkeley, I've still got no change in status.

Looks like notifications are ramping up...

Do lower ranked schools have much better application systems? Surely they have more spots relative to applications than the top programs, yet I found little to no correlation between a program's rank and the quality of its app system.