wongjcz

@CrimsonEyes I completely agree with @Beetroot. You've been amazingly positive and kind and encouraging. I'm sorry about Columbia. The schools are missing out on gold!!!

@CrimsonEyes I'm not sure if Upenn processed my application faster because I am an international student. I'm really not sure how the whole thing progressed. I just received the outcome. I'm sorry I can't provide any more information. I can't say anything with certainty because I really do not know. I applied to three schools - 2 in the U.S. (Upenn and Uchicago) and 1 in Australia (Umelbourne). I was admitted into the UChicago program. I'm not going to Melbourne because I prefer the program in Chicago to the one in Melbourne! But I love Melbourne as a city! Great coffee and cafe culture! And amazing Asian food!! Also, the phd coordinator at Umelbourne knew I was applying to U.S. programs and was completely fine (and very encouraging) about it. It was hard to decline the Melbourne offer. So I've finished waiting! Yay!!

Hello! I just realised how lame it was to quote kelly clarkson. It was literally the song that played in my mind when I read the email! Hehe. @CrimsonEyes I received an email from the dean containing the admission decision. I mentioned this before, but since I received another offer from an Australian uni (I'm based in sydney) and the program starts on the 29th of February, it was important for me to know the decision asap! So I emailed upenn informing them of my situation, and they agreed to release my decision as soon as the results were finalised. Mind you, I was meant to receive the results on the 16th of February, so I think the decision making process was protracted! (I'm not going to the australian uni, by the way!) @Beetroot I'm super excited for you! And I agree - things are dream-like until an official document comes through. Also, I am very happy about the outcome in an - I feel like there is some wonderful growth lesson in this because it reminds me that I don't have complete control over my future - sort of way. If past me took bets on which uni I'd be admitted into, I would have placed a bet against the grad school I got admitted into, and for upenn which I did not get into! But the opposite occurred! I have some control, but not complete control! And I need to keep reminding myself of this!

@Mingyang Hello! Yes! I heard back from UPenn on the 25th of February. I unfortunately did not get admitted. But in the fine words of my favourite American idol, Kelly Clarkson: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger"!!! Good luck to everyone else!

@AMStudent Congratulations! That's fantastic news! Giving you all the good luck mojo I can muster! I didn't apply to USC, but it looks like an amazing program!

Hello! I am like… 90% sure I'm going to SSA! *happy dance!* Looking forward to eating deep dish pizza and complaining about the freeeeeezing weather! @RCtheSS what made the experience "great"?

@CrimsonEyes haha! Patience is a virtue! Not a skill! Oh my! I'm the type of person who stumbles over sayings!!! Thank goodness life is a learning process!

@Beetroot I definitely didn't think you were holding out! And I completely understand the fuzziness/brain fog/close to amnesia experience associated with high pressure situations. Plus, I take an immediate liking to people who talk about pets!!

@Beetroot YAY! I'm glad conversation felt as natural as possible! I hope you felt good vibes from the professors. Ahh! I'm so glad for all this extra information! I was meant to receive my outcome yesterday! I haven't. That's all right! Patience is a great skill *eyes twitch*.

How did your interview go? I hope you did talk about your cats! hehe. Cats are cute and fluffy and makes things better. My former supervisor (hardcore economist) also gave me great advice: "Just be yourself, except, maybe not the insecure, confused part of yourself." and "just remember to have at least 7 hours sleep, because we all know you become emotional when you're sleep deprived".

@Beetroot You're a rockstar!! Congrats on BC and good luck for your interview!!

@wisdomspeaks thank you very much! I'm honestly very surprised. But I think @pippapants gave very good advice - to contact POIs at prospective schools prior to submitting applications!

Thank you very much @Happysoul and @CrimsonEyes!

Hey! I received an unofficial offer for uchicago's phd program! I think I was informed earlier than most people because I'm an international student and received a phd offer elsewhere (which they are aware of). I was told that the official admissions outcome (via the electronic admissions system) will be updated later. So, if you haven't heard back yet, don't worry!

@CrimsonEyes Thanks! Fantastic advice.