jellyfish11

Congratulations!! That's so awesome. I was rejected everywhere last time I applied too, so I know it must feel so amazing to get accepted early this cycle! Hope you're out celebrating!

I think it's pretty common - most people in my MA program had applied to phd programs and gotten rejected. That being said, I know plenty of people who got into phd programs with just a BA. I think I was unsuccessful because my research interests had changed and I didn't have such a relevant writing sample. My MA year allowed me to work really hard on a writing sample (my thesis), prove I could succeed in graduate coursework, and get new letters of rec. Our advisors told us why we weren't accepted to the phd program, and for many people it was the writing sample, not having enough research experience in the field, lack of theory courses, or undergrad from a less prestigious school where the letters of rec and grades mean less to the admission committee. I definitely think it's smart to try to get into a phd with only a ba, but if you don't get into a program you're excited about, doing well in an MA program can help you get into a top phd program with funding.

Congratulations!! That is really awesome! Honestly, I have my masters and will have to repeat some coursework if I get into a phd program. I tried to go right from undergrad, but I didn't get in to any phd programs. You are much more likely to be funded for a phd program, and funded well. After 2-3 years, you will have a better sense of whether the phd is really what you want. If it is, you're already on the way! If not, you can leave with your masters, which many people do. Anyway, that's just my two cents... Good luck! That seems like a really good sign that the professor really likes your ideas and wants to work with you.

Looks like results are starting to trickle in! Historically it seems like this has been a fairly big week and I'm hoping to hear from many of my schools either this week or next... Good luck everyone! I hope it's a successful season generally this year! Two years ago when I first applied was a really rough season, but I saw on grad cafe that last year many people who were rejected everywhere in 2014 got accepted into top programs for fall 2015! I hope this year is a good year too.

two years ago, when I applied to Northwestern, I got seriously at least 10 rejections. Same thing... several e-mails to check the website, a direct e-mail rejection or maybe even two, and a regular paper mail letter. Ugh it was depressing.

This person is DEEPLY in denial. Such a frustrating situation, but why even e-mail again at that point? Note the date - August 2015 will an application for Fall 2015... The University Of Pennsylvania (Upenn) Anthropology, PhD (F15) Other via Other on 8 Aug 2015 U 8 Aug 2015 I have still not yet heard from the department, despite repeated e-mails and calls that went unanswered. Sent them an e-mail: "Dear (XXX), I hope you are well. I'm writing to ask if there are any updates on my application to the doctoral program in Anthropology? I understand that at this stage my application probably wasn't successful, but I thought I'd check since I haven't heard from the department besides the confirmation e-mail last November stating that the application was received. Thank you, and have a great day!"

On the thread last year of this nature, there were over 10 pages by this time of year and people were regularly commenting every day. Are we a less stressed out bunch or just quieter? I know I'm going kind of nuts over here. I just want to know! It looks, from the results board, that the schools are beginning to notify. I just got a request from one of my schools for a different version of my transcript, so I take that to mean that the review process has begun! How are all of you doing? Are you nervous, excited, or successfully distracted? I've been trying to stay off grad cafe, but even with working full time, I check multiple times a day. Alas, the best laid plans...