tomsmith

Sleeping, I am probably going to sound like a jerk, but to be honest the problem is obviously your writing sample. Your thesis sounds absurd and is not going to sound credible to anyone with an ounce of training in philosophy (multiple absolute Truths, etc.--how could they all be absolute? There are a lot more problems there, but I won't bother you with those). This is especially true if you are applying to schools which do mostly analytic philosophy (which is most in the top 50). My advice would be to do something more mainstream for your writing sample. For example, instead of writing about how religious views are constructed, you could simply focus on constructivism more generally and defend it against the vast number of objections against it. If you are certain you want to continue with the sort of thinking you are doing you also may consider applying to schools that focus on continental "philosophy." TS

euges, Do you have a link to the Chronicles discussion. I went over but can't seem to find the discussion.

Tritonetelephone, You say that, "...replacing a student who they thought had already granted acceptance would be a huge hassle when they've already rejected those on the wait-list. Obviously, it's a huge struggle for us, too- I'm just trying to provide a little perspective. I would absolutely hate to be in the same situation as euges and tomsmith, but personally, rather than withdrawing immediately, I would rather accept, stay until completing the Master's, then re-apply for the PhD." I think it is a bit strange to think that a department having to make a few phone on the 16th or 17th to their waitlist (I doubt they have notified them of rejection at this time) is a huge hassle, but that a student investing a year or two of their life on an extra degree before re-applying to other graduate programs is not a hassle! That seems like a pretty strange perspective to me!

I thought I would create this thread since there seems to be a lot of questions being posted on the results page regarding people declining offers. If you are going to be rejecting offers why not list the schools here so those high on the wait list can see what is going on? Plus, maybe this will stop all the questions being posted on the results page. It is probably most helpful to only post those you will be declining after today, 3/27/2008. I'll start: Early next week I will be declining offers to Rochester, Iowa, and St. Louis.

No, I haven't called them. Frankly, I don't know what to do. I think if I called them it would relieve a lot of stress on me. Atleast they could give me their take on the situation. But I just don't know. I guess I have a fear that it will just piss them off. Of course it shouldn't, it isn't personal and you would think they would understand the position applicants are in. However, you never know what someones personality, views, etc. are like untill you do it. Please post back here and let me know how it went if you call. I'll do the same if I work up the nerve.

Minn (sorry I didn't spell it out), We are here trying to get information and advice. You really don't need to be so petty. Why don't you go back over and hang with the geeks over at English Lit. So if you don't mind, could we stay on topic?

My situation is that I have an excellent offer from school A, but am waitlisted at a much better school B. The department chair informed me that I have a decent chance of being admitted based on his past experience, but that the offer will not come before April 15th. Obviously this puts me in a bind. I am happy to go to school A, but would obviously rather go to B. The differences between the schools could be huge career-wise--not to mention I am a much better fit at school B. Obviously I can't just reject school A and hope for the best! Some of the comments on the results page seem to think withdrawing is some sort of huge offence. Does anyone know if this is generally true? I can see how it might be a problem for them, say, if I withdraw in June, but if I withdraw April 28th is it really that damaging to them? My understanding is that they still have some people on waitlists at this time. Plus, I wonder if I should care how it effects them. Shouldn't I worry about what is best for me? Me not going to A is probably not going to have a lasting effect on their department, but me not going to B, may have a significant lasting effect on my career. Maybe I won't be accepted at B and this won't be a problem! Also, does anyone else think these rules as they are set up are detrimental to students, but beneficial to departments? Finally, though I don't have plans to do this, I am wondering if anyone has experience themselves or knows of anyone who has done a year in one program and then left for another. How do programs generally look at this?