lemonparty

This is probably going to come off as absurdly naive, but how do you know who the "big names" are in your field? How does one find out which professors/scholars are well known and respected?

Nope, I just think Tardigrades are badass

Hahaha, you don't like Tardigrades!?

I know this is going to sound trite and naive, but I truly believed that when I finished all of my applications I'd be able to breathe a sigh of relief; that the stress of the past few months would suddenly disappear because... I finished! Obviously, this was not the case. I feel more stressed than ever waiting to find out if I'll be accepted anywhere. It's agonizing. One of my greatest and most pleasurable ways to pass the time (reading) has suddenly become impossible. I can't focus. After a few pages my brain forces upon my attention the uncertainty that comes with waiting to hear back from admissions committees. I guess this post is, for the most part, a way for me to release some of my frustration. That said, if anyone has any advice to give or even sentiments of camaraderie or solidarity, I'll be grateful to hear them. Cheers.

Hahah, this thread... so many good ones

I know this is a long shot, since you both posted almost two years ago (but maybe someone else who sees this will know the answer). I am confused as to how to check my application status. When I log into PAWS and navigate to the "Application Status" area, I only see the program I applied for. Nothing about "Under review" or anything of the like. Just confused! Thanks for any info!

Thank you both!

Haha. Obviously, my post is riddled with evidence of my insecurities. I'm surprised that you're confused as to my question. Im not interested in Yale, but I am interested in knowing whether or not it would be a bad idea to attend a certain school if i happened to get in.

Hi there, I'm a lurker. I just finished applying for a few MA programs in English literature the other day and I'm having second thoughts about a few schools that I threw into the mix as "back-ups." I'm only applying for funded MA programs and as I was feeling quite doubtful about my chances of acceptance to my top choice programs with funding, I decided to apply to DePaul University, Marquette University, and Villanova University. I've been thinking about it and although I would be comfortable going to any of these schools if it were to be paid for (because, obviously, reputation isn't everything and I received a great undergraduate education from an unranked state school), are these schools reputable enough if I end up applying for more competitive PhD programs later? My goal in getting an MA is to determine whether or not I would like to pursue a PhD, so I don't want to attend a school that will not look good on my academic record if I do plan to pursue further graduate work. In reality, I doubt I will be accepted to any of the schools that I applied for, but if one of the three schools mentioned offers me funding, I would like to figure out now if I would be willing to attend so that I do not make hasty and emotionally-driven decisions later. If you know anything about these schools, I would greatly appreciate your input. Thanks!