lisamadura

Way to go! W/r/t your comment about toning down your responses in the future, don't you dare. Stay pumped! Every acceptance you get is an affirmation of your qualifications. Knowing that multiple schools see your skill and want you to study with them goes a long way, even if you have every intention of accepting Virginia's offer.

When I decided to get a terminal MA I was told (by both faculty and grad students) that it was not a good idea if I hoped for a Ph.D. someday. They told me that Ph.D. programs prefer to admit students who have not already been "molded" by a graduate program, or something like that. Getting a terminal MA (especially from the same school I attended for my BA) would hurt my chances of getting into a Ph.D. program. I don't know how much truth there is to that. Although I do fear that admissions committees will judge my writing sample more harshly because I have an MA. Although, I had zero vision as an undergrad. I could do expository work but I couldn't have produced a writing sample worth anything at that point so the extra couple years of academic training certainly worked for my (personal) benefit--even if it makes me undesirable to some institutions.

Whoa, get after it! That sounds like a nightmare. Although, I do find that the busier I am the happier and more productive I tend to be. I only have two lecture preps right now and they're both courses I've taught a bunch so It isn't much work outside of actually lecturing and grading. My schedule is almost too open (I might get virtual eggs thrown at me for that one). As counter-intuitive as this sounds, I think I would get more of my thesis written if I had more additional responsibilities.

That can be said of philosophy generally, can't it? Perhaps the "most general attempts" qualifier counts for something. Are there certain sorts of "things" metaphysicians are more concerned with making sense of than others? I actually really like this question. I haven't done much metaphysics myself and I would like to get a better sense for it. Can someone offer a potential thesis/dissertation topic that would fall under the heading of Metaphysics?

I see. They may be right. But It's good to connect and share information/excitement/disappointment with people who "get it". I come from a very small department with very few grad student so I don't get much camaraderie. Everyone here (grad cafe) understands what a big deal it is to be accepted and how demoralizing it is to be rejected. We've all steeped ourselves in statistics about programs and placement and the unpromising state of the job market. It's nice to have people, ya know?

Did they advise you against it because it's addicting/maddening? Or for other reasons?

That means you get one of these... Congrats!!

Good thread! I have to defend my Master's thesis mid-April and I have 20 polished pages, 30 unpolished pages, and another 30-ish unwritten pages. The anticipation makes it super difficult to concentrate. I'm going to set email-checking rules for myself.

I would definitely go to the lectures but I probably wouldn't ask about the application. Attending the lecture and engaging in the Q&A is a good opportunity for you to showcase yourself as a philosopher and as someone willing to participate in the philosophical community outside of the classroom. If given the opportunity, introduce yourself to them before or after the talk. But I would steer clear of inquiring about the application. May I ask, why are you trying not to disclose your location? Is it for the same reason people don't put their real names? Anonymity in the event that a committee member in a department to which you are applying looks through the forum?

Nothing yet. Let's hope they're just dragging their feet **fingers crossed**

Interview in 12 hours. The panic is setting in. They're going to ask me a question about my thesis and I'm going to completely forget Husserl's name, I know it

Congrats! Patrick is stoked for you.

My call was an acceptance.

I spoke with someone from Fordham this morning and there was nothing out of the ordinary in their offer. No special fellowship or anything. Perhaps they're just ahead of schedule?

OMGWOOT!

BOOM! Congrats!

I wouldn't worry too much. Stony Brook made me an offer over a week ago and they still haven't sent out any non-fellowship acceptances or rejections (that we know of). It might be the same case for Fordham and Penn State. I will know for sure what's going on with Fordham in a few hours and update the forum after I get off the phone with them. Don't lose hope!

This is madness!! I just got an email from Fordham saying that they will be calling me tomorrow with good news regarding my application. An acceptance?! Someone must be greasing palms for me.

This is very helpful. Thank you!

I got an interview with Penn State! Has anyone been interviewed for admission to a grad program before? Or do you know anyone who has? What should I expect? How do I prepare? I'm so nervous!

That's very kind of you to offer. I look forward to it!

Good to know! The graduate director was very warm and kind--he made a strong impression on me. They are flying me out in March to visit the department!

The graduate director of Emory just called and made me an offer!

I have also been accepted to Stony Brook and nominated for a fellowship. I'm sure the fellowship deadline is the reason we've been notified already. Don't lose hope.