fs1991

At first I thought this was kind of funny, and then I remembered I (while still not formally) got rejected from that same program.......

I am probably expecting this to happen to me soon (just got the axe from UCSB too), but I guess I should ask because I'm wondering: when it finally happens, is it via e-mail? Regardless, congratulations on all of the amazing acceptances you've gotten this cycle and thanks for all of the advice and insight you've given on this thread so far! Are you going to be accepting at Chicago?

I'm still waiting for any word back on Iowa, Washington, NYU, Michigan and Santa Barbara over here......I feel like the last round I applied I had heard back from a lot of schools (albeit they were rejections) at this point, so I'm not entirely sure what to make of what feels like a prolonged silence....

I cannot speak for the MA program, but I can say that I called today to ask about the decisions timeframe for the doctorate program and was told that the Admissions Committee has met and the first round of cuts have been made. They didn't really mention if offers have been sent out (and suggested everything keeps rotating from this point onwards). My official status is still "pending" though regardless. Again, not sure if the MA admissions are running at the same rate, but the people in the office were super nice so if you're desperately wondering/want to hear word of anything I'd suggest to just call and ask if they know roughly when you'd hear back.

I see someone posted that they got a phone call about being on the shortlist, but other than that it seems fairly quiet. I'm going to assume that this might be another case of lying though unless someone on the board claims it.

Sorry to send out two notifications, but since it seems you are at the top of the pack in terms of acceptances, I was wondering if you've heard anything back from NYU yet?

This is what I figured, and why I called it imminent. It does still seem kind of odd to me that they wouldn't have sent out rejections beforehand, given how many more people they interview than they accept.

I have my MA in Cinema Studies. Honestly, there's a couple of things. I really regret not trying to get any of my written material published, or even presented, in this year off; I know only a fraction that make it into doctorate programs do so beforehand and it is not by any means required, but I can only imagine it gives a boost. I also have been contemplating whether or not I made a mistake in not reaching out to faculty during the process: one of my recommenders had suggested that in many cases this doesn't help, but I feel like it probably would have been a good idea to do because there was little risk to go along with it, even if nothing were to come of it. More than anything, I think I probably could have tried to sell my fit better to each program: since my thesis was on a much more niche subject (and one that doesn't have much academic writing done on it relative to other topics) I tried to present it (both in the paper and in my letters) as a part of a broader topic I'm actually interested in. But, looking back, while each letter was obviously personalized for each program, I think I could have done an even better job presenting those interests in a manner that would have better reflected fit for each department. Of course, a part of the responses may or may not have been this just being a highly competitive cycle or due to other factors out of the control of anything I submitted. With five schools left, though, I am still hoping all of this second guessing doesn't come to fruition and I get into at least one program, but I think the less fortunate in this forum would probably all agree that when all you're hearing back is negative, it's incredibly difficult to stay positive even despite other people saying 'no news is good news' and the like. At the same time, I do think this presents a good opportunity to reflect on the process, and how I would have changed what I did, just in case I have to repeat next fall.

Personally, I've been rejected from a couple officially (and Northwestern I am assuming is imminent to join this list). Still waiting back on the programs at NYU, Iowa, Santa Barbara, Washington and Michigan. Having an MA already and watching all of these offers roll in, it's beginning to feel like I might have to go back to the drawing board and retool my applications for next cycle, but I suppose there's still hope despite the fact the silence is deafening......where are you waiting to hear from?

Thanks! I suppose the tenuous wait will continue for at least a week then, if not longer.....

Long time reader, first time poster. I too am, obviously, applying for some Film Studies programs and have only heard back bad news from the ones most on this thread have talked about. While its a long shot, I was wondering if anybody had any info about Berkeley? It seems--based on previous years--they're a bit late in terms of responses (or those that got in just aren't on here to post, perhaps). Likewise, if anyone has info to share about NYU or UC Santa Barbara, it would be much appreciated. It seems we're within their response times given previous years. I'm trying to not give up hope on this application cycle (given there's a few other I've applied to), but that seems to be dwindling with every day so I guess I'm looking for some decent news I suppose......