RevTheory1126

also, congrats to @Pygmalion and @wqndy on acceptance and waitlist, respectively... best of luck throughout the rest of the process!

Congrats! That's amazing. But based on results section, looks like there are two Theory acceptances claimed here, plus your American acceptance, making 3 accounted acceptances (they seem like they took 7 or so last year)... am I doing the math right here? Edit: I am also assuming that the previous Northwestern from over a week ago was a troll

LOL the trolls are getting desperate... Physics jokes! (Check results board if you are curious... or don't)

Heart breaker

Also, I think I just found a (somewhat) great meme for those who have sullied the good name of the results section...

Dude. I'm on that, too... My car is in the shop, and I keep getting unknown number calls from them, insurance, etc. Hope you haven't been troll-ified....

If I don't get in, I haven't decided if I will try again. Maybe, maybe not. I'll definitely try to talk with people in my fields to see if they would be able to offer some kind of "autopsy" on my application/profile. But if I don't get in, I will stay in my current job a palliative care chaplain, perhaps take some time to rethink the future, and plan to build more on my current professional trajectory... maybe an MBA or a Master's related to public health care policy.

I think that's an excellent point. I'm more more "freakout-able" now than I will be in February... It's because it's so unexpected, these trolls are precise, selecting programs that will make us jump amidst some odd ones that make us go "huh?"... We're on to you, trolls, wherever you are!

I think this is kind of my new standard response. Between those of us who have been active and engaged, I'm sure we have some people who are connected with all these schools and we will get good information when it is actually available... so, that being said, is someone doesn't come into this thread with some kind of direct knowledge, I call shenanigans. I am assuming the results page is troll infested.

Lol don't worry friends, you'll get all my rejection updates first, straight from the horses mouth!

I'll restate my policy: if no one claims it or can confirm it, I ain't buying it.

lol I was trying to be charitable, but it seems like someone is just a little lost... oh well.

Congrats! But this may be the wrong forum? Although maybe there is some connection between history and poli sci at OSU that I am not aware of...?

I've heard good things about Revisionist History, and of course, I love Planet Money. This looks like a fun list! Thanks

Started Order of Phoenix last night, thanks again @fadedfigures

My email folders have never been clearer...

happy boy

Based on last year, it looks like there may have been some Northwestern notifications this week? Does that seem crazy to anyone?

In other places on the forum people have squabbled about what "TT" means, but whether you mean tenure-tracked or top-tier, the point still stands. Monetary gain or security are actually drying up in lots of sectors, and if you crave either, this probably isn't for you. I agree with your first sentiment, and it is exactly why I did not go directly into PhD realm and would recommend this route to anyone. Working outside the academy for some time, or getting some kind of professional or other master's degree, is really helpful. And not only helpful for building resume, but also maturing intellectually, emotionally, and socially. But the second point that it Is impossible to network during graduate school is perhaps overstating the case. Difficult? Yes. Extremely. Impossible? Only if you have some kind of other personal commitments (e.g. health concerns, family, etc.) that take away major chunks of time. At both my undergraduate and professional program, there were a healthy amount of opportunities to meet with alumni, community leaders, and of course academics. Networking is time consuming and not particularly "fun", but it's indispensable for young professionals today. Even if I end up with all rejections this cycle, I'm hoping that I will still be able to "float on" with some of these connections... who knows.

Lovely story of resilience! Glad you are back, glad you have good news, and thank you for the well-wishes. The nerves are real, but doing my best to take heart in your example.

Definitely truth to what you are saying @Monody. I think if you can answer "yes" to the question "does it sounds enjoyable to study, research, teach, work, learn for 5-7 years" recognizing that at some point in that time you will need to come up with a realistic plan for making some money (enough to eat daily and live inside), then I think it's a worthy risk. And flexibility/building a wide professional network, including folks outside of academia, is essential.

Deal

Dang, thank you for sharing. A really helpful reminder to go with the many others out there who have a similar message: "if you are coming into this with any naïveté, check it against reality" I've read and spoke with many folks in this similar vein, and it definitely has shaped my expectations (and strategies) for this application and discernment process. Basically, the way I'm making sense of it all is that it's a big risk. So I'm (trying to) not putting myself in precarious financial or social situations if I do get an acceptance, and realizing that I may bust my ass for 5-7 years and come out basically where I started. Holding loosely any plans I have about where I think this will take me is helping, too. It also helps I already have a professional grad degree and a wife with a very stable career. But all that said, @BigTenPoliSci, I don't think people can hear these cautions enough. It's a cold world out there, and most of us don't get where we planned to go. Think it through, y'all.

This was the first week I have been really on edge. Any new email makes my heart jump, especially if it has anything to do with a grad program ( eg advertisements, etc.). I imagine once I get my first notification, it will break some of the tension...

That seems odd, might be worth following up with editor, if for nothing else than a timeline for when they plan to get a decision to you...?