pippi

This is conjecture on my part, but I would assume that for someone going into a graduate program in English, learning new languages is most useful when it allows you to work with material that's relevant to your project but not widely translated. So, for instance, I would assume that a few terms of university German would not substantially improve your understanding of Freud; you're probably better off working with a good translation. But, let's say you're interested in drawing on cultural sociology for your dissertation: reading knowledge of French will probably significantly expand the amount of secondary material available to you (+ open up opportunities for research travel and transatlantic exchange), since that is an active field in France (from what I understand) and much of the work hasn't been translated.

This is conjecture on my part, but I would assume that for someone going into a graduate program in English, learning new languages is most useful when it allows you to work with material that's relevant to your project but not widely translated. So, for instance, I would assume that a few terms of university German would not substantially improve your understanding of Freud; you're probably better off working with a good translation. But, let's say you're interested in drawing on cultural sociology for your dissertation: reading knowledge of French will probably significantly expand the amount of secondary material available to you (+ open up opportunities for research travel and transatlantic exchange), since that is an active field in France (from what I understand) and much of the work hasn't been translated.

This is conjecture on my part, but I would assume that for someone going into a graduate program in English, learning new languages is most useful when it allows you to work with material that's relevant to your project but not widely translated. So, for instance, I would assume that a few terms of university German would not substantially improve your understanding of Freud; you're probably better off working with a good translation. But, let's say you're interested in drawing on cultural sociology for your dissertation: reading knowledge of French will probably significantly expand the amount of secondary material available to you (+ open up opportunities for research travel and transatlantic exchange), since that is an active field in France (from what I understand) and much of the work hasn't been translated.

So, that letter was written by the Director of the Graduate School.  I'm thinking Yale had 10,000+ applications to varying graduate schools, including English. 

It sounded like they meant 10,800 across all graduate programs, because I don't think that letter was specific to the English department.

Hi everyone, 
As much as I wish that none of you were having the kind of trouble that you are, it does make me feel much less alone to know that I'm not the only one! 
My situation is different, of course, as is more focused on my two best and oldest friends (they are basically sisters at this point). One of them is getting married in September and they are both acting like her wedding is more important than me starting a PhD.  I can't seem to draw any kind of boundary without being reminded that "this is her/my wedding! the only one!" whether it's about the cost of the bridesmaids dresses, what day the bachelorette party is, or if I can even afford to fly to California twice in less than 3 months.  I'm trying to decide between (at least) two offers right now, and I've received zero support from either of them. I resent when my decision between programs is equated to the choice of a bridesmaid's dress color.  I feel angry that my friends, who are my main support system in life, are disregarding this HUGE thing that's happening for me. I don't really have family other than my mom, who is supportive but can't really relate since she stopped her formal education with high school. I want help making this choice and I'm not sure where to turn. 
Whew, okay I feel a little better after typing that all out. 
 

Follow the money. If Fordham is giving you a lot more, go there, but if you'd go deeply in debt even at Fordham, I'd recommend declining and reapplying with a focus on more fully funded MA programs. Search these forums on NYU's MA program and you'll find that it, like UChicago's MAPH, has a very mixed reputation. Cash cow programs can work for some people, but especially if you're not independently wealthy or something, the debt for a humanities degree is not a good idea.

Haha I said that mainly to be on @Yanaka's side in her ordeal, because people can have trouble with these things even when the university is trying their best. Don't take what I said too seriously. I have no pretence to representing the truth of all universities.

Just wanted to express my gratitude to all the lovely people on these English forums. 
I glanced over at the History forum (my husband applied to a few programs), and it's really tense over there. Some applicants are being downright rude and degrading, or on the other end of the spectrum, arrogant and close-minded.
I know there have been periods on this forum where some of us have disagreed. It's not always rainbows and sunshine, by an means. But, the outpouring of love both for fellow applicants who are struggling with rejections (or radio silence) as well as those who have received good news has reinforced my faith in what we do - the study and spread of humanity. Even as fellow competitors for a select few spots, we are able to build each other up and offer condolences/congratulations. By no means am I saying that the History folks (or any other boards) don't have this support network as well, and I think I've just happened upon a not-so-desirable, unfortunate argument. Overall, I think that's what GC is meant to be and primarily accomplishes.
But, I wanted you all to know that I am privileged to be counted among such a group of individuals. Even though you are all in many ways strangers, I think that's what makes your unhesitating desire to send virtual encouragements even more amazing.

Basically feeling like: 

I got into Brown too! This whole situation is absurd. I can't believe it. 

It is certainly at the top of my list at the moment, so that would be fantastic! That whole UC partnership thing is totally dreamy! haha

pics or it didn't happen.

pics or it didn't happen.

pics or it didn't happen.

pics or it didn't happen.

pics or it didn't happen.

pics or it didn't happen.

I wonder if anyone else is considering giving up their U.S. grad school ambitions because of the political climate. I'm an American living abroad, and I knew Trump would be bad, but I didn't realize how bad it could really be until he was inaugurated. (And the scariest thing is, we still don't *really* know how bad it will be.)
For me, it might not make sense to come back, even if I get into a great program. I want to have a kid in the next few years: the social safety net was bad enough under Obama; I can only imagine how much worse things will be in Trump's America. It would be delusional to expect any sort of positive government action in terms of health care, parental leave, daycare, or education. There are problems everywhere, of course, but I suspect I would be better off having a baby/raising a child where I'm currently living. (And *particularly* as a harried grad student earning somewhere near the poverty line.)
Anecdotally, one of my professors here told me that he's heard that U.S. applications to European programs are waaaay up this cycle over previous years. 
On the other hand, I do feel a sense of responsibility. It's unreal to be here and not there while this is all happening. 

Yeah, I've also thought about not moving to the US anymore. However, wanting to attend a US grad school is motivated by reasons other than academic interest, and I decided that my personal reasons were stronger than Dump's presidency (which I hope to be shorter than the expected 4 years). As a queer woman, I feel threatened of course--but in a way I feel it is important that the progressive and "smart" people stay in the US and fight.

ah!! I am glad to know I'm not the only one—I was feeling weird for not applying to English, but something about the department didn't click for me either. 

curious to see how this unfolds for both of us; hopefully we're not competing for the same spots 

Thanks so much everyone! I tried to give you all an upvote but I ran out

thanks for head's up, congrats, and good luck for the interview!

I just checked OSU's website.


I GOT IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Congratulations - you have been offered admission! Use the link on the main page of the Applicant Center to accept or decline. Please click the Application Requirements tab above to see what items, if any, are still needed. Items with a status of 'Incomplete' are still required, 'Received' are currently being processed, and 'Completed' have fulfilled the requirement."

I can't believe it. Utter shock and joy right now.

I keep worrying that I'm going to refresh and it's going to go away...

 

I'm all outta good karma today, but I couldn't be more on board with the smoke signals.

Maybe this is a good thing though—the UChicago campus has such a massive private police force it's basically militarized. I like the idea of the program, but the racist/class-based policing of the university leaves me cold.