foxfire123

Similar. I didn't take any grad classes because I have a master's, but I think I worked much harder on my SOP this cycle. I also tried to reach out to PIs more actively this time around. I did it quite late in the process, though; I was waiting for the election results to decide if I was really going to apply haha. Everyone I've talked to recommended that I submit at least 10 applications (because of COVID and because I definitely don't want to do this a third time) but I just couldn't do it with a full-time job. Also, apps are suuuuper expensive. I managed to turn in eight applications, but I think that was about the limit for me, both mentally and financially. We'll all just have to see, I guess. Hopefully all of us get at least a couple of interview offers in January! (If anyone has some good tips on how to stay distracted in the meantime, let me know.)

Seriously. COVID seems to have hit the non-STEM fields really hard though. I mean, I think it's a huge statement that some big name schools like Harvard and Johns Hopkins aren't taking any doctoral students this year. I thought I would feel less nervous this year since I've already experienced what it feels like to receive all rejections, but I'm still here starting from mid-December, so I guess I was wrong ?‍♀️ Do you think you were able to improve things about your application this year?

I'll choose Option A. It's okay! While you want your personal statement to be polished, unless a typo drastically changes the meaning of the sentence, I don't think it's the end of the world. (For example, I once read about someone who noticed a major typo saying they were passionate about promoting "inequality" instead of "equality.") If it helps you feel better, I also made a couple of minor typos in my first application this year. I think it's a natural mistake when you've been looking at the same document a million times. If you still have some deadlines left, I would get a trusted friend to read over your writing so that they can help you catch other potential typos for the rest of your applications. The general advice, though, is to avoid reading your application materials after you've submitted them. I did that last year for my first round of applications and it definitely heightened my anxiety to an unproductive level. So just one more reminder: It is okay! I am reassuring you!

Thank you for the information! I'm actually not too hopeful about Stanford anyways because the alignment (of methodologies) was not really great. I'm glad you received a reply, though! :)

Did anyone hear back from a POI? I tried reaching out to the admissions staff asking about Stanford’s email protocol because it seemed to greatly differ by school, but didn’t hear anything back. I emailed a professor anyways, and similarly no response. I’m wondering if it’s just a me thing or it’s a Stanford thing. Thank you!

Thanks for starting this post! Definitely feel like we could use more information and camaraderie on the Education forum. We have a post each year for HGSE, Penn GSE, Stanford, and TC, but not the other schools. I’m also applying with a higher ed specialization. This is my second time applying for a doctoral program, so my confidence is down a lot, especially with COVID-19 being a huge variable. I’m trying to keep my hopes up though, since I’m a more traditional candidate for a Ed PhD (I applied for a different but related field last year). Hopefully I’ll get at least a couple of interview offers! Best of luck to all of us! :)

Or why they tell us they hope to let us know by the second week of February and then ghost us (COUGH). On a separate note, I have no idea how much longer I can handle the waiting game. It’s been about a month since my night and day have switched, and it’s starting to affect my health. The rejections are adding a healthy dose of desperation to the wait, too. Hopefully we’ll all have a better idea by the end of this week!

Yeah... I guess so. I just want some good sleep again. I’m on the other side of the world, so I’ve had insomnia for a few weeks now cuz of the nerves. Of course the year I apply would be the one for all the delays ??

Lol I know right? Thought I could put my mind at ease for a couple of days, but I guess this means President’s Day might not be safe either.

Wow, Brown AND Harvard in a matter of days! Congratulations I guess I should set myself up for another disappointing email... Starting to think I won't get in anywhere this cycle.

Yeah, I saw all the other posts just now. I didn’t get in myself, but thanks for the reply, and congratulations!

Hi, all! I made this account when I applied for my Master's a few years back, and I can't believe I'm already back waiting for my Ph.D. results. Could anyone claim the Brown acceptance? There was one acceptance that was posted this morning, but since there is only one, I'm not sure how credible it is. Would appreciate any info!