urbanfarmer

Any chance you know anything more about UCSC? I'm just trying to figure out if they've finished notifying or if they're still in the process! Thanks!

I wrote this on another thread (or earlier on this one, don't remember)... but I got into their PhD program two years ago. I was notified on March 13, and they said they "couldn't guarantee" funding.

A lot of universities also offer summer-intensive language courses specifically for graduate students. You just have to get the required grade (whatever it may be for your institution) in order to satisfy these requirements. Many of those summer programs work on teaching specifically to language for graduate study, so much more emphasis on reading and translation than speaking. You can often also choose to take those courses at schools that DO offer them, if yours doesn't. I know UChicago, for example, has a big summer language program.

Aware that this is a bit cheesy, but I've found parts of it extremely helpful: https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are Although of course it's important to acknowledge your fears and challenges-- I've ended up becoming very comfortable with lot of things that naturally make me uncomfortable by applying this principle of "fake it till you become it."

I applied (and got into) UW a previous year-- I just double-checked my records, and I didn't hear from them until March 13th. Also a heads up that they don't fund all their students; I believe I was told that I would only get funding if a TA spot opened up, but that there were no guarantees. I went there for undergrad though, and am from Seattle, and it's a beautiful school!

I have no idea what that comp lit thing was about! On the dept site it says, "The study of literature at UCSC is organized as an interdisciplinary field coordinated through a single Department of Literature, rather than through separate departments of English, modern languages, and classics. This structure fosters innovative and comparative approaches to literature among both faculty and students. Courses in the major encompass traditional literary history and interpretation as well as cross-cultural inquiry and current theoretical debates." So It definitely sounds MORE comparative than other departments but who knows! Honestly this whole process is a mystery to me half the time. I do hope we hear soon though! My nerves are shot with all the waiting. Good luck with UCSB! It's a beautiful campus.

Glad to know I'm not the only one waiting for UIC and UCSC! The lack of response was making me feel like I might have missed something.

@Avalanched I feel ya! I applied a few years ago and got into some decent places (not top-tier like you, but Minnesota, UWashington, UW Milwaukee)... but didn't go for personal reasons. I'm still waiting to hear from 4/6 places this year, but am definitely afraid I'm going to get shut out and will have missed my chance. Best of luck with the rest of the season!

omg please let us know if you do contact them! I'm dying to know the same thing. I'm assuming rejection at this point, but having a final answer would be such a relief!