Eshtah

Not getting attached is so much easier said than done. I have been in touch with the aforementioned faculty member for much longer and she has expressed her wish to stay in touch. I had solid reasons to believe that had a good chance for getting in and since I knew that they had made their choice, I wrote her to find out more. In this particular case, it wasn't at all harmful and has rather helped me to let go of my hope.

In response to a personal e-mail to a faculty member, I just received the news that Columbia rejected me. This sucks so so much. Can't believe how much it hurts.

I wish I hadn't read that. Now, I am waiting again! I'd rather not know when I could expect an answer... It just drives me completely insane and I still can't handle haven't heard anything from Columbia. I sent them an e-mail inquiry but no answer. I know it's silly but I just can't stop clinging to that last tiny bit of hope. :/

The problem really is to me that it is not so obvious at all which schools are the best. There are the Ivy league schools and then there are the others. Ivy league schools are the best. So far so good. But then quite a few Ivy league programs just don't have any faculty member working in my field. Whereas another universities do although they are not Ivy league. Is it worth choosing the better fit and overlapping research interests over the name of a university and its prestige?

I am talking about a PhD in the department of religion at UC Davis.

Well, it's not so obvious to me which programs provide exactly that; hence the question: Which program gives me a chance of a job (in academia)? And also: What's good funding (in the US)?

Ok, I take that back. Freaking out it is...

Well, that honestly calms my nerves quite a bit. I am mostly afraid that the outcome of these applications determine my later success and that no matter how hard I work and how good I will be, I will never have a chance in academia if things don't go the way I hope right now. I don't know how to check anyone's job placement data (will surf the internet for more information), but the program I am referring to is new and therefore has no graduates yet. Prior to applying, I have tried my best to get a sense for rankings and great public places, but it remains rather obscure to me, which places are actually considered a good place in the US. Honestly, changing the continent is a bit challenging in that regard, especially since my partner is in a completely different field.

I don't want to come across as arrogant or anything. I am just really wondering if it's worth attending an "average" Grad School if my plan is to go for a career in academia. I am an international student and have chosen to apply in the US because of my relationship but also because I hoped to improve my career chances by attending one of the great universities like Columbia, Princeton, Harvard etc. I have not heard back anything yet and I know that doesn't mean anything at this point (except at Columbia; they apparently have already sent out their admission letters and I didn't get one). I was lucky enough, however, to be accepted at one school already. While I am waiting to hear back from other universities, I am trying to evaluate if I would really like to go there. It's not a perfect fit when it comes to expertise in my field but I will definitely learn something. I received a fellowship for the first year and would teach the rest of the time. What do you think? How does it work in the US? Will I only have a shot at an academic career if I have a PhD from one of the top ones or can I work my way up by kicking a...? I would value any advice!

Which area did you apply for? I got accepted at UC Davis, so that's something and I still have 4 more applications that I know nothing about. But I am totally heartbroken. I really thought the interview went well and they seemed genuinely interested in my project. Oh well, life must go on...

How can that even happen?

I can't take it any longer. If you guys know anything, please let me know. I have applied to Columbia for a PhD in Religion (Islamic Studies) and I was interviewed in the middle January. I know that the committee met and made a decision last Tuesday (14th) and I have seen two people post here that they were accepted to the program. Is there reasonable hope left that I might still be admitted or should I give up hope since I haven't received any news yet? I am an international applicant, if that makes any difference...