andnothing

Do history applicants typically have interviews before they are admitted or is that dependent on the university? It seems most people that are interviewed are applying for a PhD program. If so, is there anything one should know beforehand?

I just saw someone was notified that they were accepted to UIUC. Congratulations! How likely is it to receive a decision this early? I figured I wouldn't hear back until February at the earliest. I guess it all depends on the program and the applicant.

Thanks for the advice and suggestion! I have been trying to keep that on mind during this process. It's something I will probably put more focus on if I have to apply next year. I have not heard of the DAAD summer language grant. I will look more into to see if it's something I can apply for since I have been looking into ways to work on my German before I enter graduate school.

That is the same research area I plan to study (early modern Germany with a focus on social history, cultural history, daily life and the peasantry)! I did my senior thesis on the German Peasant's War and did a study abroad program in Mannheim during the summer in 2014. My German needs a lot of work and my GRE scores are just acceptable so I am nervous about my chances. I applied to some of the same programs as you did, UNC, Vanderbilt, and Oregon. I also applied to Virginia (Erin Lambert) and University of Washington (Benjamin Schmidt). Although not the best matches, I had to take into account places my girlfriend would be able to find work. I looked into: Binghamton University, Brandeis University, UC-Davis, and a few others but the application fees were adding up and I was running out of money. I am sort of kicking myself for not finding a way to apply to more places but I am trying to stay optimistic. University of Oregon is my top choice. I e-mailed David Luebke to ask if he was taking students next year. He said he was on sabbatical next year but that I should still apply and we might find a way to work around the sabbatical if I was accepted by the admissions committee. I mentioned that before in my previous post and I am trying to keep positive since he told me to still apply. Best of luck to you!

I submitted all my applications in early November so it was nice to get them done early. It, however, has given me more time to overthink everything. I applied to 6 universities, but I can't help feel that I should have applied to more. The cost of application fees, sending gre scores, etc. was getting costly though. There are a couple things that I am worried about. The first two years of undergrad was rough which affected by GPA. I took a semester off, switched my major, and was able to bring it up to a decent GPA. I don't have any publications but I did participate in a study abroad program. My GRE scores are acceptable and I think my letters of recommendations are strong. My main worry is if my application can compete with other applicants. I am trying to hope for the best.

My craziest backup plan is to either work in Germany or apply to universities over there. I've been working on my German but I still have a ways to go. Either way, money and other obstacles will probably keep this a dream. It is always nice to think about though. My other plan is to look for jobs related to my field out of state. Applying for fall 2019 is also another option. If all else fails, I will probably work towards taking over my father's small construction business when he retires.

I have been trying to keep my mind busy with work. Outside of work, I've been reading more and focusing on learning a new language. Activities that keep my mind occupied. The holidays has definitely helped with the wait too. Unfortunately, the anxiety of wondering if I will be accepted creeps up at some point every day. I am also working on coming up with back up plans if I don't get admitted anywhere. That way I have something to fall back on and help with the uncertainty.

I should have taken this advice. I noticed I misspelled a scholar's name wrong on the first page of my writing sample. I was trying to improve my thesis from my senior year before I submitted but I guess I didn't proofread well enough. My personal statement looks good though... I think. I submitted all my applications in November so I am trying to keep preoccupied and not check the application status every day. Thankfully, work has been busy enough to keep my mind off of it. I e-mailed the professor of my top choice to see if he was taking students next year. He said he was going on sabbatical but that I should still apply and we might be able to work around that if I am admitted. Not quite sure how to take that but I think I should be optimistic. Good luck everyone!