Moose#@1%$

I'm in a PhD program, so, I can only say from past experience. First thing you ought to know is that shutouts are much more common than most realize. They can happen for so many different factors - how many schools did you apply to, the choice of schools (fit), the departments funding (sometimes when department has Phd students sticking around for longer than 5-6 years, they tend to have less funding, hence smaller incoming class for that year and others). Second, for you health, don't worry too much. This will give you an opportunity to really work on your application - writing sample, do much in depth research into the departments you want to get in and look for fit more than prestige. If you're able to take a class (audit or something) and work on your philosophical writing. You can also maybe customize your SOP now, since you have time, for each university. Third, if you have a BA, then work anywhere save money and work on application. If you have an MA, try getting adjunct positions at your local college, or community college. Lastly, and most importantly, reevaluate whether PhD in philosophy is something you truly want. If not, then try to go back to school for something else or getting a job you can enjoy for a while. Philosophy PhD is fun, but more and more it is becoming impossible to get admitted and almost not worth the effort. As I'm sure everyone of us has heard that the job market is non-existent. However, if YES, then do not worry too much. Definitely sulk, be sad and get through those emotions, but do not let them dictate your life for the next year. This is easy thing to do and get pessimistic. Instead work through those emotions, use them as a motivation to work even harder and make your application the best mf application you ever came up with. there are things out of your control, bull shit prestige that top programs look for, their funding, and who you know bull shit. Other than that, do step 1 and hopefully others on here can offer more advice and words of encouragement. I was shut out my first time around, but I only applied to 4 schools from the top 20 (because I was ignorant of the process). Next year I applied to 19 and spend a good 5-6 months working on JUST sample paper, and SOP. Re took the GRE and significantly improved my scores. I had at least 5 people read my SOP and SP, not including two professors, so, 7 total. I was lucky enough to know people who were PhD students in English (creative writing, and lit). I also had a high school English teacher read my work. Why? Because if she/he understood what I was saying, then I had the clarity part covered. Read the papers and lectures of the professors you want to work with, so, you truly know their interests and know why you want to work with them. Use this information in your SOP. Anyway, that's it for now.

Yea, the 20k upfront is a bit costly. Also, the TA ship is not even close to enough. A 1000 in that area probably won't go far.

There is still time for them to get back to you. Especially the programs with later application deadlines. Second, the hidden wait-list part is true to some extent. When I was going through the process, I found out I was on wait-lists for two schools once i emailed them. Until then, I hadn't heard anything.

oh wow. That is much better than I thought it was. So, basically you paid 4k a semester? that is really not bad at all. Hmm. I wish I'd known that when I was applying for MA programs 2016, lol. Thank you for the information. I'm sure someone else will find it beneficial.

How expensive is it? I know they aren't fully funded. Correct?

From what I understand, almost no american grad program in philosophy has you fill out ans FAFSA paperwork. The funding is automatic with admission. I can't imagine Texas Tech is different.

It sucks but pedigree in philosophy (or maybe in all grad programs) matters, but I think your strategy for aiming for MA programs is smart. Apply to all funded MA programs - U of Arkansas is good, Oklahoma state, U of Kansas (terminal MA). I would really stay away from paying for any MA program unless you can afford it without taking any loans. It is NOT WORTH IT. Def look at any programs placement record online, if none listed, then ask.

Like many aspects of you application, I doubt having a less than amazing academia page will help, but it will most certainly hurt you, if your ad com people are really looking at your page. Truth be told I get about 10 emails a week from academia that my name (10 times or so) has been mentioned in papers in the last x (entire times span). I highly doubt that's the case, since I haven't really put anything on there, nor am I that amazing of a philosopher (yet ) that so many people are mentioning me or looking me up. So, take those notifications with a grain of salt.

Whats the topic of the paper? I don't have anything to exchange (already in PhD program), but I have a light work load this semester so I could look at it for you.

I don't think so, when I applied last year to U of Pitt, my online profile or whatever had something very similar on there - "incomplete app" or some shit like that. But, I called them and they told me that they have received it, and that warning that I see is something to do with the Graduate school. I also read similar issues at different schools on here too. So, I wouldn't fret about it to much. I'm sure they got it.

I'm already in a PhD program, but I'm on break for a couple of weeks. So, I can try and read through some of yall's samples. My area is phil of mind, computation, science, biology and I do a bit of feminist philosophy (limited). I recently did a presentation of D Lewis's and Stalnaker's modal realism, so I could possible be help with that. DM if anyone wants help. Also, if I get bombarded (probably won't) I might have to just do FIFO (first in, first out - sorry I was an accountant in a previous life haha), :/, sorry!

Do you mind me asking where are your planning on applying or have applied? GRE plays different roles for different schools. For example, wisconsin - none, some kind of use it to decide between equally good applications.

I would say yes. However, when I was applying to Grad programs, I was accepted at Maryland, KU, Nebraska and wait listed at Pittsburgh and university of Virginia (with an offer eventually from Virginia, but didn't take it, mainly because it was too late)... BUT rejected at university of Oklahoma and university of Colorado and some others. So, not sure what to make of that

I'm a little confused about your concern with placement. Did you not know about your current programs placement record before you applied or accepted the position? it seems a little weird to me and it just looks like you simply used this program as a stepping stone. Which is fine, I'm not judging or condemning lol. BUUT... I suspect you'd probably want to mention in your SOP to your desired program why you're wanting to transfer and the placement reason will seem suspicious. I've heard from profs that people do transfer but you must be VERY careful. Philosophy is a relatively small community of people and you do not want to get a bad name or burn bridges. Especially if you're moving up to a "better" school. Be very careful as you navigate this transfer. I've only been warned about transferring programs unless you have a legit reason (AOI changed and have no prof at current program willing to take you on, prof retired or moved, family reasons etc.). Hope it helps, and again my initial comment isn't condemning but just the first thing that popped into my head.

No don't take the GRE again. Your scores are great, like someone else said unless you are trying to do logic or math... do not worry about GRE. I would look at other aspects of your application again - sample paper (obviously), SOP, and talk to your previous professors and see what they think. Do you think you had strong recommendation letters? AND, yes def look at the schools you applied to and really focus on fit. Email some of the grad students at the programs you're interested in and see what they think of your fit at their program. I would also, maybe try to also expand your AOS in your SOP. And again, talk to your previous professors and see what they think.