[Shutout 2020 Thread]

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.

[Masters 2020 Thread]

On 3/11/2020 at 2:27 PM, Coconuts&Chloroform said:

Yes, but bear in mind two things:

1) All 20 grand must be paid in the period between the September of your first semester and the January of your second. So, while it is only 5 grand a semester, you do need to have 20 grand in liquidity over a period of about 5 months.

2) This is just the cost of tuition - not the cost of attending Tufts! Medford/Somerville is a pretty expensive area, and you can expect to pay $600-$800 a month on rent just to share a 1 bedroom apartment with roommates. Many students take jobs to supplement their income (TAships pay about $1,000/mo while school is in session). 

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.

[What If You've Still Heard Nothing?]

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.

[Masters 2020 Thread]

18 hours ago, Coconuts&Chloroform said:

Tuition remission varies between students, but most students have to pay just under $20,000 ($16,000 in my case), all of which is due during the first year. During the second year no tuition is paid, and each semester thereafter (if you elect to stay longer) costs $800.

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.

[Masters 2020 Thread]

On 2/23/2020 at 12:39 PM, downwardabsolute said:

Hey everyone. I'm finishing up my second/final year at Tufts, currently applying to PhDs. If anyone has any questions about the program, feel free to shoot me a DM. 

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

[Consider Texas Tech for a funded MA in philosophy!]

On 1/30/2020 at 7:10 PM, Estudiante Graduado said:

I wouldn't pay too much attention to this. Get your FAFSA in ASAP and as long as you apply before the APPLICATION deadline, you will almost surely be funded if you are admitted. 

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.

[Philosophy Grad after low-tier college]

On 1/2/2020 at 6:40 PM, JesusFdz said:

Tufts is actually one of the programs I am considering, and its nice to now that they are somewhat military friendly. Other universities I have in mind are Fordham, Kent State, U Kentucky, USF, GSU, UWM, Brandeis, NIU, SIU, CUNY, ASU, Minnesota, Duquesne, Maryland, Brew, Oklahoma, BGSU, Dallas, Washington and UConn. I am mostly interested in logic, the foundations of mathematics, philosophy of mind, epistemology and metaphysics, so naturally I should be choosing more analytic programs. But again, I've come up with this list based on how likely I am to get accepted (from what I could gather, most of these programs are not as competitive as say NYU or Rutgers). 

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.

[Does an Academia.edu page make any difference?]

On 1/25/2020 at 7:23 PM, Coconuts&Chloroform said:

Well, it's that time of year again - academia.edu is sending me emails telling me that various people in cities containing programs to which I applied have been googling my name and visiting my page. This is basically the only use that I have gotten out of that website thus far. The whole thing seems a bit like a scam to me. But do you think that having a good profile on this website makes any difference to AdComs? I've uploaded a bunch of my work on there, in case anyone on an AdCom would like to see some of my work other than my sample. 

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.

[Venting Thread - 2019 Applicants]

On 1/22/2020 at 11:21 AM, Coconuts&Chloroform said:

Anybody interested in exchanging samples, mainly just for reassurance? I'm at the point now where I see nothing but the flaws of my paper, and I no longer believe the people who told me it was good (I'm not sure that my advisor really did anything more than skim my most recent draft...). If anyone else is feeling similarly, it might be nice to exchange our papers and get some feedback from a fresh, unbiased, anonymous source.

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.

[Venting Thread - 2019 Applicants]

On 1/9/2020 at 11:45 AM, Coconuts&Chloroform said:

I've seen this in years past, but not this year, so I thought I'd put one up. 

This is a thread for 2019 applicants to vent their post-submission frustrations, anxieties and hopes; to spread rumors about the mysterious machinations in which AdComs are now engaged; and to offer each other support as we wait out the limbo in which we will be kept for the coming months. 

I'll begin: in 2016 I applied to a very small handful of schools, with NYU as my top choice. I ended up going for an MA and trying again. But when submitting my application to NYU this year, I noticed that the status of my 2016 admission was "Awaiting Payment". WTF? Did they ever even consider my application that year? I spent months that year religiously checking my email and thegradcafe, hoping to find out when they would accept or reject me. Could it all be because I forgot to pay them?

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.

[Writing Sample Exchange]

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!

[Philosophy Graduate Entrants 2020]

On 11/17/2019 at 2:03 PM, Prob said:

Hello,

I’m an applicant from the UK who’s applying to Philosophy PhD programs in the US starting September 2020. I recently took the GRE and got a verbal score of 166 (97th percentile) and a quant score of 156 (60th percentile). There seems to be so much conflicting information about how important GRE scores are and, as an international applicant, it can all be very confusing. Do you think that my mediocre quant score will be a hindrance to getting into any (or certain top) PhD programs in the states? 

Other relevant background info to do with my application: I have a BA and an MPhil in Philosophy. I got my BA from a Russell Group University (top 25 or so in the UK) and my MPhil from an ancient University (top 2 in the UK). I have what I think is equivalent to a 4.0 GPA for my BA and a 3.8 GPA for my MPhil (although the conversion for the MPhil is quite difficult and a rough approximation). I’m expecting very promising letters of recommendation. 

Any clarificatory information and/or advice would be appreciated!

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.

[Leiter Report vs Admissions Selectivity]

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 

[Transfer Advice]

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.

[GRE scores Top 20 PhD Programmes]

On 8/11/2019 at 4:02 AM, pluropotential said:

Hi y'all, 

My GRE scores are 169V/157Q/6.0AW

Last year I was shut out of all the PhD programmes to which I applied, which were all in the PGR Top 20. 

How likely do you think it was the quant. score that was holding me back? And/or if I were to apply again, would I be better served refining my writing sample, or re-taking the GRE again? Or just both?

In general, do you think you need to have completely stellar GRE scores in all three categories (or at least the big two) to be competitive for top-20 ranked programmes? Top-50? 

thanks for any advice or support, team 

as a random aside-- my AOI is meta-philosophy-- does any department welcome this AOI, or is my academic career doomed before it's even begun? 

 

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.

[Can I get a second MA in philosophy?]

On 5/13/2019 at 10:56 AM, Julian0813 said:

I have been studying an MA program in philosophy outside the USA. Last year, I applied to several PhD programs (some are listed on the Gourmet's report, some are not), I made to the waitlist of Oklahoma but got rejected in the end. I feel like having an MA in American may enhance the possibility of getting into a PhD program, but I am not sure if I am allowed to do so, or if it is uncommon in the field of philosophy? 

By the way, here is my background: I have one publication (in Chinese), my GRE score is V161/Q158/AW3, and my AOI is in epistemology (primary). 

Any advice and suggestion would be greatly appreciated ^^

So, I was in a similar mindset as you earlier this year. However, thankfully I ended up having great results over all (3 Acceptances and 3 WL). Getting a 2nd MA is not unheard of, and especially for international students. When you apply again, you should definitely apply to MA programs (like UW-M, Oklahoma State, U of Arkansas, and few others - these are some of the funded MAs and that's why i mention them). Your recommendation letters will mean more coming from people in the U.S especially if they are known in your AOI and the chances of an American, UK, or Australian philosopher being well known are more likely.

However, I'm not sure what is your GPA (do you guys have GPA or something else), or what your writing sample is like. If you'd like I can give it a read. But, to be honest your GRE scores could definitely improve. Your verbal isn't terrible but for a good program you should definitely retake it. Your AW is pretty low, but I think that's less important, if at all. Hopefully, this helps.

 

[Preparations for the Fall]

On 4/27/2019 at 4:13 PM, Nothingtown said:

That's really encouraging, because that isn't how grad school has been sold to me in the past, and I would even venture to say it isn't an attitude that many (if not most) grad students share. 

I hope to have time for hobbies! As for reading, though, I always felt distracted reading fantasy in undergrad. Free reading has been a bit hard when I have so much other reading to do, but perhaps that is something I should work on

I've been a grad student (Master's) and graduated with top grades. Now, I'm starting my Phd. And I agree with maxhgns... yes, it is difficult but you still have time to do things. It really depends on how well you schedule your life. If you do stuff chaotically, then you will feel like you never have time. I'd say just relax.. chill, its not that bad.

[Anyone heard from Stanford's philosophy MA?]

On 4/19/2019 at 9:16 PM, AndreaBamboo said:

I have applied to 2019 philosophy MA in Stanford and it has been radio silence since then.  My application status is always 'submitted', making me wonder is there even an 'under review' status? I have checked past results posted on this site, the only information I get is that in 2016 someone recieved their MA offer on May 4th and someone else said Stanford forgot to send the rejection letter. I am really anxious  since this is my first choice and  I have turned down Tufts(and any other funded masters) before April 15th.

Anyone heard form Stanford's philosophy MA now? Anyone knows whether there is an 'under review' status in their online application system? Should I solicit their decisions? Any advice/comments/information?

Please say something to me! Thank you so much!

 

 

 

You should email them or maybe even call. 

And as mentioned by others, you turned down other offers just in case Stanford came through or are we missing something?

[Declining Offers/Withdrawing Applications Thread]

Just declined U of Nebraska. Hopefully, it'll help someone on here or not. Probably by 4/13 I'll be turning down 1 or 2 more. Just waiting to get more info from the departments.

[Declining Offers/Withdrawing Applications Thread]

30 minutes ago, Kantattheairport said:

Yeah, I was told that 'the large majority' of offer-holders at UW-Madison haven't gotten back to them, though I don't know if this is unusually late by their standards. Waitlists definitely went right to the final day last year, so that's what I'm shoring myself up for!

I’ve heard similar things. 

[Waitlists]

Hmm interesting, what's your AOI? But, obviously OU (Oklahoma University) and UVA are not at the same level but you were waitlisted at both. But UVA apprently has a giant waitlist this year or maybe every year, idk. I'm willing to bet you have a decent chance at OU. is it for an MA or PhD?

7 minutes ago, Agent_Causation said:

Rejected: Notre Dame, Indiana Bloomington, Fordham, Baylor, Saint Louis University, NC Chapel Hill, Arizona

Waitlisted(In estimated order of likelihood to be accepted based on vibe from DGS): Oklahoma, UT Knoxville, FSU, Rochester, UVA

Accepted: Arkansas,  Buffalo (Waitlisted for funding)

Pending: Boulder (Presumed rejection)

 

[Waitlists]

1 hour ago, Agent_Causation said:

Waitlisted at FSU a couple of days ago. Been a really waitlist-y application season for me. Applied to 15; waitlisted at 5, accepted at 2, rejected at 7, 1 still pending. For one of those acceptances, I'm waitlisted for funding; so I count that, essentially, as 6 waitlists and 1 acceptance.

Anyone got any theories concerning what about an applicant's dossier might make him or her attractive enough for lots of waitlists but not enough for acceptances?

It can be combination of multiple things for different programs. What schools did you apply too?

[MA AOI and PhD Admissions]

9 hours ago, DoodleBob said:

Dear again the grad cafe philosophy community, 

I am curious about your opinion of a masters area of interest and PhD admissions. I have heard (from a professor) that a masters AOI does not matter for PhD admissions. What matters is demonstrating your ability to produce quality work in philosophy. 

For example, your AOI and thesis is in X, but that does not matter towards your addmisions prospects for a program that specializes in Y. As I have lurked here on the gradcafe, I have read advice that this is not the case. 

What is your opinion on this? How much does an MA AOI matter for PhD admissions? 

 

 

I think having a sample paper that matches your claimed AOI helps. But I don't think having a strong sample paper on X but the department specializes in Y is going to hurt you. Your fit in the department is pretty important. 

[Central European University]

9 hours ago, Matt12345 said:

Hmm, that does not sound good. I hope he is not representative of the CEU study body. That professor sounds like a real dud. This is a surprise, because I have heard from European academics (at a conference) that the program has a good reputation and that I would get a good education there. One of my letter writers (also a European) said positive things about it too.

I am fairly divided in my interests and swing both ways: phenomenology/existentialsm on the continental side, and logic, philosophy of language, cognitive science, and philosophy of mind on the analytic side of things.

Yea, I agree.. I think he was just a bad professor and student. I really hope he's not a representative of the CEU body. If there is a professor CEU that you think is good in your AOI, you should go. And I agree with @philosophypuppy that my example is anecdotal but I thought I should mention it since it directly related to you question. 

[Central European University]

27 minutes ago, Matt12345 said:

Hello,

I was accepted to CEU's one-year MA program with full tuition remission, paid-for health insurance, accommodation for the first month, and a modest stipend (EUR240/month for Vienna and EUR160/month for the time in Budapest). The stipend isn't a ton, but I am still excited about the offer.

I am not concerned about the current controversy there (the EU is now supporting them, so that situation is becoming less intense). Does anyone here have any experiences there or know someone who attended?

Thanks.

What’s you AOI? 

And one of the professors at my last program went there. I’m gonna be honest he was definitely one of the dumber professors there. I TA’d for him and he didn’t know basic logic. Like what makes an argument valid. He told one of the guys that they never had to study logic at CEU and it showed. I think he knew one thing some obscure topic in continental philosophy (focoult and symbiosis, what ever that is). He was so bad that the department took away his logic courses. And in my own conversation he seemed ill prepared to teach most philosophy other than that niche he knew. 

Now he could be an oddity and just a bad student but it doesn’t look to good for CEU.