HardyBoy

Thanks for responding! I've been trying to mostly gut -- or at least read the intro, TOC, and book reviews. I've just hit a rough patch and trying to get through. On the plus side, my prep meeting schedule is such that I'll have a few weeks before the exams to go back and refresh. I hope it'll be enough. Such a weird/stressful process.

Reupping this thread because I'm in need of some assurance that it's OK to only read book reviews for some of your comps/generals books, right??? Feeling a little underwater.

It's also worth bearing in mind that sometimes non-top MA programs (whatever that means to you) might surprise you by having funding. Mine didn't have a PhD program, so we were paid as TAs, and it also had paid internships as part of its public history program. So definitely look for MA funding -- it's hard to find, but out there!

I did!

I do know that Princeton trimmed its cohort size a little, but not like other schools (I think down to about 20 from about about 25, but don't quote me on that).

Just popping in to note that there is not a connection between the Princeton history and art history departments, so the decision time of one is not related to the other. (I'm sorry I have no other insight into when Princeton's decisions will be out!)

@Strider_2931 definitely Wailoo, but I'm also thinking of Barnes as a cultural historian, as well as Wirzbicki and Wilentz. The history and HOS programs at Princeton have separate application processes, but they are pretty tightly connected, so you can work with people on both sides. If that interests you, you might consider reaching out to Wailoo and see if he seems interested. FWIW, I sort of fell into HOS, without a deep background. That's definitely the less common path, as far as I can tell, but it does happen.

Have you considered applying to HSTM (History of Science, Technology, and Medicine) programs? I can think of advising combos at Princeton that might be cool for your project.

Congrats on even getting waitlisted! I'm afraid I don't know much about the process in terms of ranking, but I think it makes sense to contact your POI and reiterate your enthusiasm for the program, etc. Will you DM me your POI? I might be able to offer more specific advice.

Congrats to Princeton admits, if you're lurking here! Feel free to DM with questions.

I don't have much insight, but I do know that Princeton has been in the midst of several hiring searches, so I would not be surprised if decisions are a bit later this year.

I do want to add that, if you are trying to decide between schools and you can afford to cover any difference between the reimbursement they offer and the cost of going, do go to visit weekends. Mnay of the deciding factors for me were things that I learned in person during visits. Plus, it's definitely your last chance to feel courted by a school for a while (ever?), so enjoy it!

Just popping in to wish everyone good luck as they wait! I was in your shoes last year and know how miserable that wait can be, so my thoughts are with you. I second the advice here to do something healthy, go for a walk, hang out with friends -- all the sorts of things you'll need to do to take care of yourself in grad school, too.

Has anyone gotten a result on graduate housing yet? The incoming students page says "Housing offers are being issued on a rolling basis over the next few weeks to all on time applicants." The wait is driving me bonkers.

I have a Lenovo ThinkPad 13 that has served me very well for 3 years (I even spilled an entire beer on it the first day I had it and, aside from a couple of sticky keys, it was no worse for the wear). However, I'm thinking about springing for a Surface headed into the PhD program, because the ability to annotate documents on a tablet screen is super appealing. Does anyone have a Surface who is willing to share their experiences?