jriveracal

Hi,
I don't know how many of you are interested in Brazil, but many of our colleagues are Brazilianists, and American academic institutions work hand in hand with Brazilian ones. Last Friday, president Bolsonaro and Minister of Education Abraham Weintraub announced that they plan to "decentralize" resources to social sciences and humanities, particularly targeting sociology and philosophy. This week they decided to cut 30% of all federal universities' budget. This is the beginning of the end of academia in the fourth largest democracy in the world, starting with the social sciences and humanities.
A colleague and I have written this open letter from U.S. and global sociologists in support of Brazilian sociology. In less than 5 days, over 6000 academics across the globe, from all continents and over 1500 different academic institutions have signed the letter. The president of the International Sociological Association has signed, and so have the presidents of many national associations (including Australia, Greece, and Israel). Please join us in our fight for our Brazilian colleagues. We need to mobilize. Brazil is quickly becoming one of the largest fascist regimes in history. In solidarity.
Here is the link: https://sites.google.com/g.harvard.edu/brazil-solidarity

I’m glad that this application cycle is finally drawing to a close ... it’s been a lot of stress, but knowing other people have been going through it too has been helpful (at least for me). Best of luck to everyone, whether you’re starting a program in the fall or pursuing other opportunities!

I was offered the NSF GRFP! I feel like I'm gonna vomit! Congratulations to the other recipients. I'm celebrating in spirit with you all! 

(Undergraduate at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, starting at Penn State (MCIBS PhD program) this fall!)

Given the fact that you self-admittedly have no research exp in soc...I would definitely make it a priority to highlight the shit out of WHY SOC in your SoP. Connect any experience you do have to soc, if possible. Also, given that you were previously in a Ph.D. program and left, I would deffffinitely highlight WHY NOW (and why not then) in your SoP.

Yeah, an unofficial wailtlist. And Idk. I'm guessing that because a great number of ppl might be notified it would imply they have a greater a chance of getting in. Or they simply don't want to do the extra step of sending out those notifications, making it easier on their end. 
But yeah, it would be nice for your app to be updated along the way. I get more information when I order a pizza from dominos for $11.99 than I do with a $75 grad app.

Nothing wrong with striving for Harvard, we've all been there.. but with an ok GPA, poor GRE and no publications you really need some safety schools

Oh I hadn't even thought about this yet... I'll probably email whomever informed me of my acceptance a polite email that says something to the effect of "I'm honored by the offer, but after much thought I've decided to attend University X." Academic sociology is a pretty small world, so they'll likely find out where you're headed anyway -- might as well be the one the giving the news! Surely establishing an early reputation for friendliness and professionalism can't hurt!

I'd be happy to look at anyone's SoP, either now or in the future, for any feedback that may be helpful. I worked on my SoP every day for three months and I would definitely say that it was what really nailed my applications. 
One thing I think that's worth mentioning is that I did not heed advice for keeping my SoP, "strictly business" as most people are prone to advise. My statement was extremely personal and linked my experiences with what I want to research. I actually only had one paragraph on why I was "qualified" to be admitted into their program [but I did describe my research experiences in-depth in my CV]. If you have a good reason to talk about what has led you to want to pursue whatever your research interests are, I would definitely find a way to talk about it in your SoP.

I'd be happy to look at anyone's SoP, either now or in the future, for any feedback that may be helpful. I worked on my SoP every day for three months and I would definitely say that it was what really nailed my applications. 
One thing I think that's worth mentioning is that I did not heed advice for keeping my SoP, "strictly business" as most people are prone to advise. My statement was extremely personal and linked my experiences with what I want to research. I actually only had one paragraph on why I was "qualified" to be admitted into their program [but I did describe my research experiences in-depth in my CV]. If you have a good reason to talk about what has led you to want to pursue whatever your research interests are, I would definitely find a way to talk about it in your SoP.

I'd be happy to look at anyone's SoP, either now or in the future, for any feedback that may be helpful. I worked on my SoP every day for three months and I would definitely say that it was what really nailed my applications. 
One thing I think that's worth mentioning is that I did not heed advice for keeping my SoP, "strictly business" as most people are prone to advise. My statement was extremely personal and linked my experiences with what I want to research. I actually only had one paragraph on why I was "qualified" to be admitted into their program [but I did describe my research experiences in-depth in my CV]. If you have a good reason to talk about what has led you to want to pursue whatever your research interests are, I would definitely find a way to talk about it in your SoP.

Got dinged by UCSD just now, but I got formally accepted to UW-Milwaukee last night - my first acceptance this cycle! Will be attending! Just waiting for info on funding right now, but I believe it would be more than sufficient. 
Thank you, everyone, for all your support out here, really! It meant a lot - and i'm so glad that you guys were here to keep me hanging in there!  

https://berkeley.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dopQ3R8ekJxQXt3
All responses are anonymous and I promise the survey is in no way affiliated with Berkeley or Berkeley Haas lol it's just a template from my work that I couldn't figure how to remove.
They survey slightly reeks of elitism as I ask questions about the rankings of schools you applied for and their outcomes, but I'm just really interested in seeing the demographics of you all and trying to see if there is any relation between certain demographics and admission into different ranked programs.
It would mean a lot if people would take it. Totally cool if not though. Any feedback on the survey itself would also be appreciated. Happy Friday.

I have a paper due tomorrow... but they did me so dirty. To me its the equivalent of a breakup, but then still being required to finish out a lease with the same person who doesn't want you. I'm going to be so petulant in class tomorrow... ugh. I wish I was a better person.

I genuinely never meant to upset anyone and I sincerely apologize that I did. 
For what it's worth, I'm not having a quarter-life crisis because I "don't know if I should go to Harvard or XYZ". Rather, I am honestly feeling a lot of sadness and anxiety in trying to navigate what the most feasible option is for myself as a mother with two children. I am finding that the institutional supports for low-income student parents at many of these institutions is simply non-existant. It's not like I'm expecting luxury, but things like having an institution willing to cover my children's healthcare for less than 6k a year would be cool...Maybe subsidies to help with the $2600/month childcare tuition...
All of this has really got me thinking a lot about how low-income and self-supported mothers and WoC are undervalued and are not seen as a priority to support in virtually every sect of society...even at these "world-class" institutions...It has me thinking about how resources are allocated within universities...and how in their choice to not invest in support policies and programs for disenfranchised students, institutions are able to silently weed out the "undeserving",  effectively reproducing their privilege. 
I'm sure that some will read this and think OH BOO-HOO and not understand, but it's a pretty upsetting process to have all of these doors slapping me in the face after what for most would seem to be a done deal. I was just hoping to find someone who is also experiencing worry or disappointment to talk with. Although we are strangers I have really come to value and appreciate all of you and would never intentionally want to hurt anyone.

LOL IT WAS ONE! Just got admitted to the Yale program! folks check your portal

I genuinely never meant to upset anyone and I sincerely apologize that I did. 
For what it's worth, I'm not having a quarter-life crisis because I "don't know if I should go to Harvard or XYZ". Rather, I am honestly feeling a lot of sadness and anxiety in trying to navigate what the most feasible option is for myself as a mother with two children. I am finding that the institutional supports for low-income student parents at many of these institutions is simply non-existant. It's not like I'm expecting luxury, but things like having an institution willing to cover my children's healthcare for less than 6k a year would be cool...Maybe subsidies to help with the $2600/month childcare tuition...
All of this has really got me thinking a lot about how low-income and self-supported mothers and WoC are undervalued and are not seen as a priority to support in virtually every sect of society...even at these "world-class" institutions...It has me thinking about how resources are allocated within universities...and how in their choice to not invest in support policies and programs for disenfranchised students, institutions are able to silently weed out the "undeserving",  effectively reproducing their privilege. 
I'm sure that some will read this and think OH BOO-HOO and not understand, but it's a pretty upsetting process to have all of these doors slapping me in the face after what for most would seem to be a done deal. I was just hoping to find someone who is also experiencing worry or disappointment to talk with. Although we are strangers I have really come to value and appreciate all of you and would never intentionally want to hurt anyone.

I genuinely never meant to upset anyone and I sincerely apologize that I did. 
For what it's worth, I'm not having a quarter-life crisis because I "don't know if I should go to Harvard or XYZ". Rather, I am honestly feeling a lot of sadness and anxiety in trying to navigate what the most feasible option is for myself as a mother with two children. I am finding that the institutional supports for low-income student parents at many of these institutions is simply non-existant. It's not like I'm expecting luxury, but things like having an institution willing to cover my children's healthcare for less than 6k a year would be cool...Maybe subsidies to help with the $2600/month childcare tuition...
All of this has really got me thinking a lot about how low-income and self-supported mothers and WoC are undervalued and are not seen as a priority to support in virtually every sect of society...even at these "world-class" institutions...It has me thinking about how resources are allocated within universities...and how in their choice to not invest in support policies and programs for disenfranchised students, institutions are able to silently weed out the "undeserving",  effectively reproducing their privilege. 
I'm sure that some will read this and think OH BOO-HOO and not understand, but it's a pretty upsetting process to have all of these doors slapping me in the face after what for most would seem to be a done deal. I was just hoping to find someone who is also experiencing worry or disappointment to talk with. Although we are strangers I have really come to value and appreciate all of you and would never intentionally want to hurt anyone.

This happened during my undergrad process. I was, for the first time in my life, someone other people wanted. I was noticed. I was accepted everywhere! The complete joy I felt I have yet to feel again, but surprisingly what came after I wasn’t prepared for. I couldn’t afford to go anywhere! I didnt have the parents or the no-how to figure out finances, loans etc as I was already working like a dog to save money... but nothing was ever enough. I hear what you’re saying overall and can’t imagine the struggle with a whole family in tow! But my god, like I had mentioned before, I can’t imagine the roadblocks, the potential near miss of it all is defeating in a way most wouldn’t expect. There is “life after an acceptance.”
If you do decide on Harvard and want some advice I may be able to hook you up with my cousin (also a mom) who runs a lab there. Just as a potential resource who knows her way around Boston! 

https://berkeley.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dopQ3R8ekJxQXt3
All responses are anonymous and I promise the survey is in no way affiliated with Berkeley or Berkeley Haas lol it's just a template from my work that I couldn't figure how to remove.
They survey slightly reeks of elitism as I ask questions about the rankings of schools you applied for and their outcomes, but I'm just really interested in seeing the demographics of you all and trying to see if there is any relation between certain demographics and admission into different ranked programs.
It would mean a lot if people would take it. Totally cool if not though. Any feedback on the survey itself would also be appreciated. Happy Friday.

https://berkeley.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dopQ3R8ekJxQXt3
All responses are anonymous and I promise the survey is in no way affiliated with Berkeley or Berkeley Haas lol it's just a template from my work that I couldn't figure how to remove.
They survey slightly reeks of elitism as I ask questions about the rankings of schools you applied for and their outcomes, but I'm just really interested in seeing the demographics of you all and trying to see if there is any relation between certain demographics and admission into different ranked programs.
It would mean a lot if people would take it. Totally cool if not though. Any feedback on the survey itself would also be appreciated. Happy Friday.

I too am a mom to two little children. I've got a few acceptances to schools, one would move me across the country but also pay me fairly well. I love the program, I want to attend. But I am also feeling sadness and anxiety over my decisions. Where I am now, in a MS program, is in my hometown, with two sets of supportive grandparents that are a huge help. Moving away from this support network, having to hope my husband gets a good enough job to cover childcare, is incredibly stressful. My other school option is in Canada, and much closer to home. But it comes with its own challenges - visas, work permits, travel restrictions...its just very stressful. Even when schools do provide subsidized childcare, the waitlists can mean you have to find some other place, and those other places have waitlists too. None of this is easy. Your analysis of the disenfranchisement of parent students is spot on. So here's some support, from one mom to another. This shit is tough.

I genuinely never meant to upset anyone and I sincerely apologize that I did. 
For what it's worth, I'm not having a quarter-life crisis because I "don't know if I should go to Harvard or XYZ". Rather, I am honestly feeling a lot of sadness and anxiety in trying to navigate what the most feasible option is for myself as a mother with two children. I am finding that the institutional supports for low-income student parents at many of these institutions is simply non-existant. It's not like I'm expecting luxury, but things like having an institution willing to cover my children's healthcare for less than 6k a year would be cool...Maybe subsidies to help with the $2600/month childcare tuition...
All of this has really got me thinking a lot about how low-income and self-supported mothers and WoC are undervalued and are not seen as a priority to support in virtually every sect of society...even at these "world-class" institutions...It has me thinking about how resources are allocated within universities...and how in their choice to not invest in support policies and programs for disenfranchised students, institutions are able to silently weed out the "undeserving",  effectively reproducing their privilege. 
I'm sure that some will read this and think OH BOO-HOO and not understand, but it's a pretty upsetting process to have all of these doors slapping me in the face after what for most would seem to be a done deal. I was just hoping to find someone who is also experiencing worry or disappointment to talk with. Although we are strangers I have really come to value and appreciate all of you and would never intentionally want to hurt anyone.

I genuinely never meant to upset anyone and I sincerely apologize that I did. 
For what it's worth, I'm not having a quarter-life crisis because I "don't know if I should go to Harvard or XYZ". Rather, I am honestly feeling a lot of sadness and anxiety in trying to navigate what the most feasible option is for myself as a mother with two children. I am finding that the institutional supports for low-income student parents at many of these institutions is simply non-existant. It's not like I'm expecting luxury, but things like having an institution willing to cover my children's healthcare for less than 6k a year would be cool...Maybe subsidies to help with the $2600/month childcare tuition...
All of this has really got me thinking a lot about how low-income and self-supported mothers and WoC are undervalued and are not seen as a priority to support in virtually every sect of society...even at these "world-class" institutions...It has me thinking about how resources are allocated within universities...and how in their choice to not invest in support policies and programs for disenfranchised students, institutions are able to silently weed out the "undeserving",  effectively reproducing their privilege. 
I'm sure that some will read this and think OH BOO-HOO and not understand, but it's a pretty upsetting process to have all of these doors slapping me in the face after what for most would seem to be a done deal. I was just hoping to find someone who is also experiencing worry or disappointment to talk with. Although we are strangers I have really come to value and appreciate all of you and would never intentionally want to hurt anyone.

I genuinely never meant to upset anyone and I sincerely apologize that I did. 
For what it's worth, I'm not having a quarter-life crisis because I "don't know if I should go to Harvard or XYZ". Rather, I am honestly feeling a lot of sadness and anxiety in trying to navigate what the most feasible option is for myself as a mother with two children. I am finding that the institutional supports for low-income student parents at many of these institutions is simply non-existant. It's not like I'm expecting luxury, but things like having an institution willing to cover my children's healthcare for less than 6k a year would be cool...Maybe subsidies to help with the $2600/month childcare tuition...
All of this has really got me thinking a lot about how low-income and self-supported mothers and WoC are undervalued and are not seen as a priority to support in virtually every sect of society...even at these "world-class" institutions...It has me thinking about how resources are allocated within universities...and how in their choice to not invest in support policies and programs for disenfranchised students, institutions are able to silently weed out the "undeserving",  effectively reproducing their privilege. 
I'm sure that some will read this and think OH BOO-HOO and not understand, but it's a pretty upsetting process to have all of these doors slapping me in the face after what for most would seem to be a done deal. I was just hoping to find someone who is also experiencing worry or disappointment to talk with. Although we are strangers I have really come to value and appreciate all of you and would never intentionally want to hurt anyone.

I genuinely never meant to upset anyone and I sincerely apologize that I did. 
For what it's worth, I'm not having a quarter-life crisis because I "don't know if I should go to Harvard or XYZ". Rather, I am honestly feeling a lot of sadness and anxiety in trying to navigate what the most feasible option is for myself as a mother with two children. I am finding that the institutional supports for low-income student parents at many of these institutions is simply non-existant. It's not like I'm expecting luxury, but things like having an institution willing to cover my children's healthcare for less than 6k a year would be cool...Maybe subsidies to help with the $2600/month childcare tuition...
All of this has really got me thinking a lot about how low-income and self-supported mothers and WoC are undervalued and are not seen as a priority to support in virtually every sect of society...even at these "world-class" institutions...It has me thinking about how resources are allocated within universities...and how in their choice to not invest in support policies and programs for disenfranchised students, institutions are able to silently weed out the "undeserving",  effectively reproducing their privilege. 
I'm sure that some will read this and think OH BOO-HOO and not understand, but it's a pretty upsetting process to have all of these doors slapping me in the face after what for most would seem to be a done deal. I was just hoping to find someone who is also experiencing worry or disappointment to talk with. Although we are strangers I have really come to value and appreciate all of you and would never intentionally want to hurt anyone.