HomoLudens

As I mentioned above, the problem lies in the very idea behind threads like these. We see them crop up constantly on here. The best advice is to stop worrying about chances viz. statistics and markers like GPA, and instead ask whether your sample/statement are up to snuff. I honestly think we should ban threads like this (no offense to OP) because they are literally useless speculation. 

The Pitt application website feels like it hasn't changed in 15 years.  

The interview is kinda brutal. Make sure you know literally everything that you wrote in your sample/statement by heart. Then be prepared for trick questions. I can't really remember what my questions were. My friend who got an interview last year said that they asked him what he thought about the "libertarian/Communitarian/Liberalism/communism debate". His area of focus was Lacanian psychoanalysis! The only reason they asked him was because he took a class with Michael Sandel at Harvard during undergrad. So get ready for them to ask anything. 

As the Germans say, "jein". This is anecdotal, but the admissions director at my program reads statements first. Obviously it isn't make or break if you have a mediocre sample, but if you aren't able to effectively state why you want to do a PhD at "school" beyond the typical platitudes, then you don't have a chance. Having an interesting statement might make the committee member look closer at your application. 
The moral I take away from applying is that the kind of questions being asked on this forum are typically the wrong ones. People shouldn't be ask whether they can get in based on stats x, y, and z and vague statements like "my sample is super good". The real question is, "how can I make my application better. 

Yes, it seems extremely early. 

Hi! Out of curiosity, could anyone claim the Yale acceptance as I feel it is quite early?

Two years ago I got an interview from DePaul. They had like 11-15 interviewees. 

So what ought we think about this news?    1) I think that we should all be encouraged that we spent so much time working on our materials and developing ourselves as academics preparing to enter an advanced degree. Applying is no easy feat, and I am sure that we have all grown because of the process.   2) We should also be resigned to the fact that once we submit our applications, they are in the hands of the Ad-Com Gods. Regardless of the total number of applicants, we still have no control over the process. Just be glad that you did your best and that we all are going through this together.   3) Finally, our worth as thinkers and people does not depend on whether we get into a PhD program this year. You are all incredibly talented people who will do well in any field. So use this opportunity to think about what careers outside of philosophy will give you a sense of fulfillment and drive.    These are the best suggestions that I have to not follow the path of despair.

Posted on the results page already, but in at Toronto HPS.
 
They're apparently taking 2 domestic students this year so flagging that for reduced admissions.

The Pitt application website feels like it hasn't changed in 15 years.  

Great job! It must be nice to have your first decision be an acceptance.

In at Arizona State's Philosophy PhD program via email today! Huzzah!! 
Also, I figured out how to do those fancy email signatures so I am feeling very fancy ???

Is anyone able to claim the Duke rejection? I’m yet to hear back from them at all.

I made a terrible mistake. I meant to post my WUSTL rejection but brainfarted and typed Duke instead. I tried to reverse or delete it but can't seem to do so...

Can anybody claim that Duke acceptance? I interviewed with them but haven't heard anything back yet and am anxious to hear more.
 

New here because not everyone is on Facebook. Accepted at Michigan State on 1/25 by email.

Congratulations! 

I had to resend my writing sample due to .docx fucking up the whole sample. 

I think this illustrates why you should only submit documents in PDF form. The formatting of Word docs is too unpredictable.

Interview with Baylor

I think this illustrates why you should only submit documents in PDF form. The formatting of Word docs is too unpredictable.

I think this illustrates why you should only submit documents in PDF form. The formatting of Word docs is too unpredictable.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yb_yciijFGEp5roVKYJ40U4eiREo3ZQTeSQkEjGMSsg/edit#gid=114877663
 
To see predictions you need to change the tabs located at the bottom.

This is going to be a long winter.

I am long-listed by UPenn, does anyone know what this is supposed to mean? Very nervous.