sociopolitic

Agreed. Certainly, everyone should be considerate of one another, but it's not as though anyone in this thread is gloating. Everyone is stressed. This time is hard for everyone. 

So people who have acceptances are not allowed to mention their stress or worry? I understand where you're coming from but that seems unfair. 

I understand that this is a stressful and trying time, but going on the offensive in a community intended for support throughout this process doesn't really help anybody. 

I understand that this is a stressful and trying time, but going on the offensive in a community intended for support throughout this process doesn't really help anybody. 

Hi everyone,
I am attempting to encourage people to report their funding package data at http://www.phdstipends.com/ [Shoutout to @socchi92 for showing me this website]
This can help us all compare funding offers within and across programs.
That is all. Happy Friday.

That's so awesome!!!! Congratulations!!!! From what I've heard, Michigan's provisions for day care etc. make it the best place in the US to be a parent in grad school -- I'm so so happy to hear you got in!

I'm a former drug addict, experienced child homelessness, and suffer from a learning disability (ADHD). I somehow found a way to tactfully (and silently) celebrate my success over obstacles. Should we continue with the sob story dick measuring contest, or leave it there? 
At any rate, it's a tactless move - betraying either incapacitating emotional naivete or arrogance. Either are unfortunate. 
 

Yeah, no one here is gonna agree with you. Getting rejected sucks, but raining on other people's parades rather than cheering their success is counterproductive. Also, maybe that person is a first-generation college student or has overcome tremendous adversity to make it this far, so they're overjoyed to see their hard work pay off. Your comment was unnecessary.

Absolutely, I think keeping yourself open to non-academia positions is smart...honestly, for everyone who doesn't go to a top 5-10 school, we should all keep our minds open to that with the way the job market is trending.
Focusing on placement records is so important and I feel like applicants honestly over-value fit, potential advisors, etc. when looking at programs. First and foremost, other than "could I live in this place for 5-6 years", the primary question applicants ask should be "what is their job placement?" I'd encourage everyone here to do some deep dives into placement track records like SgtDonut did.Because it also sometimes works the other way, where programs are under-rated and actually have solid placement records...perhaps Vanderbilt is one as SgtDonut pointed out.
But in general, I just think that holding out for the best possible program, even if it means waiting a year, is *nearly* always worth it. We can't forget how huge of an investment this is, and it's just reality that schools ranked 40+ generally don't place a lot of graduates in R1 TT jobs. 
 

Congratulations to the NYU admits going out!!!

Hey, so I know this is a super anxious time for everyone. I know that many of us have put a lot of effort into our schooling and it's also one way that we seek validation for our efforts and sometimes, even our worth. That being said, I think it's important to not build your identity on this. Whether or not you're accepted to your tops picks or even any programs this cycle, just remember that things are going to be okay. Things will work out. My best friend and I both applied last year. I got accepted into most programs I applied to while my best friend (who was just as capable and intelligent as I was) was rejected from every program he applied to. I was so confused. The only program I didn't get accepted to was my "safety" school, which was even more confusing to me. I chose a program where I had dreamed of working with a specific advisor for several years. It didn't go as I had planned. He was a problematic advisor and faculty member, and he was fired/under investigation the week I moved across the country to work with him. I was devastated, feeling that all the work I had put into getting to that place was for naught. But it wasn't I've learned a lot about myself, my research directions, and the type of researcher I want to be through all of this. This crushing blow became a foundation that has put me in an entirely new mindset, and one I feel we need in academia. Sometimes it's going to such. So much time you put into one project or another will seem like a total waste, and if you're anything like me, you'll blame yourself, and shame yourself for not being "good enough". My friend who didn't get accepted anywhere last year had five offers already this year; four of them from programs that rejected him last year. Sometimes it's just a matter of fit or timing. Yet, regardless of what happens, don't give up on yourself or your goals. Allow yourself to feel bad for a bit because, let's be honest, it sucks when things don't go the way we planned. But it will work out if we keep working at it (one way or another). Wishing all of you the best this season, but we're all here for you, even if this round isn't going your way. Some of us have been there and we feel it all with you. 

Sounds like someone is going to Harvard ???????
My impending Harvard rejection doesn't sting nearly so much knowing that the offer's gone to someone who so deserves it!

Over the moon to have gotten a Michigan acceptance this morning. I can't even process this, I'm beside myself 

The Michigan rejection on the board seems to have been a one-off thing... maybe it was a troll? That's less than cool, but a week ago it looked like the Political Science results were being trolled pretty hard so I guess I wouldn't put it past someone 

Another waitlist posted for Duke. Why are they sending out waitlists before acceptances? The suspense is killing me here!

Sounds like someone is going to Harvard ???????
My impending Harvard rejection doesn't sting nearly so much knowing that the offer's gone to someone who so deserves it!

Oh it's real alright!
The call came somewhere around 3:30 PST.
 
Thank you to the above people who have congratulated me and wished me well...it truly means a lot to me. I'm literally dying and can't believe this is really happening. I appreciate the fact that my POI/committee chair took a moment to tell me that no, this is not a mistake, because I definitely was and still am feeling like this is a huge accident. I sounded like a bumbling idiot on the phone and just cried and kept saying THANK YOU SO MUCH IM SO SORRY FOR CRYING. Luckily he was really cool about it and understood. Pretty personal, but I am actually the first person in my family to even complete high school so this is literally the most incredible and unexpected honor I could ever have happen to me and my family.

@jriveracal Congrats on the Harvard admit!!!!!! You are cleaning UP with admissions today!

OMG!!!! CONGRATS!!! Slayed it! 
P.S. Does anyone else keep getting down for maintenance messages? Terrible timing, GradCafe.

Over the moon to have gotten a Michigan acceptance this morning. I can't even process this, I'm beside myself 

So it could just be stress-induced paranoia/ me trying to deny the reality of rejection, but I am slightly skeptical about the columbia posts in general. For a few reasons; the two acceptances also posted columbia in conjunction with other acceptances (berkeley and then wisconsin and ucla all at the same time); all of the posts (both acceptances and rejection) were posted after the date they were received. It just seems a strange way to interact with the results board and doesn't seem consistent with what most other people do? Also, it is a lot earlier than they have ever released the acceptances and none of the posters have written on the forum, even though there is obviously a lot of discussion about them. Again, it could be completely legitimate and me just trying to stay unduly optimistic, but is it common for the results page to be trolled? 

Just heard a gossip that Uchicago would release decisions today, but I don't know if this is true or just a troll messing around. If anyone hears anything do post. Thnaks in advance! Best wishes to whoever is waiting for it. 

That's so awesome!!!! Congratulations!!!! From what I've heard, Michigan's provisions for day care etc. make it the best place in the US to be a parent in grad school -- I'm so so happy to hear you got in!

I don't think that Berkeley admits students that it won't be able to fund. Congratulations!!!!

My bet is that if they call and you don't pick up, they'll send your offer via email next. Don't stress too much! I can't imagine that not having your phone on hand isn't going to keep your application from consideration.