Bopie5
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Posts posted by Bopie5
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3 hours ago, cassidyaxx said:
I JUST GOT ACCEPTED TO BOSTON COLLEGE! I'm crying so hard. I'm so thankful and in disbelief, I've been shaking since I got the email. I'll be emailing shortly to take myself off of the UConn waitlist and I hope this helps someone else out. Thank you all so much for your kind words and support through this whole process. It's especially wonderful because yesterday marked one year since my dad passed away, and I can't help but feel he's looking out for me.
YESSSS CONGRATULATIONS! I have been anticipating this post for weeks and I am SO EXCITED to wish you a much, much deserved congratulations. So thrilled for you, you absolutely deserve this. Can't wait to read all the great scholarship you produce!!! And maybe see each other at conferences, etc. Take the time to celebrate, this is a huge and wonderful accomplishment. CONGRATS!!!
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1 minute ago, Magic Lantern said:
Thanks for the update! May I ask if the Davis offer you declined was for English or Comp Lit? Thanks!
Of course! It was for English, and my area is media studies/race and ethnicity/contemporary popular cultures.
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21 minutes ago, Kaharim said:
I am curious: according to your profile, you are already attending a PhD program (correct me if I am wrong, maybe it's a MA). I wanted to ask you, in case you have experience about this, if you found any trouble at the time of applying for other PhDs when alreadly enrolled in one.
Hi! Sorry for the confusion--I am currently in an MA, and will be starting a PhD in Comm/Media at Michigan this fall! I updated my signature to show my cycle is wrapped and I made my decision to attend Michigan lol. Probably could have phrased it more clearly.
- Kaharim and Lighthouse Lana
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1 minute ago, Lighthouse Lana said:
I am also in this boat! I will say that I recently reached out to a lot of grad students at one of the programs (which is higher ranked, but I know I'm not supposed to read into that too much) and one student offered a SCATHING condemnation of the literature department... I wanted to take it with a grain of salt because it's a really cool opportunity with some very interesting scholars, but the fact that I couldn't seem to get a response from any other students made me a bit nervous. The other program, however, made it incredibly easy to reach out to professors and students for guidance and everyone seems relatively happy with their choice of program. Tell me if this is an unwise approach, but I feel like it's important to listen to current students when making the decision. The next 5-6 years of my life are going to be intense and I want to feel supported by my peers and the department.
So I think I'm going to go with the other program, but making a solid decision at this point is making me feel very uneasy. Have I done enough to ensure that one program is better for me than the other? Am I setting myself up for an uncertain future with a lower-ranked school?
This is just my two cents, but I think all of us are set up for an uncertain future, no matter what program, no matter the ranking. I'm thinking about how Columbia has had trouble placing any of their recent PhD grads in TT positions. If we put any credence in US News rankings (I don't really), we can solidly say that top 10 and even top 5 schools struggle to place their graduates. Adjuncting is profoundly precarious, and VAPs/postdocs are extremely competitive (and still precarious).
In my opinion, I would go with the place where you believe you are most likely to thrive for the next 5-6 years. Not to be a downer, but there are no jobs in English on the other side of the PhD, and I think unfortunately the situation is more likely to get worse than it is to get better. So I would say, factors like a good funding package, health insurance, a strong grad student union, program culture, and other financial support (conference travel, emergency fund, additional fellowship, etc) should be weighed as more important than program ranking or reputation. If you haven't already, I'd ask these kinds of questions to make sure you're making the best decision. Is there a union? If so, how strong/active is it? Does the department or graduate school offer any relocation assistance? Does the department or graduate school have support in case of medical/personal emergencies? What does the health insurance, if offered, actually cover? Is there funding available beyond the 5th year, and how competitive is it? What is the most common time to degree? What are placement rates like, and where have graduates ended up if not in academia? What is your assigned advisor's mentorship style? How does the stipend scale to cost of living? Do students have to work other jobs outside the school to make rent? Is the social culture more collaborative or competitive?
The one thing I would say is that I think it would be worth trying to get in touch with more students at the first program. I'd take the opinion of the student who had a bad experience seriously. But I think you need more data points before you take their opinion as your conclusion about the program. It might be worth re-upping your emails to students and faculty at that program. If no one responds again, that's more data too.
This got long, but hope it helps!
- Lighthouse Lana and kirbs005
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Hi, I haven't posted here yet, but I wanted to let you all know I just declined a spot at Washington State American Studies. Hope this opens up a spot for someone!
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I've just declined my offer at Davis, and also removed myself from CUNY's waitlist. Hope this helps someone!
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1 minute ago, cassidyaxx said:
The extension for abstracts is the only thing that saved me, lol. I'm presenting on the Irish female celebrity body and it's connections to the Irish landscape in a way that sort of acts as an extension of colonial ideals! But more broadly it will be about Grace Kelly ?
Wow, amazing. I'm sure your presentation will be great--keep us updated on how it goes!
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9 minutes ago, cassidyaxx said:
That said, I'm presenting at NeMLA this Friday (it's virtual)! If anyone else is presenting there and would like a friend in their audience, feel free to let me know because I would love to meet some of you and see your neat research in action!
Omg congrats! I couldn't pull my life together enough to submit to NeMLA this year, but I wish I could come to your panel. What are you presenting on?
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2 minutes ago, queenofcarrotflowers said:
Pretty sure he’s on #TeamBEN now.
Okay the whole #TeamBEN paragraph sent me! I was laughing out loud throughout but that part really got me. Also... "no more difficult and complicated than the vast web of lies your professors have clearly been spinning about your talent and scholarly potential to keep from hurting your feelings" OUCH!
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1 minute ago, cassidyaxx said:
Thank you so much for this, I have really been struggling the last few days and have been feeling really defeated and self-conscious (from grad apps but also other reasons) and this post made me cry happy tears. I remember my family lost power randomly on Thanksgiving and my mom was so upset because of all the food she had cooking/needed to be cooked and I just started laughing hysterically, because it really does seem like the universe really is laughing in our faces, especially in the last few months! It's really hard to be part of this process and so your words mean a lot to me.
@dogeared is right! @cassidyaxx I just want to echo everything they said. And add that I really admire your resilience and dedication to your work. Your research truly is so interesting, and it's been so cool to see how it's developed over the past few years. I really hope there is waitlist movement and you hear good things sooner rather than later. We are all rooting for you here (not to be corny and quote Whitman, but we are with you and know how it is). This process really beats you down. Please take care of yourself and be gentle with yourself. Your work is meaningful and valuable; you have something to contribute and something to say. But even beyond that, you are meaningful and valuable, separate from your work. The stress of this process is so debilitating, and on top of all the other stressors in the world right now...it's so much to carry. I hope this little community can help remind you (and me, and everyone else here) that we're not alone in this, and that we are here to build each other up and care for each other as scholars and as people. Manifesting good news for you, and soon.
- cassidyaxx, dogeared, Hard times! and 3 others
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13 minutes ago, AnxiousBean said:
In applying, I've realized I have a better focus of where I want to be and would apply to less schools next cycle to be more focused. Is it rude of me to ask for critique from a program who rejected me? Should I reach out to a professor who I had briefly messaged about applications for the program to ask for that? I want to have guidance for my next steps but don't know what to do.
When I was shut out in the 2019 cycle, I reached out to all the programs asking for feedback. It's not rude, but you really have to be careful not to make it look like "Why the hell did you reject me?" and instead make it more like "I genuinely want to approve and would appreciate feedback if you can give it" (even if you're feeling both ways haha).
Fwiw, 6/7 schools I applied to said they couldn't give feedback bc they have too many applicants, and the one school that did give feedback was almost entirely positive.
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1 hour ago, A Small Raven said:
@Bopie5 I noticed that you applied to a range of different kinds of programs at different schools - I was just wondering what you experience, underlying motivation, and application strategies etc. was for applying to such different programs? How different was your application across the different programs, did you have different letters of recommendations when applying to an english program vs. american studies or communications, etc. ?
What made you decide to apply to such a wide range of programs? Do you have one central research interest that is able to stretch into each of these programs/departments, or do you have multiple possible research proposals, that differ based on the program?
I ask because, if I'm shut out this year (which I have a strong feeling is likely, at this point) I'm considering applying to more than just straight english programs next year, as I have a pretty unusual area of interest, and it could possibly stretch into a variety of different departments/programs. Just wondering the best way to go about this if it is what I end up doing next cycle.
Also, congratulations on all your acceptances! That is so exciting for you!! ?
Hi, thanks for reaching out. I'm definitely not any kind of expert here, but I can speak to what my process was like!
I applied to multiple programs because my research interests don't necessarily fall neatly into one department. I am really interested in television studies/media studies, and that doesn't consistently fall into one kind of department. My research proposal is largely the same, but with different framing/emphasis for each discipline. I wrote a somewhat unique SoP for each program regardless of discipline, because one thing I worked hard on this cycle was articulating fit beyond just naming professors of interest. I did a lot of research into centers, certificates, student organizations, programs, and curriculum, and talked specifically about those things in my statements.
Basically, fit was what guided me this time, much more than last time I applied. Some Comm programs are more media studies focused, whereas at some schools Comm is much more political communication or information studies driven. Some schools sort of house media studies scholars in the English department, while some English departments are much more focused solely on literature. A good starting place for me was identifying scholars who are important to my work, and then seeing if their department would be a good fit for me in other ways (since one scholar you admire doesn't necessarily constitute good fit).
In terms of letters of rec, I had recommenders who were very generous with their time and support. I used the same recommenders regardless of program, and I waived the right to see the letters, so I don't know how different the letters were, but I do know they varied slightly for each discipline.
I personally think applying to multiple disciplines was the right move for me, although it certainly required much more research (for many Comm programs I looked in to, I was able to find stats as to whether the program primarily took people with Comm BA/MAs, or if their cohorts were more interdisciplinary). What initially motivated me to consider other disciplines was advice from my professors. That's what got me started in terms of thinking about jumping disciplines.
I can't say whether it would be the right thing for you since I'm not familiar with your work, but I'd be happy to answer any other questions you have over PM! And it's not over til it's over--we're still early in the cycle. Hope you get good news soon.
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10 hours ago, Hard times! said:
On a similar note, what might help an international student who is not competitive enough in terms of the stats? After all so many applicants have such brilliant stats. Can a strong SOP and writing sample help the application? Would it be madness to apply to one of the reach schools if you don't have brilliant stats? I realise these queries seem rather facile but as an international student with very little help from either my current institution or my professors, I feel like I am groping in the dark. And the applications are way too expensive to try my luck 'randomly'-- that would be twice removed from the already (very) uncertain reality of admissions! All suggestions would be immensely helpful! Thanks!
I can't really speak to the potential impacts of being an international student, but everything I've heard (on here and elsewhere) suggests that stats (GRE, GPA) are significantly less important than SoP, sample, and LoR. And I know for me, my stats are good (4.0 GPA, 98 percentile verbal, 99 percentile AW) but that didn't get me anywhere last cycle, because my project was vague and poorly defined.
I've heard that good stats don't necessarily help you, but particularly bad stats (major GPA, subject, verbal, and AW--the quant score doesn't matter at all for us, really) might have a negative impact. Proving that you are equipped to pursue scholarly work semi-independently matters much more than proving you can get a good score on a test. I'm showing my cards a bit here, but I think standardized tests are mostly a classist barrier to entry/access, and I hope more and more schools stop requiring the GRE general or subject. I'd say unless your scores are particularly low, I would focus way more on your sample and SoP, and on finding departments where you can clearly articulate departmental fit in multiple ways (happy to say more about this if that would be helpful).
Also--part of your application is proving that you will be a good colleague and department member. This means demonstrating that you participate in your field (often, through conferences) and aware of scholarly debates and at least somewhat cognizant of your "intellectual genealogy." But it also helps to have involvement in academic community (maybe working as a student editor for a journal, having a position on a committee for a particular conference, working as a teaching assistant or a grader for your department, or being on a grad student council or committee). Also, something that seems counterintuitive is that you don't want to seem too "finished" or that you've already arrived. You want to show that you're ready to be shaped by the program.
This is getting way too long, so I'll stop haha. (Maybe we should make a "what we learned from this cycle" thread or something, lol). But I hope this helps, and I'm happy to answer any questions over PM too.
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Just now, lilgreenblatt said:
I got into my first MA program!!! I know most of y'all are PhD applicants, but this is so huge for me!! I got offered a teaching assistantship for two years!!!! This means I can move out of my parents house in August!!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy for you. Which program? So excited for you, for both the acceptance and the funding. I hope you do something fun to celebrate.
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2 hours ago, robertsona_grad said:
@Bopie5dying out here with this Yale stuff. Guess it makes some sort of sense, but I didn't think the combined program would take significantly longer than English itself...Film and Media Studies dept. come through!!!
feel like I can't even enjoy the results page spicing up again after a lull in insults slung
literally i am like...just tell me already i need to know one way or another...how much longer will it be??
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1 hour ago, Hard times! said:
Bopie, I have been here since 2019 as well and I can't really articulate how I feel about your acceptance. Though I must assure you that all my feelings verge on awe. Your presence has cheered so many of us over the last couple of years! Firstly, congratulations and hopefully you will be spoilt for choice by the end of the circle!
I had an acceptance in 2019 but I am an international student and the funding didn't really work out. Like you took the MA route I took a similar route (Mphil). I had planned to apply this season but the pandemic proved to be somewhat of a deterrent. I say somewhat because the biggest deterrent is my own insecurity about my potential. There are so many brilliant scholars who receive multiple offers that it is hard to be very hopeful.
Yet, ever since I have read about your acceptance, it has made me somewhat hopeful for the second cycle (I am planning to apply for Fall 2022). Being hopeful is such a difficult stance these days! I feel, simply by being on this forum, I have been a witness to your enormous potential, but more importantly, your hard work and absolute commitment to your work and grad school over the last two years. It's hard to see such unwavering determination amidst everything that has been happening since last year and it's indeed heartening (and if I may say so without sounding sentimental-- very inspirational *tearing up*).
Your effort and acceptance have restored a kind of faith in the effort that I have put since the last cycle. I don't think much of my scholarly potential but I have still put in some effort and I feel I have improved as a scholar. But without your acceptance, the hard work would not have had much validation. Your acceptance validates so many of our efforts who are/will be risking another cycle. It's probably hard for you to comprehend how much moral force your hard work and acceptance bear but the force has been pretty enormous
All the very best and hopefully we will get to read more of your works very soon! After all not many think or write about reality cooking shows and their racial and ethnic biases! *_* *all admiration*
Wow, can I just say, coming out of my weekly therapy appointment to this message...overwhelming. Apparently I can't react to any more posts today, but I wish I could heart react this multiple times.
You are so kind for saying this, and for taking the time to write this message. I am so glad that you feel a sense of restored faith/hope/inspiration. Grad school can be so frustrating/confusing/demoralizing (honestly, just being alive can be all of those things). But it can also be so generative and fulfilling and exciting! I am wishing you all the best as well, wherever you end up in the future. If going to grad school is what you really want, I think it is worth it to try again (obviously, I certainly feel that way for myself). Also, I hope that you come to think more of your scholarly potential! It's hard to shut down imposter syndrome, but I really do believe we all have something to offer and something meaningful to say. We are here, after all.
I am rooting for you. I hope that Fall 2022 goes wonderfully for you--I'm sure that cycle will be strange and unruly like this one, but if there's anything I can do to help, please just let me know. Happy to answer questions, read SoPs, etc. We're in this together. Academia can often create pressure to view everyone else as a competitor. But we are actually each other's collaborators and supporters, I really do believe that. We all stand to gain from each other's work and success. I look forward to celebrating yours in the future ✨
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39 minutes ago, robertsona_grad said:
I almost forgot that I applied to both english and film and media studies. Guess I'll have to wait for a little while longer. fooey. sorry to all those who got rejected, the whole Three Students thing threw a big wrench
Okay, I also did both, and my portal is still normal, and I can see the checklist and everything...but I'm guessing this is just a delayed rejection lol.
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9 hours ago, Warelin said:
Congratulations @Bopie5! It has been so much fun watching you post throughout the cycles.
Thank you ☺️ I appreciate you a lot--your knowledge and advice on here have been so helpful, both cycles. I'm excited to figure out where I end up wanting to go!
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50 minutes ago, cassidyaxx said:
I know I'm late to the party but CONGRATULATIONS. I remember the 2019 cycle we were both feeling pretty defeated and I am so so happy that you're hearing such good news this cycle! You are such a supportive force on this website and I think we are all glad you're here
oh my goodness stop I'm going to cry! Seriously though, thank you. This means a lot to me. And I'm so glad that you're here too! I'm sure you'll be getting some good news soon--your work is so interesting and exciting. Sending good energies your way.
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1 hour ago, WildeThing said:
Congratulations! I'm so glad to see this cycle is going so well for you!
1 hour ago, queenofcarrotflowers said:This just made my day-- have been rooting for you!!
Many congratulations!!
42 minutes ago, helloperil said:congrats to the davis admits!
31 minutes ago, JaneLWH said:So happy for you! Congratulations!
Thank you all so much. You're all so kind, I'm tearing up! ☺️ This has been such a journey and I'm very thankful for this supportive community we have here. I'm sure good news is on the way for all of you, if it hasn't come already. I can't wait to congratulate y'all!
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1 hour ago, clara salmon said:
I've been rejected from Cornell and currently waiting on Yale, UAlbany, Santa Barbara, and CUNY. My specializations are a bit all over but mainly environmental/ecocritical studies and food studies, with film/horror on the side. What do you do?! Let me know if you want to connect!
Very cool! We have some things in common--I do television studies, particularly reality television, particularly reality cooking competitions. So essentially a triangulation of television studies, food studies, and ethnic studies/theories of race/whiteness studies. But I also do horror film on the side lol. I'll DM you.
- Hard times! and clara salmon
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1 minute ago, kirbs005 said:
Congratulations!! That's so exciting and must feel like such a relief. Also a fantastic sense of retribution.
I was raised in/lived in Davis for a while and still have family there/in the area, so if you have any questions about the town, send me a DM!
It did make me emotional ngl because it feels like such a concrete marker of how much I've grown as a person/scholar and developed my research over the past few years. This one feels particularly personal, in a good way. I'll definitely be sending a DM your way ?
1 minute ago, clara salmon said:Congrats!! I'm accepted to Davis as well, also my first acceptance! Good luck with the rest of your applications
Ah! Congratulations to you! And same to you--where else are you applying? What are your areas of interest?
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In at Davis!!! My first English acceptance of this cycle. Really exciting and particularly validating since I was rejected from their program in my last app cycle. I'm so happy! Funding details to come, but it feels amazing to have multiple good offers on the table.
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2 minutes ago, semiotic_mess said:
It has made me really appreciate this thread and how nice and supportive everyone is. A few other disciplines (mostly STEM) seem to have some really nasty and competitive people.
Having been on here for two separate cycles, I can't agree more! So many other forums have weird competitive energies or are plagued by trolls. I have always appreciated how supportive and empathetic and encouraging this particular thread is. It may sound trite, but I genuinely am rooting for everyone on here. It makes me so happy when any of y'all get acceptances, and sad when bad news comes in. There's a good sense of "we're in it together" here, which makes me excited to inevitably cross paths with some of you at events, conferences, etc--someday, when those things are possible again.
2021 Applicants
in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition
Posted
This cycle really is coming to a close (truly strange to think how time has passed!) and I’ll be saying a soft goodbye to checking gradcafe. But y’all are the best and I’m so grateful for the way we’ve supported and encouraged each other throughout this cycle. If anyone ever wants to be twitter friends (I am terminally online) or collab on a conference presentation send me a DM! Best wishes to all who still have decisions to make or waitlists to hear back from.