pmcol

Hey everyone, checking in to keep everyone motivated on the best possible outcome! Fingers crossed ... let's keep our heads up. It isn't over until we receive that final decision.

Hey @CharlieR I experienced this exact thing in my master's and, like you, it left me depressed and unsure. First, and foremost, because you are on a university campus, you should have access to mental health services. I highly recommend that you get in touch with them and see what they can do for you. Having a professional able to counsel you is important. I would suggest that you think of these three choices, 1) to stay and adjust, 2) to transfer, or 3) to quit. As you said, you started in the fall, and sometimes it can take time to adjust. If you cannot find ways to adjust, I would recommend a transfer - especially if you still want to complete a PhD. But, if you think doctoral studies is not really for you, and you don't think you can find ways to deal with the issues causing it (as you said, spending your 20's at your current institution), I would simply recommend quiting. Your happiness and enjoyment in life is important, especially during this crucial period of youth. You can always come back later, it doesn't mean that it's permanently over. A final option might be to request a hiatus so that you can deal with and confront issues bringing dissatisfaction to your life. You may find it has less to do with the university and the campus, and more to do with areas that you aren't able to address being a full-time student. Hope that helps!

If you received a shortlist from Toronto (asking for transcripts) it's likely an admit. I'm not 100% certain of this, just going by their application instruction page.

Hey @mickjagger666 I would send an e-mail to the department asking for an update (kindly of-course). This may ease your anxiety and provide some answers toward your application for their department. @FrigidSky701 yes, continue to be optimistic!! The wait between application and acceptance is a long one fraught with anxiety, uncertainty, and many unanswered questions. You can't control elements out of your hands, once you submit your application it really becomes up to the department when and at what date to notify you. Keep your chin up, I'm sure there is good news around the corner.

Excited to see what happens this week. Good luck to everyone, hoping the best for each of us. Fingers crossed!

Now that it's officially February, we should be seeing results throughout the month. Last week was quite eventful, but I am sure things will pick up on Monday. I'm sure you're anxious about results, as am I. I would recommend trying to find ways to keep your mind away from something you can't control, try to be positive. Fingers crossed for us!

Hey @cuppajoe usually international and US applicants hear back at the same time. I feel your pain! Don't worry, I'm sure good news is coming your way

This is great @bonesandbakes thank you! If I may ask, what kinds of questions did you ask you POI during the interview?

@perpetualalligator I appreciate it! It's good to keep the positivity and good vibes going

Hey @UmairrasheedI think for Berkeley 4 - 5 for each stream (Anthropology and Medical Anthropology) may be correct. According to Peterson's, 247 applied last year and 11 enrolled. Regarding the other universities mentioned, UMichigan (181 applied, 21 accepted, 11 enrolled) and Chicago (260 applied, 19 accepted, 11 enrolled). If you mean each concentration (Archaeology, Biology, Sociocultural, and Medical) having 4 - 5 applicants, I do not think that is the case. As for the number directly admitted per stream, this may be dependent on the faculty accepting graduate students per year. I would not assume that there is a hard acceptance rate per sub-discipline as some years may see a good number of sociocultural applicants admitted, others may see a greater number of archaeology applicants admitted. In regards to interviews, it really depends on the department. Duke definitely interviews its shortlisted candidates. In such a case, I do believe they create a shortlist of applicants in whom they are interested and the interview is to assess fit, personality, interests, etc. I hope that helps in some regard.

It's been (and continues to be) and emotional rollercoaster. But, I'm glad February is right around the corner. Whatever happens, I echo @phyanth sentiinment. Good luck to us all!

Hey @jp5125 congratulations and good luck! I would take a gander through this thread:

Hey pyramidstuds, congratulations!

Hey @Ethy60 welcome to the forum! My advice for the GRE, take a good amount of time to prepare and study. It is advantageous to put as much focus on it as you can, which means, take studying for it seriously (I dedicated four mouths solely to it, but that is because I am not very good at these types of examinations). Gauge yourself, are you good at standardized tests? Are you weaker in vocabulary, writing, or math? I recommend taking a free test online or purchasing a testing book to determine your current ability. If you need help, seek it. Personally, I found an in-person tutor for the quantitative section quite helpful (there are so many tools out there, classes, tutors, books, blog posts, articles, etc.). The GRE is costly, and I understand a lot of these study tools can add to that. In addition, you will be paying for applications (unless you are eligible for a waiver). Plan and take these costs into account. As well, prepare to take it again if necessary. For myself, I was not satisfied with my first results (158/154/4.5), so I decided to take it again. Unfortunately, my quantitative score remained the same, but I was able to improve in other areas. In the end, you really know what is best for you. Trust in that. Whatever your situation is, find constructive ways to balance your academic ambitions and your personal life. If you have to work full or part-time, take into account exhaustion, both mental and physical, as burnout can be a real issue. Study smart and study healthy; I am sure you will do an incredible job! Best of luck!

Hey @Nisaba your post is very helpful, thank you! If I may ask one more question, how did you prepare yourself for your interview to ensure you were ready? Congratulations and I hope you make it into Duke!

Woah, this is really powerful. I can't imagine what it must feel like going through as many rounds you have while also being very qualified to pursue graduate research. But, going through my second cycle and having yet to hear back, wondering of my own capabilities and future, I can't help but to consider the fact I may have to do another application cycle. It's very anxiety inducing. I wish you my best and hope this is your year. You deserve it, fingers crossed!

Ah, okay. Thank you @RepatMan for letting me know, it's much appreciated.

I think having a formal interview thread for schools that we believe are likely to interview is a great idea. Maybe, we can even attract those who have interviewed to share some of the questions they've been asked. I know interview threads exist, but I don't believe there is one specifically for anthropology. Schools so far: CUNY, Berkeley, Duke, Notre Dame, Harvard (possibly) ... Schools I can add: Johns Hopkins, NYU (intermittently), UPenn, Yale (possibly)

Hello Umairrasheed, going by last years decision, you can expect UMich, UChicacgo, and UofT to send out their decisions around early February (possibly the first week). From experience, I know Canadian applicants at UofT usually hear back earlier than international applicants - I'm not sure if this affects you. While for NYU, I am not sure, though it seems some interviews for the bioanth track have been sent out (but, I know this varies). Good luck on your applications, fingers crossed!

I understand. I can't say I know exactly how you feel, but I experienced a mixture of sadness, anxiety, and despair during my first application round - so maybe I can try to relate to your predicament. Having spent the last few years building a world in academia to have it shattered by powers beyond control is difficult to grasp. I don't think there's a clear way to explain what us graduates go through before, during, and after we've sent in our applications. This isn't just our profession, it encompasses every aspect of how we live our lives. By the sounds of it, you already have a leg up on the competition next year. Having a POI excited about your work is a great thing! It gives you more credence as you move forward on why you are deserving of a spot in 2020. Please, don't feel stupid for wasting money, you're investing in yourself. Sure you haven't seen the benefits yet, but conducting graduate work encompasses many years beyond this or next application cycle. You've just grasped a deeper understanding of how this process works and what you can do to improve. I know you are disappointed, and I feel for you. I hope you do try again, much like the rest of us, follow your passion and don't give in to failure. I know it's cliche, but failure is just an opportunity to learn and grow. Do take care of yourself, it's important to practice self-love before and after applying. You have a lot of worth, and these things are very much random and beyond our control.

Hey pyramidstuds, I have a MA from a North American school, but in a different discipline. From my experience, and my cohort, MA's do help as they provide further credence of your capability to conduct independent research, which helps an admissions committee assess your fit in their department. Now, having said that, I am in my second cycle having received an MA when I first applied. MA's may provide you with a more rounded application, but that doesn't mean there aren't other indicators they measure when they're making a decision to admit. I do not think having an MS degree should worry you, as I do not think an MS degree is weaker against an MA. I think here, it's likely more MA graduates are applying for anthropology programs rather than MS graduates not being favoured amongst an admissions committee. You know what is best for your research, and that should be displayed in your SOP (why you and your future work fits with their department). Also, don't be embarrassed by rejection. It's going to happen a lot as you move forward, it should be the least of your worries. Being rejected doesn't make you a less than capable candidate, as these cycles can sometimes be luck of the draw. In my own cohort, it strikes me as fascinating that weaker colleagues can find themselves in top programs while you wait for your straw to be drawn. Sometimes a research topic someone chooses really connects with a potential advisor and an admissions committee. Don't beat yourself up about it, but do be cordial and diligent with yourself (no need to reveal who you are).

Congratulations AnNervous, that's amazing! I'm extremely excited and happy for you!! First of all, let your nerves settle. You've got this in the bag, all you have to do is be confident in your own knowledge, ready to ask questions, and, most important of all, be yourself. Seeing that the interview is short, it may be worthwhile trying to be concise in your responses. This thread, although related to a different discipline, may be of some use: I have my fingers crossed for you, best of luck!

Congratulations on your official acceptance! I'm getting a little anxious myself, it seems UNC Chapel Hill should be sending out information regarding acceptance this week or next.

Hey KuroNeko, good luck to you. I hope that this round goes your way. It's great to hear that you've received an acceptance from an institution in your country of origin! Let me congratulate you on your hard work, I'm sure this bodes well for your other applications. I, too, have yet to hear from universities in either the United States or Canada, so let's keep our fingers crossed for each other. I've only recently heard of the MAPSS program, but it seems quite divisive. Maybe you can provide us with some insight? It may help those of us who find ourselves in a similar position this application round, having to decided between a gap year or attending a program like MAPSS.

I'm sorry to hear about your rejection from UArizona. Sounds like you have a particular interest and I'm sure you're more than qualified. Keep at it, Tulane is an excellent institution. If you're optimistic about your other applications, that's great! Here rooting for you!