TiKei

26 Mar 2020, e-mail received with link to check Georgetown PhD Gov't status update. Standard rejection letter. So this is farewell to everybody here. I wish you all the best of luck if you choose to continue on this path. But that's it for me. I will not be applying anymore (a decision I've made before this began cycle - do not assume it's temporary rage or whatever xD!). I'm out of the PhD/academic race. I'll simply continue with my research as a side job/hobby, shifting my research skills to work (high tec industry, actually a salary that allows me to hire research assistant(s) lol!!! I never thought about that before...). It has so far proven itself to be quite satisfying! So I recommend it, particularly once you realize you aren't giving up on too much besides solo authorship peer-reviewed articles really... My personal tip: join tweeter if you haven't. The academic chatter that happens there is super important. It is a major source of information, and if you follow the right/relevant people (and I also recommend following stuff related to post/alternative academia stuff) then let your brain process the information. And of course, act based on this intelligence. Ciao!

Whoever did not hear back as of yet from Georgetown should expect a rejection. This includes me lol. I tend to believe they sent out all of the acceptances, possibly also the wait-listed ones as well. But to be sure, let's give them one additional week. Oh and- don't hold your breath to receive their official rejection, last year they sent my rejection around the middle of May.

For whoever is interested in Georgetown applications Dan Nexon (twitter, @ dhnexon) tweeted Feb 2 that: their gov't admission committee hasnt met yet and that they usually have two spots for IR. Other info included, like the odds are against you no matter what/job market is awful so it might just be good not to get into the program! On a more personal note, I've learned a ton this past year via Twitter. It's an incredible source of information if the academic world is interesting for you. If you aren't there, you are missing out. For instance, this year I've applied only to Georgetown University. The decision was so easy to make once I have looked at the broader picture of admissions, the +- seven years of PhD work and the prospects of what's statistically about to happen after graduation. It became clear to me that its either Georgetown or just go pracademic. We do not live in an era in which you must have a PhD or be some ex-government personnel in order to become an expert. Are you smart enough? (because you truly don't have to be a genius... many professors prove that everyday lol) Is this truly your passion? are you devoted? the research, the dissemination of knowledge... then fear not, you can make it and have a really great time. You'll have it all - the publications, the respect, et cetera. Best of luck to everyone

were you wait listed and got the rejection now or?

After reading, I think I'd set (your) the priorities as: (1) Duke; (2); and (3) PSU. And for the record, I am not going to get into any of those uni s so there's no waitlist bias on my part. p.s. your worst case scenario should be flipping a coin between the two top options! Good luck either way.

I'm not sure how helpful you'd find this but... as I read what you wrote I had a feeling you truly do prefer department A over department B. I pretty much felt you're telling me that you'd be an overall happier person if you were in department A. But perhaps this dilemma of missing out the other option, which is also very attractive for you, stops you from seeing it clearly. Ask yourself if what I wrote here actually makes sense or if I'm completely wrong. It might help you make your mind up. I mean, I attended last APSA and I spoke with quite a few professors who ended up telling me how unhappy they were while working on their dissertation (some even confessed they did not like their dissertation by the time they finished it just because they had to change it so much from their original idea, etc.). So I, personally, as one who believes a happy person is not only happier but more productive and better capable of crafting his/her own future, I'd say go to where you believe you'd be happier at. Anyhow, best of wishes.

Honestly, I was fortunate enough to get an awesome collaboration going about two years ago with an American Prof. I've never met until last summer (when I came to present our research in APSA, Boston). This luckily ended up with a research grant on such an awesome project that I simply don't mind waiting for answers. I'm super busy! But I'd sure appreciate at least one acceptance... I truly only need one! (applied only to uni.s. that I'd love to be at)... The thought of another cycle is just disgusting!

Hi. Just as I was reading this.. puff- (1) Inbox... Alas, another rejection... [edit: just so we're clear-- a rejection from Northwestern!] Best wishes~

Any Human Rights lawyer here? I feel like Northwestern's response time equals to psychological torture. X_X

In short: https://academicpositions.com/career-advice/the-best-questions-to-ask-during-a-phd-interview?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=organic+post&fbclid=IwAR1zF2QfWxME9pjfmO7azSLLVgNTtmB6vzUkr2cg8ypV3zZxKHkSqQDXI6Y