Lighthouse Lana

YAYYYY!!! Congrats!

You too!!

So I checked U Rochester's portal and it says "Decision Released," but when I click on it it says "There is no update to your application status to report." WHAT MIND GAMES ARE YOU PLAYING WITH ME? Anyone else get this???

RIGHT?! I asked when we might expect decisions and they said this week, but I'm sitting here at the end of the week and I'm not so sure...

They said they will send out decisions on a rolling basis, which is annoying because we might hear back tomorrow or we might hear back in April!

This. is. GOLD!!!!

Mkay, the coordinator at Rochester says they just concluded their first round of reviews, so those of us in purgatory should know soon.

Alrighty folks! I just emailed Penn State, U Rochester, and UC Santa Barbara for some status updates. The coordinator at Penn State said: "Our graduate studies committee makes offers on a rolling basis up to and including April 15. You will be notified by either phone or email as to our decision. Because of this, I am unable to give you a firm answer at this time, unfortunately." The coordinator at UC Santa Barbara said letters will be sent out this week. As for U Rochester, I'll keep y'all posted. Yay hooray I only have to pretend to be working for another hour!!

Deep breaths, everyone! Crossing my fingers and toes for all of you. Weekly reminder that you are all amazing and should be kind to yourselves ❤️

Congrats!!! Such a sweet way to start celebrating ❤️

Congrats! That's amazing news!

Oy, this week is moving very slowly... To those who have reached out to programs about the status of your applications, would you mind telling me what you wrote? I feel like it's a delicate email and I don't have the brain cells lol.

I've also been wondering about Rochester! In past years, they seem to send out all acceptances on the same day or within a couple of days... So I think it's a combo of people who got accepted, but are not on Grad Cafe and the university limiting offers. I think this varies depending on how each university handles applications. I doubt it's malicious, but it certainly sucks. So they might set aside top applicants first, wait for some responses, think about waitlists, and then reject the rest.

THANK YOU THANK YOU! I think I'd get a standing ovation from dads everywhere.?

Is it typical for certain programs to not have any kind of welcome event/virtual visits for incoming students? I asked the grad student coordinator at UC San Diego if there is any way to learn more about the culture/department and she just sent me email addresses for current students, so I can reach out to them with any questions... I'm worried. Also just a reminder that you are all so awesome and I'm super grateful to be part of this (virtual) community!

...anybody know what is going on with Penn State and/or U Rochester? I see that there is only one acceptance for each program, and I know I have to take into consideration all of the people who are not on Grad Cafe, but it's so unnerving to see one acceptance for an entire program, ya know? I was supposed to be so productive today. Now I'm ordering Shake Shack and staring unblinkingly at my laptop. Will I shower? Will I leave the couch before midnight? TBD.

HI! I'm in the same boat as you. I'm expecting a rejection and I'm not sure why they split up decision notifications in such an annoying way... Let me know if you decide to reach out to them!

Tufts, I know you saw that big typo smack-dab in the middle of my SOP. We both know what happens now. Stop being a jerk and let me join the "no Tufts for me" club.

Exactly! And the email said something to the extent of "we need to secure funding for our current students and the job market is so bad that we don't think it's worth it to extend offers this year..." How did this not occur to them in January??? It just seems cruel and you're so right, it's completely negligent. Oh pandemic, what have you done to common courtesy?

Anyone else following along with the U Rochester Visual Studies drama??? It's super crazy that the department JUST decided to cancel all admissions. I'm just hoping they don't pull that crap with the English PhD program as well.

I just got accepted to UC San Diego. I can't really explain how relieved and proud I feel. Last year was a nightmare and I got shut out of every single program, but this year, I published articles, gave more presentations and workshopped the living hell out of my SOP and it really paid off. I'm just beside myself with happiness.

I know it's only noon (for East Coast folks anyway)... BUT I CAN HEAR THE CRICKETS CHIRPING IN MY MIND.

Oy, I'm also prone to going over everything and asking myself "Was that rude? Was there an awkward silence? Did I even answer the question?" It's so easy to second guess yourself when there's no feedback... It's cheesy, but I put a sticky note on my mirror that just says "I truly did everything I could." There's no going back now, so you might as well be proud of yourself for what you were able to say!

Well first, CONGRATS! That's such exciting news! Second, that is not a dumb question at all!! I think that the answer to your question will vary depending on who you ask. For example, my MA experience was pretty much a "choose your own adventure" where I set research goals early on and then completely changed my mind by the time I got to writing my thesis. Assuming you applied for an MA in English, graduate school is an opportunity to stretch your knowledge, enhance your research abilities, and, if available, teach! Happy to answer any questions you have if you want to DM me