Lighthouse Lana

Lol anyone else have a list of potential decision dates on their fridge? Like even though I can just look at the results page to find info about previous years, I've taken it upon myself to set up a March Madness-esque list of dates, # of admitted students, and % of devastation I'll feel if I don't get in. In other words, I'm doing GREAT. ...I'm looking at you UC San Diego, Tufts, and U Rochester...

Hey friends! I have a feeling we're in for a long week... I'm wishing you all the best! I hope you find ways to take care of yourself ❤️

Thanks so much. It's definitely hard to take a step back and feel proud of how far I've come, regardless of the outcome. But I'm sure that'll change once this stressful season is over. And sure! My main focus is trauma and Holocaust studies in traditional/graphic narratives and film (a bit of a downer I know, but important nonetheless). Hillary Chute (one of the coolest professors I've ever met) has written extensively on Maus and Holocaust trauma studies portrayed in graphic narratives. So even though I don't focus exclusively on comics studies, it still feels like a really good fit and it overlaps with her current research. Blech, even writing this there's a part of me that's like "there's literally no way you won't get in" and the other part of me is like "watch it, bitch..."

I'm having a moment of self-doubt here. I had two interviews with Northeastern professors and they both seemed genuinely interested in my research and it got me really excited. After each interview I felt super confident that I would get in. But then I attended the "students only" virtual happy hour and heard from other prospective students who have similar/superior interests and interviewed with the same professors. I think there are 6 of us, but I'm wondering if all PhD applicants that get invited to the welcome event actually get accepted to the program. I gotta say, if I don't get in after this extensive interview process it'll be the ultimate slap in the face... WELP, off to make two dozen macaroons just for myself.

Any one else already feeling decision season fatigue? I keep having to remind myself that we're just getting warmed up... The amount of cookies I've baked and consumed in the last three weeks (to both stress eat and take my mind of everything) is absurd.

Does anybody have insider tips/knowledge for the Northeastern pre-admissions event? This is my top choice, so I want to knock their socks off, but I'm not sure what to expect...

I so feel this. I've found myself refreshing and refreshing the results page even though the little voice in my head is like, "...do you really think they added results in the last four minutes?" I think the biggest struggle I face with this process is the complete lack of control. We have absolutely no clue when to expect the next batch of admissions/rejections to roll in and the only way to feel like I'm on top of it is to refresh the results page. I also think the pandemic makes this process WAY more intense. We're already all at our laptops for work or school, so there's no reason not to stare at the results page all day. If we've learned anything from this hellish year, it's that you have to be extra kind to yourself. I can't give you pointers to help you focus on your studies because I'd be a total hypocrite (I'm actively not doing my job rn). I think it's so important to know that your feelings are valid, anxiety can be paralyzing, and you deserve to cut yourself some slack. I'm sorry we're in it, but it won't last forever I promise!!

If you click on the "Results" button at the top, it'll take you to the results page for everyone, but if you go to the search-box and type in *English it shows only results for English programs!

Does anyone have intel about Northeastern? In past years, it looks like all rejections come out on the same day, but this year it seems really sporadic... I have a feeling a lot of programs are "playing it by ear" this season for the selection process.

Unfortunately, I think we have to wait it out for a little while. It's only January and it might take committees longer to get through all of the applications. We just don't know how they approach the application process; it could be that they are reviewing one-by-one or they could be compiling apps for a waitlist. I would say, if you have not heard back by mid-February (painful I know), then you can reach out to the department and see what's going on. This process is a bummer, I know. Hoping you hear back soon! Hang in there!!!

I totally get what you mean!! I just checked the results page and audibly shouted "they're picking us off like flies!" I'm sure there is some method to this madness, but it certainly does wreak havoc on my nerves.

Congrats to everyone accepted! To all of y'all expecting to hear back in the coming days, stay strong! It's a crazy process and you should be proud of yourselves for getting through it, regardless of the outcome. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!!

Okay... did anyone just get a weird message from Syracuse about financial aid?? I usually wouldn't think anything of it (just another generic infographic), but this message made my palms a bit sweaty: "After you're admitted to Syracuse for graduate/professional study, you'll receive instructions for accessing MySlice, your secure virtual gateway to life at Syracuse. Your MySlice Financial Aid To Do List will house your Syracuse University Graduate Financial Aid Application and requirements." Anyone else get this message? I'm 99.9% it means literally nothing, but now I'm jumping to wild anger at their AUDACITY to play with my mind like that.

I totally get it. I'm in a similar position; my job makes me miserable and getting into a PhD program would be such a relief. But I think one thing that I've learned from the last application season is that it's always good to have a back-up plan. As for myself, if I don't get into a program, I plan to quit my job. That way, at least I can try to find something new to look forward to. And if I do get in, it might be worth it to suck it up and stay until the summer because I'd need to save up. Don't get me wrong; if I don't get in it'll be devastating and that's okay. You don't need to deny your feelings. But remember it's still very early to jump to conclusions and, if grad school is your ticket out of a miserable situation, it might be worth it to have a back-up plan! And lastly, this forum is for all of us! No need to apologize for sharing your feelings. Wishing you the best ❤️

Oh my gosh I forgot about the crossword!!! This opens up a whole new level of puzzlemania

I can't tell y'all how many puzzles I've been doing lately... It really has that amazing power to make hours go by without having to think about anything except putting pieces together and matching color schemes. But then once I finish the puzzle my brain goes, "well I guess we might as well go refresh the *english results page on Grad Cafe for literally no reason!" As a survivor of last year's application season, I am sending all of you my sincere best wishes. Stay strong and support local bookstores with your puzzle obsession!

So I heard back from Syracuse and they are tentatively planning to accept applications. The lady I spoke to said that's subject to change though and she will know more in September. Tufts and Rochester will accept applications for Fall 2021!

Hi! Thank you for sharing this! Just to add, a bunch of schools are not requiring the GREs this year because of the virus, so it might be worth it to check in with program coordinators. I know that's the case for Boston College and Northeastern University. To add a couple of other schools not on the spreadsheet, UC Santa Barbara and Tufts University don't require GRE scores. I hope this was helpful!

Hello! I figured it can't hurt to skip a step or two, so I emailed a bunch of schools this morning asking about 2021 admission! So far Penn State, Northeastern and UC Santa Barbara are accepting applications for a F2021 cohort. I also spoke with someone at Boston College and she said that, as of now, they will also accept applications, but she seemed a bit less certain if that is going to change. Still waiting to hear back from Rochester, Tufts and Syracuse. Stay tuned!

Thank you so much for this. I really am wishing you all the best ❤️

Well team, just got that sweet sweet rejection email from BU. If this rejection had come a couple of weeks ago, I would have been sad, but determined to reapply to programs next year... but now, with all of the uncertainty and confusion surrounding the virus, I'm not sure if I stand a chance. Of course, there is nothing we can say right now that might apply by this time next year. I just wish I could give myself any reassuring words for next year's application season. That being said, if you have any (reassuring words, that is) I'd sure be happy to hear 'em! It is a small consolation to get to hear the voices of those of you who did get into these schools. The most wonderful thing about this kind of space, to me, is that we're all in this together. It makes it much easier for me to root for you and wish you the absolute best. As for me, I've got a nice bottle of Rosé and an earl grey mousse cake to comfort me tonight. Everybody stay safe and do something that makes you feel good today!

WELP I sent an email to BU's DGS. I know many of us have done so at this point, but hey, why not an a little pressure? I figure even if I get no response back, I can now say there is literally nothing left for me to do. I played my part. Now to write that thesis I've put off for two months...

First, I totally get the embarrassment thing. I'm struggling with that a bit myself, but it's important to remind yourself that there's nothing to be ashamed about. These programs are so competitive and they accept so few people, so it's not a reflection on your worth as a student at all. Second, I am also in the process of drafting those emails and I've tried to put a bit of a positive spin on it. So far I have: "Thank you so much for your support throughout the application process this year. Unfortunately, I was not admitted to any programs for the fall of 2020. While I am disappointed, I am not discouraged. I plan to use this upcoming year to enhance my resume and strengthen my application materials for the fall of 2021." I haven't gotten to the bit where I ask them to be my references next year as well, so if you have any tips I'd love to hear them!

YUP. The fact that there’s still a tiny glimmer of hope is really messing me up honestly. It’s this weird thing where I genuinely know I won’t get in, but when I finally get the rejection I’ll still be shocked and devastated because until I hear back there’s still that 0.001% chance I could make the cut. It's been really rough and I shake my computer in a violent rage every night, but we're getting closer to the finish line. Hang in there!

Let us pray.