midd1324

Rejected from everywhere and won't be reapplying next year - congrats to everyone who got a program they loved, and best of luck to those putting themselves out there for the next cycle. A piece of advice if anyone is considering doing a masters instead if they were blocked out of PhD programs - be very careful, and don't take out any loans to do it. While my Columbia MA helped get me to New York, and I met some incredible individuals, I'm no stuck with a non-terminal degree with loans to pay off, and strong performance in the program didn't help my application. It's 100% the biggest regret of my life, and will hang over me financially a bit for decades to come (lol). Just wanted to give my story with the hopes that some avoid this fate!

What is the idea behind holding rejections far past the days where they extend offers? Is it the departments trying to feel out if their first round offers will be accepted before moving down a list of the "next best"?

To all those who didn't receive a word from Columbia, it could be worse - I got my MA from Columbia in Political Science last year and was encouraged to apply by faculty to the PhD, and didn't receive an acceptance ?

Also claiming a rejection from UW. Posting just because there's a lot of high stakes here, and I know we are all stressed. I want to mention that there are about a thousand reasons why you can be rejected from a program that are outside the realm of talent. Academia is collapsing, and that means opprotunities and funding (especially in the social sciences) are going to continue to decline. This has nothing to do with individual potential; I can tell by everyone's scores and interest that everyone here is motivated and brilliant. Best of luck to everyone. If you get your choice, congrats. If not, there is a whole world of engaging and financially rewarding outside of graduate school. Stay strong!