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wanlichangcheng

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  1. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from DragonSlay in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Somehow, I got an offer from my first choice program, and I accepted the offer. I'm finally going to be a PhD student. But for anyone out there who is feeling discouraged, frustrated, or that maybe they're not made of the "right stuff" to get into a top program, let me note what it took for me to finally get an offer: 
    -Five years of my life
    -Four application cycles
    -An MA
    -Lots (and lots) of debt
    -A good deal of embarrassment and self-loathing
    -Significant opportunity cost
    Many times I felt certain I just wasn't good enough. For weeks on end I'd feel untethered, directionless, stuck in a maze of my own making. I knew I didn't have the smarts, or the motivation, or the knowledge, to do what my peers had done--which was to get over the line, to win the recognition of the faculty, to somehow make it through the gauntlet and come out ahead of dozens of applicants with stronger resumes and more compelling projects. 
    It is possible. You do have it in you to achieve this goal of doctoral study and research--if it's what you want. But it was not, in my case at least, easy, cheap, wise, or even rational. I stand ready to begin my PhD program fully aware that the argument that my doing so is crazy is a pretty strong one. 
    I wish you all the best in this mysterious, unpredictable mission to become scholars. 
    Congratulations, keep going, add oil, etc. etc.!
  2. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from YadonKai in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Somehow, I got an offer from my first choice program, and I accepted the offer. I'm finally going to be a PhD student. But for anyone out there who is feeling discouraged, frustrated, or that maybe they're not made of the "right stuff" to get into a top program, let me note what it took for me to finally get an offer: 
    -Five years of my life
    -Four application cycles
    -An MA
    -Lots (and lots) of debt
    -A good deal of embarrassment and self-loathing
    -Significant opportunity cost
    Many times I felt certain I just wasn't good enough. For weeks on end I'd feel untethered, directionless, stuck in a maze of my own making. I knew I didn't have the smarts, or the motivation, or the knowledge, to do what my peers had done--which was to get over the line, to win the recognition of the faculty, to somehow make it through the gauntlet and come out ahead of dozens of applicants with stronger resumes and more compelling projects. 
    It is possible. You do have it in you to achieve this goal of doctoral study and research--if it's what you want. But it was not, in my case at least, easy, cheap, wise, or even rational. I stand ready to begin my PhD program fully aware that the argument that my doing so is crazy is a pretty strong one. 
    I wish you all the best in this mysterious, unpredictable mission to become scholars. 
    Congratulations, keep going, add oil, etc. etc.!
  3. Like
    wanlichangcheng reacted to CsyJ in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Hi all,
    After six rejections, I finally got accepted to UToronto's MA and UCLA's PhD program! Although I still have to hear from three schools, I will most likely choose UCLA. 
    It has been a harrowing process but I am really excited to conduct research in Korean literature and feminist/queer studies. I wish you all the best in the remaining cycle and your future endeavors!
  4. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from WanderingThe World in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Somehow, I got an offer from my first choice program, and I accepted the offer. I'm finally going to be a PhD student. But for anyone out there who is feeling discouraged, frustrated, or that maybe they're not made of the "right stuff" to get into a top program, let me note what it took for me to finally get an offer: 
    -Five years of my life
    -Four application cycles
    -An MA
    -Lots (and lots) of debt
    -A good deal of embarrassment and self-loathing
    -Significant opportunity cost
    Many times I felt certain I just wasn't good enough. For weeks on end I'd feel untethered, directionless, stuck in a maze of my own making. I knew I didn't have the smarts, or the motivation, or the knowledge, to do what my peers had done--which was to get over the line, to win the recognition of the faculty, to somehow make it through the gauntlet and come out ahead of dozens of applicants with stronger resumes and more compelling projects. 
    It is possible. You do have it in you to achieve this goal of doctoral study and research--if it's what you want. But it was not, in my case at least, easy, cheap, wise, or even rational. I stand ready to begin my PhD program fully aware that the argument that my doing so is crazy is a pretty strong one. 
    I wish you all the best in this mysterious, unpredictable mission to become scholars. 
    Congratulations, keep going, add oil, etc. etc.!
  5. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from bomdia in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Somehow, I got an offer from my first choice program, and I accepted the offer. I'm finally going to be a PhD student. But for anyone out there who is feeling discouraged, frustrated, or that maybe they're not made of the "right stuff" to get into a top program, let me note what it took for me to finally get an offer: 
    -Five years of my life
    -Four application cycles
    -An MA
    -Lots (and lots) of debt
    -A good deal of embarrassment and self-loathing
    -Significant opportunity cost
    Many times I felt certain I just wasn't good enough. For weeks on end I'd feel untethered, directionless, stuck in a maze of my own making. I knew I didn't have the smarts, or the motivation, or the knowledge, to do what my peers had done--which was to get over the line, to win the recognition of the faculty, to somehow make it through the gauntlet and come out ahead of dozens of applicants with stronger resumes and more compelling projects. 
    It is possible. You do have it in you to achieve this goal of doctoral study and research--if it's what you want. But it was not, in my case at least, easy, cheap, wise, or even rational. I stand ready to begin my PhD program fully aware that the argument that my doing so is crazy is a pretty strong one. 
    I wish you all the best in this mysterious, unpredictable mission to become scholars. 
    Congratulations, keep going, add oil, etc. etc.!
  6. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from Awn in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Somehow, I got an offer from my first choice program, and I accepted the offer. I'm finally going to be a PhD student. But for anyone out there who is feeling discouraged, frustrated, or that maybe they're not made of the "right stuff" to get into a top program, let me note what it took for me to finally get an offer: 
    -Five years of my life
    -Four application cycles
    -An MA
    -Lots (and lots) of debt
    -A good deal of embarrassment and self-loathing
    -Significant opportunity cost
    Many times I felt certain I just wasn't good enough. For weeks on end I'd feel untethered, directionless, stuck in a maze of my own making. I knew I didn't have the smarts, or the motivation, or the knowledge, to do what my peers had done--which was to get over the line, to win the recognition of the faculty, to somehow make it through the gauntlet and come out ahead of dozens of applicants with stronger resumes and more compelling projects. 
    It is possible. You do have it in you to achieve this goal of doctoral study and research--if it's what you want. But it was not, in my case at least, easy, cheap, wise, or even rational. I stand ready to begin my PhD program fully aware that the argument that my doing so is crazy is a pretty strong one. 
    I wish you all the best in this mysterious, unpredictable mission to become scholars. 
    Congratulations, keep going, add oil, etc. etc.!
  7. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from nomis97 in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Somehow, I got an offer from my first choice program, and I accepted the offer. I'm finally going to be a PhD student. But for anyone out there who is feeling discouraged, frustrated, or that maybe they're not made of the "right stuff" to get into a top program, let me note what it took for me to finally get an offer: 
    -Five years of my life
    -Four application cycles
    -An MA
    -Lots (and lots) of debt
    -A good deal of embarrassment and self-loathing
    -Significant opportunity cost
    Many times I felt certain I just wasn't good enough. For weeks on end I'd feel untethered, directionless, stuck in a maze of my own making. I knew I didn't have the smarts, or the motivation, or the knowledge, to do what my peers had done--which was to get over the line, to win the recognition of the faculty, to somehow make it through the gauntlet and come out ahead of dozens of applicants with stronger resumes and more compelling projects. 
    It is possible. You do have it in you to achieve this goal of doctoral study and research--if it's what you want. But it was not, in my case at least, easy, cheap, wise, or even rational. I stand ready to begin my PhD program fully aware that the argument that my doing so is crazy is a pretty strong one. 
    I wish you all the best in this mysterious, unpredictable mission to become scholars. 
    Congratulations, keep going, add oil, etc. etc.!
  8. Upvote
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from kj1271 in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Somehow, I got an offer from my first choice program, and I accepted the offer. I'm finally going to be a PhD student. But for anyone out there who is feeling discouraged, frustrated, or that maybe they're not made of the "right stuff" to get into a top program, let me note what it took for me to finally get an offer: 
    -Five years of my life
    -Four application cycles
    -An MA
    -Lots (and lots) of debt
    -A good deal of embarrassment and self-loathing
    -Significant opportunity cost
    Many times I felt certain I just wasn't good enough. For weeks on end I'd feel untethered, directionless, stuck in a maze of my own making. I knew I didn't have the smarts, or the motivation, or the knowledge, to do what my peers had done--which was to get over the line, to win the recognition of the faculty, to somehow make it through the gauntlet and come out ahead of dozens of applicants with stronger resumes and more compelling projects. 
    It is possible. You do have it in you to achieve this goal of doctoral study and research--if it's what you want. But it was not, in my case at least, easy, cheap, wise, or even rational. I stand ready to begin my PhD program fully aware that the argument that my doing so is crazy is a pretty strong one. 
    I wish you all the best in this mysterious, unpredictable mission to become scholars. 
    Congratulations, keep going, add oil, etc. etc.!
  9. Like
    wanlichangcheng reacted to Ralstini in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Congratulations!

    Besides here, when lurking through previous threads during application season I had seen you a few times so I was wishing you luck this time around.
    What school did you end up getting in to? 
  10. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from Annie2024 in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Somehow, I got an offer from my first choice program, and I accepted the offer. I'm finally going to be a PhD student. But for anyone out there who is feeling discouraged, frustrated, or that maybe they're not made of the "right stuff" to get into a top program, let me note what it took for me to finally get an offer: 
    -Five years of my life
    -Four application cycles
    -An MA
    -Lots (and lots) of debt
    -A good deal of embarrassment and self-loathing
    -Significant opportunity cost
    Many times I felt certain I just wasn't good enough. For weeks on end I'd feel untethered, directionless, stuck in a maze of my own making. I knew I didn't have the smarts, or the motivation, or the knowledge, to do what my peers had done--which was to get over the line, to win the recognition of the faculty, to somehow make it through the gauntlet and come out ahead of dozens of applicants with stronger resumes and more compelling projects. 
    It is possible. You do have it in you to achieve this goal of doctoral study and research--if it's what you want. But it was not, in my case at least, easy, cheap, wise, or even rational. I stand ready to begin my PhD program fully aware that the argument that my doing so is crazy is a pretty strong one. 
    I wish you all the best in this mysterious, unpredictable mission to become scholars. 
    Congratulations, keep going, add oil, etc. etc.!
  11. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from smcfsfy in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Somehow, I got an offer from my first choice program, and I accepted the offer. I'm finally going to be a PhD student. But for anyone out there who is feeling discouraged, frustrated, or that maybe they're not made of the "right stuff" to get into a top program, let me note what it took for me to finally get an offer: 
    -Five years of my life
    -Four application cycles
    -An MA
    -Lots (and lots) of debt
    -A good deal of embarrassment and self-loathing
    -Significant opportunity cost
    Many times I felt certain I just wasn't good enough. For weeks on end I'd feel untethered, directionless, stuck in a maze of my own making. I knew I didn't have the smarts, or the motivation, or the knowledge, to do what my peers had done--which was to get over the line, to win the recognition of the faculty, to somehow make it through the gauntlet and come out ahead of dozens of applicants with stronger resumes and more compelling projects. 
    It is possible. You do have it in you to achieve this goal of doctoral study and research--if it's what you want. But it was not, in my case at least, easy, cheap, wise, or even rational. I stand ready to begin my PhD program fully aware that the argument that my doing so is crazy is a pretty strong one. 
    I wish you all the best in this mysterious, unpredictable mission to become scholars. 
    Congratulations, keep going, add oil, etc. etc.!
  12. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from Ralstini in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Somehow, I got an offer from my first choice program, and I accepted the offer. I'm finally going to be a PhD student. But for anyone out there who is feeling discouraged, frustrated, or that maybe they're not made of the "right stuff" to get into a top program, let me note what it took for me to finally get an offer: 
    -Five years of my life
    -Four application cycles
    -An MA
    -Lots (and lots) of debt
    -A good deal of embarrassment and self-loathing
    -Significant opportunity cost
    Many times I felt certain I just wasn't good enough. For weeks on end I'd feel untethered, directionless, stuck in a maze of my own making. I knew I didn't have the smarts, or the motivation, or the knowledge, to do what my peers had done--which was to get over the line, to win the recognition of the faculty, to somehow make it through the gauntlet and come out ahead of dozens of applicants with stronger resumes and more compelling projects. 
    It is possible. You do have it in you to achieve this goal of doctoral study and research--if it's what you want. But it was not, in my case at least, easy, cheap, wise, or even rational. I stand ready to begin my PhD program fully aware that the argument that my doing so is crazy is a pretty strong one. 
    I wish you all the best in this mysterious, unpredictable mission to become scholars. 
    Congratulations, keep going, add oil, etc. etc.!
  13. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from CsyJ in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Somehow, I got an offer from my first choice program, and I accepted the offer. I'm finally going to be a PhD student. But for anyone out there who is feeling discouraged, frustrated, or that maybe they're not made of the "right stuff" to get into a top program, let me note what it took for me to finally get an offer: 
    -Five years of my life
    -Four application cycles
    -An MA
    -Lots (and lots) of debt
    -A good deal of embarrassment and self-loathing
    -Significant opportunity cost
    Many times I felt certain I just wasn't good enough. For weeks on end I'd feel untethered, directionless, stuck in a maze of my own making. I knew I didn't have the smarts, or the motivation, or the knowledge, to do what my peers had done--which was to get over the line, to win the recognition of the faculty, to somehow make it through the gauntlet and come out ahead of dozens of applicants with stronger resumes and more compelling projects. 
    It is possible. You do have it in you to achieve this goal of doctoral study and research--if it's what you want. But it was not, in my case at least, easy, cheap, wise, or even rational. I stand ready to begin my PhD program fully aware that the argument that my doing so is crazy is a pretty strong one. 
    I wish you all the best in this mysterious, unpredictable mission to become scholars. 
    Congratulations, keep going, add oil, etc. etc.!
  14. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from form7 in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Somehow, I got an offer from my first choice program, and I accepted the offer. I'm finally going to be a PhD student. But for anyone out there who is feeling discouraged, frustrated, or that maybe they're not made of the "right stuff" to get into a top program, let me note what it took for me to finally get an offer: 
    -Five years of my life
    -Four application cycles
    -An MA
    -Lots (and lots) of debt
    -A good deal of embarrassment and self-loathing
    -Significant opportunity cost
    Many times I felt certain I just wasn't good enough. For weeks on end I'd feel untethered, directionless, stuck in a maze of my own making. I knew I didn't have the smarts, or the motivation, or the knowledge, to do what my peers had done--which was to get over the line, to win the recognition of the faculty, to somehow make it through the gauntlet and come out ahead of dozens of applicants with stronger resumes and more compelling projects. 
    It is possible. You do have it in you to achieve this goal of doctoral study and research--if it's what you want. But it was not, in my case at least, easy, cheap, wise, or even rational. I stand ready to begin my PhD program fully aware that the argument that my doing so is crazy is a pretty strong one. 
    I wish you all the best in this mysterious, unpredictable mission to become scholars. 
    Congratulations, keep going, add oil, etc. etc.!
  15. Upvote
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from meanwhilelife81a in Lessons Learned: Application Season Debriefings   
    I'm very thankful for all this advice, but jeez, reading this makes me realize how chaotically underprepared I am/have been, and how unserious my applications must appear. Oh well. 
  16. Upvote
    wanlichangcheng reacted to obk90 in 2024 Application Thread   
    I wouldn’t call it a scam, but it is obviously a cash cow for the university. Some candidates undoubtedly do go on to Ph.D programs. Depending on which MA it is, I would inquire with former students about their experiences. An MA program that allows you to take courses and seminars alongside Ph.D students could be worth doing. A program where you mainly take special MA ‘proseminars’ usually taught by untenured or clinical faculty is not worth going into debt for. I almost enrolled in an Ivy MA before contacting faculty of interest and being bluntly told that they only accepted Ph.D students in their classes.
  17. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from DragonSlay in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Hi everyone, just wanted to add my two cents as a third-time applicant.
    I've been applying to Ph.D. programs (unsuccessfully) since 2019. So, you'd be justified in ignoring my advice right off the bat. That'd be understandable. 
    I am sure that all of you will come away from this cycle with a favorable result. But I'd like to give you some advice that I never got in previous years.
    First, this process can tend to be slow, even agonizingly so. Second, departments do not interact with every applicant the same way. The process is highly opaque; there is a lot we can't know for sure. Departments such as the East Asian Studies/Languages and Cultures, etc. programs that we've applied to provide laughably little information for applicants. If you don't believe me, go check out a STEM department. Or even an area studies department in the U.K.--where it is not uncommon for professors to indicate up front (in their bios, which are not all ten years out of date) whether or not they are taking new students. 
    Finally, I strongly recommend that you start to think about what your backup plan might be. At the very least, start thinking about what you might be doing this summer if things don't pan out. This is especially important, in my experience, for graduating MA students. Don't be in the position I was in last May, attending my graduation ceremony empty-handed, with no job to lean on, no opportunities on my radar, needing to move out and find a place to live, let alone something to do. Start talking to advisors or professors to see if they have any ideas about alternatives for at least the next year. 
    I will continue to check in on this thread as the decisions roll out. But I am old and weary now, and I am focusing on the other parts of life as I wait for the inevitable to come knocking on my Gmail inbox. 
    Take care of yourselves, get more sleep, and spend more time with friends or doing the things you enjoy. And think about the summer! 
     
  18. Upvote
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from Aikodesu in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Hi everyone, just wanted to add my two cents as a third-time applicant.
    I've been applying to Ph.D. programs (unsuccessfully) since 2019. So, you'd be justified in ignoring my advice right off the bat. That'd be understandable. 
    I am sure that all of you will come away from this cycle with a favorable result. But I'd like to give you some advice that I never got in previous years.
    First, this process can tend to be slow, even agonizingly so. Second, departments do not interact with every applicant the same way. The process is highly opaque; there is a lot we can't know for sure. Departments such as the East Asian Studies/Languages and Cultures, etc. programs that we've applied to provide laughably little information for applicants. If you don't believe me, go check out a STEM department. Or even an area studies department in the U.K.--where it is not uncommon for professors to indicate up front (in their bios, which are not all ten years out of date) whether or not they are taking new students. 
    Finally, I strongly recommend that you start to think about what your backup plan might be. At the very least, start thinking about what you might be doing this summer if things don't pan out. This is especially important, in my experience, for graduating MA students. Don't be in the position I was in last May, attending my graduation ceremony empty-handed, with no job to lean on, no opportunities on my radar, needing to move out and find a place to live, let alone something to do. Start talking to advisors or professors to see if they have any ideas about alternatives for at least the next year. 
    I will continue to check in on this thread as the decisions roll out. But I am old and weary now, and I am focusing on the other parts of life as I wait for the inevitable to come knocking on my Gmail inbox. 
    Take care of yourselves, get more sleep, and spend more time with friends or doing the things you enjoy. And think about the summer! 
     
  19. Like
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from HashirEEEmerosu in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Hi everyone, just wanted to add my two cents as a third-time applicant.
    I've been applying to Ph.D. programs (unsuccessfully) since 2019. So, you'd be justified in ignoring my advice right off the bat. That'd be understandable. 
    I am sure that all of you will come away from this cycle with a favorable result. But I'd like to give you some advice that I never got in previous years.
    First, this process can tend to be slow, even agonizingly so. Second, departments do not interact with every applicant the same way. The process is highly opaque; there is a lot we can't know for sure. Departments such as the East Asian Studies/Languages and Cultures, etc. programs that we've applied to provide laughably little information for applicants. If you don't believe me, go check out a STEM department. Or even an area studies department in the U.K.--where it is not uncommon for professors to indicate up front (in their bios, which are not all ten years out of date) whether or not they are taking new students. 
    Finally, I strongly recommend that you start to think about what your backup plan might be. At the very least, start thinking about what you might be doing this summer if things don't pan out. This is especially important, in my experience, for graduating MA students. Don't be in the position I was in last May, attending my graduation ceremony empty-handed, with no job to lean on, no opportunities on my radar, needing to move out and find a place to live, let alone something to do. Start talking to advisors or professors to see if they have any ideas about alternatives for at least the next year. 
    I will continue to check in on this thread as the decisions roll out. But I am old and weary now, and I am focusing on the other parts of life as I wait for the inevitable to come knocking on my Gmail inbox. 
    Take care of yourselves, get more sleep, and spend more time with friends or doing the things you enjoy. And think about the summer! 
     
  20. Like
    wanlichangcheng reacted to Ralstini in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    What WanliChangCheng (萬里長城?) said is certainly true, we shouldn't be reading tea leaves here. Hopefully everyone is able to focus on their health and doesn't become too obsessed with this. Also, to Wanlichangcheng, I hope this time turns out better than you're expecting!
  21. Upvote
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from Ralstini in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Hi everyone, just wanted to add my two cents as a third-time applicant.
    I've been applying to Ph.D. programs (unsuccessfully) since 2019. So, you'd be justified in ignoring my advice right off the bat. That'd be understandable. 
    I am sure that all of you will come away from this cycle with a favorable result. But I'd like to give you some advice that I never got in previous years.
    First, this process can tend to be slow, even agonizingly so. Second, departments do not interact with every applicant the same way. The process is highly opaque; there is a lot we can't know for sure. Departments such as the East Asian Studies/Languages and Cultures, etc. programs that we've applied to provide laughably little information for applicants. If you don't believe me, go check out a STEM department. Or even an area studies department in the U.K.--where it is not uncommon for professors to indicate up front (in their bios, which are not all ten years out of date) whether or not they are taking new students. 
    Finally, I strongly recommend that you start to think about what your backup plan might be. At the very least, start thinking about what you might be doing this summer if things don't pan out. This is especially important, in my experience, for graduating MA students. Don't be in the position I was in last May, attending my graduation ceremony empty-handed, with no job to lean on, no opportunities on my radar, needing to move out and find a place to live, let alone something to do. Start talking to advisors or professors to see if they have any ideas about alternatives for at least the next year. 
    I will continue to check in on this thread as the decisions roll out. But I am old and weary now, and I am focusing on the other parts of life as I wait for the inevitable to come knocking on my Gmail inbox. 
    Take care of yourselves, get more sleep, and spend more time with friends or doing the things you enjoy. And think about the summer! 
     
  22. Upvote
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from WanderThrougTheWorld in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Hi everyone, just wanted to add my two cents as a third-time applicant.
    I've been applying to Ph.D. programs (unsuccessfully) since 2019. So, you'd be justified in ignoring my advice right off the bat. That'd be understandable. 
    I am sure that all of you will come away from this cycle with a favorable result. But I'd like to give you some advice that I never got in previous years.
    First, this process can tend to be slow, even agonizingly so. Second, departments do not interact with every applicant the same way. The process is highly opaque; there is a lot we can't know for sure. Departments such as the East Asian Studies/Languages and Cultures, etc. programs that we've applied to provide laughably little information for applicants. If you don't believe me, go check out a STEM department. Or even an area studies department in the U.K.--where it is not uncommon for professors to indicate up front (in their bios, which are not all ten years out of date) whether or not they are taking new students. 
    Finally, I strongly recommend that you start to think about what your backup plan might be. At the very least, start thinking about what you might be doing this summer if things don't pan out. This is especially important, in my experience, for graduating MA students. Don't be in the position I was in last May, attending my graduation ceremony empty-handed, with no job to lean on, no opportunities on my radar, needing to move out and find a place to live, let alone something to do. Start talking to advisors or professors to see if they have any ideas about alternatives for at least the next year. 
    I will continue to check in on this thread as the decisions roll out. But I am old and weary now, and I am focusing on the other parts of life as I wait for the inevitable to come knocking on my Gmail inbox. 
    Take care of yourselves, get more sleep, and spend more time with friends or doing the things you enjoy. And think about the summer! 
     
  23. Upvote
    wanlichangcheng reacted to Carmy in 2024 Applications: Cinema and Media Studies   
    Hello everyone! Thought I would create a forum for Cinema and Media Studies applicants to try and connect us all together. My work mostly revolves around media industries and national cinema so I've applied to a bunch of programs that I thought would be a great fit (USC, UCLA, UT-Austin, UWashington, etc.) I know that some anxieties may be high as we wait for interview requests and responses, so wishing you all the best of luck!
    Looking forward to connecting with you all
  24. Upvote
    wanlichangcheng got a reaction from bomdia in 2024 East Asian Studies (EAS/EALL/EALCS/EALC)   
    Hi everyone, just wanted to add my two cents as a third-time applicant.
    I've been applying to Ph.D. programs (unsuccessfully) since 2019. So, you'd be justified in ignoring my advice right off the bat. That'd be understandable. 
    I am sure that all of you will come away from this cycle with a favorable result. But I'd like to give you some advice that I never got in previous years.
    First, this process can tend to be slow, even agonizingly so. Second, departments do not interact with every applicant the same way. The process is highly opaque; there is a lot we can't know for sure. Departments such as the East Asian Studies/Languages and Cultures, etc. programs that we've applied to provide laughably little information for applicants. If you don't believe me, go check out a STEM department. Or even an area studies department in the U.K.--where it is not uncommon for professors to indicate up front (in their bios, which are not all ten years out of date) whether or not they are taking new students. 
    Finally, I strongly recommend that you start to think about what your backup plan might be. At the very least, start thinking about what you might be doing this summer if things don't pan out. This is especially important, in my experience, for graduating MA students. Don't be in the position I was in last May, attending my graduation ceremony empty-handed, with no job to lean on, no opportunities on my radar, needing to move out and find a place to live, let alone something to do. Start talking to advisors or professors to see if they have any ideas about alternatives for at least the next year. 
    I will continue to check in on this thread as the decisions roll out. But I am old and weary now, and I am focusing on the other parts of life as I wait for the inevitable to come knocking on my Gmail inbox. 
    Take care of yourselves, get more sleep, and spend more time with friends or doing the things you enjoy. And think about the summer! 
     
  25. Like
    wanlichangcheng reacted to 2024_IR in 2023-2024 Application Thread   
    Can't believe Im getting this so early! but claiming unofficial acceptance to WUSTL! 
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