Magic Lantern

haha I got that email too. When I read the subject line: "UC Davis Graduate Admissions......" I was like: omg is this a proposal?!

That's a great way to think about the situation! We can still make changes in our lives with or without a grad school offer. Thanks for helping me put things into perspective!

Aww thank you so much!! It's definitely a great idea to have a back-up plan. Knowing that not getting in won't be the end of the world also takes away some of the anxiety. Thanks again, and I wish you all the best!!

I'm both hoping and dreading that some of my application results might come out this week. My current job can be quit dehumanizing at times and I'm considering quitting it. I am also living in a city far away from family, friends, and everyone I love and care about. I drag myself to work every morning, and sink into depression at night/on weekend. To me, a grad school offer not only means a chance to pursue my intellectual passions, but also a new place where I might meet new people and start a new life that's actually worthwhile. Sorry for posting this random/irrelevant information here... I hope we will all hear some good news in the next couple of weeks!

Finally submitted all of my applications. I feel kind of numb. Strangely, there is no catharsis at all, no sense of closure, no nothing. lol

Thank you both so much!! I really appreciate your helpful suggestions! I was eventually able to shorten the paper to 4000 words (felt like half of my soul just left my body lol). And for people with similar questions: the program director also got back to me saying that the paper should be as close to 4000 words as possible. I guess it's always good to ask them in case of uncertainties!

Desperate question: Hello friends! I am about to submit my Oxford application. The program requires a 4000-word writing sample and asks applicants to show the word count if possible (not sure what they mean by "if possible" though). After some substantial editing, my WS still goes over the limit by 700 words and it just seems impossible to shorten it further at this point. Would it be a terrible idea to submit the WS with the word count and include a brief note apologizing for going over the limit? I also emailed the program director asking how strict they are about the word limit, but they haven't got back to me yet, and the application is due in about 24 hours. I'd greatly appreciate it if you could give me some advice! Thanks so much! Also, good luck to those still working on their applications (I feel like I'm the only one)! Hang in there!!

Thanks! That's really helpful! I will send them an email as well just in case.

Question about the ApplyWeb portal: Should I be worried if my application status is marked "incomplete" on the portal, even though all materials have been received? It seems like they just never update this checklist, since the date on the checklist is still 2013... Might it be appropriate to email the program coordinator and ask them about this?

Interesting, haha. I also had a dream a few days ago about getting waitlisted by one of the programs I am applying to.

Wishing everyone a happy new year! Hope things go well in 2021!

awww thank you so much!! Your reply really made my day!

Submitted 2 of my applications, 8 more to go, but at this point I just feel completely burned out.

I am in the exact same situation! My research is also related to medical humanities, and I am also looking for some "safer" programs. Maybe it's just because there aren't that many people studying medicine/science, so our options are especially limited? I think it might be worthwhile to also apply to those programs that match your other interests (i.e., 18th century), even though they do not necessarily have a strong emphasis on medicine. But I really don't know...