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I got an email at the very end of the day on Friday indicating that the cohort was finalized (with one person getting in off the waitlist). They might be working on sending notices soon, given the timeline.

I’ve gotten a few different DMs about this, so I just thought I’d post a general update: I just officially declined offers at Columbia and Princeton. I don’t know who the spots might go to (or if they’re even on this forum), but I wish everyone the best of luck.

Thank you! I do hope it helps.

I was going to DM you two, but I can't attach this in the message feature. Regardless, I hope this helps you both and anyone else who might be interested.

I also recieved the predoctoral fellowship (in art history)! I really wasn't expecting it, I have to say. I am thrilled for the other recipients, and I wish all the best to everyone here.

Yeah, I think someone is backtracking after getting too many hopes up. I didn't have "the review isn't over" yesterday either.

Commenting as a scholar of color—though I understand your reservations to a certain degree, I wouldn’t discount yourself and your perspective as being important in diversifying the professoriate. Especially if you have a track record that attests to your work on that front. If it doesn’t specify that you have to be a scholar of color, why not apply? In the end, you’ll either get it or you won’t, and I doubt it would come down to a single criterion.

You might check the Duke portal. I didn't get an email, but I got a rejection update there (I checked after seeing the results board).

I'm genuinely impressed by your sleuthing skill. Thanks for the link--it does definitely seem like it could be coming soon, then.

Well, Well, I'm wishing you luck!

I could see myself choosing either at this point, but a lot is still up in the air for me, so I really couldn't say with certainty yet.

I applied for the predoctoral, but I have little hope since they haven't given one in my discipline since 2000 lol. Also, I think there might be a hope for March--it says notification in March 2021 in one of the pdf brochures on the website (though April on the actual website, so it depends on what you want to believe).

I think I saw somewhere in this forum that Columbia wasn't waitlisting this year, but I just wanted to say that the DGS confirmed they are. I was urged to make an informed decision, but also notify them as soon as possible if I decided on another school, because they had many candidates they would have easily accepted in other years/were eager to have (he said applications increased exponentialy this year!). In my case, I was told it came down to fit: I used some Columbia faculty heavily in my thesis, I'm interested in studying elements of the Harlem renaissance so it was site-specific (I stressed this in my SOP), and a lot of different potential advisors, rather than one or two people, could contribute to my research. Just wanted to put that out there for anyone stressed--I would not take anything personally this year.

No, very true, I don't blame you! I got a surprise call after my Harvard admit from my POI (we hadn't spoken on the phone previously), and I definitely flubbed that, so any time at all to prepare is so preferable. I don't even know how to go about deciding really, now that I'm here.

Did you interview with him? He's very nice, honestly. I'm speaking with him in about 20 minutes.

Thank you! Anecdotal, but I definitely freaked out about an informal acceptance the day before my Harvard admit, so my (hypocritical) advice is to take deep breaths. You're obviously emminently qualified after making it to interviews!

I wish you both the best of luck! It's defintiely not over until it's over.

I did get a Columbia admit earlier today. It was informal via email (recommendation for admission by the department). I was told the official letter will follow in a few days, but they are not sure of the exact timeframe.

Seems like they’re dragging their feet. I’ve had zero communication. I hope they come out with something soon so you can act on that other offer!

They're a close top two for me, but I've always leaned towards Harvard for purely personal reasons (it would put me close to family + friends, and I think a support network is important in grad school). I'm very attracted to elements of Columbia's program that might be slightly more suitable for me though, so I would keep a pretty open mind through some of the virtual visits if I do end up getting in. That is to say, I probably also won't be making a decision until March.

Thank you! My field is African Diaspora (20th Century/Francophone)

Yeah, that’s so bizarre. Especially since it seems like they’ve rarely done interviews in previous years. I’ve heard absolutely nothing, so that is all news to me. Thanks for the heads up.

Congrats to you! Will this be the second interview with Columbia for you? (And yeah, hope to see you!)

Thank you so much!

I still haven’t heard anything from Duke at all, but I did have a big day: Columbia interview invite and a Harvard admit!! I got an email to view the portal.