nivy25

Also got rejected by UCSD. Email to check portal. Bummer. I really thought I had a great fit here too! Accepted Rejected Waitlisted Pending UT Austin, Rice, UCSD, UW Wisconsin, Northwestern, Emory, OSU, UIUC, Chicago, Yale, UC Davis, Vanderbilt, Michigan, Penn State

Didn’t hear yet! Desperately waiting for UCSD too.

Is it safe to assume then that by now if my portal says "Pending" it'll probably be a reject?

Wow this post just helps me breathe easier.

I’ve been dealing with similar things as you have been, and I’m sorry to hear that you’re in that position because I truly know how annoying and stressful this is. It has taken a toll on my health physically and mentally and I don’t wish that for anyone! I think about possible outcomes, and where my future’s headed almost all day. I believe the only time I’m not thinking about those things is when I’m sleeping or completely distracted. I would recommend doing things that usually keep you sane. For me, I’m back at college now, so I just try to hang out with people and/or do my current work. Also, I tend to watch a lot of Netflix because it’s a huge distraction! Also somedays when I’m feeling exceptionally uncertain and hopeless, I try to do my best to work on the problem by finding alternatives (backups). This makes me feel like I’m in control of my life, and that it won’t be the absolute end of the world if I don’t get into a PhD program this year. Hope this helps

Wow I didn’t know they had started sending out decisions yet! UCSD was definitely one of my top “fits” IMO. Did you just hear? And was it via email or website?

Can you elaborate on what you think they’re looking for versus Top 10...?

Do you know of any schools with deadlines in February? As of now, I have two waitlists and one reject, I’m yet to hear from 11 schools but I’m assuming a lot of them will be rejects especially schools like Yale, Chicago, Michigan etc.

I hope so! And yes, people should honestly decline if they're not going for sure. Like there's a lot at stake for others at this point ? I hope you get in too

Exact same email. Wonder how short it really is. I have received two waitlist emails today, and apparently I'm good, but not good enough I guess...

I got waitlisted for Austin as well. IR primary, CP secondary. I really thought I didn’t have much of a chance here and I was delighted to not see a reject. For me, this particular school is pretty great, and I know they sent their admits today as well. I just want to request everyone: at whatever point you know for sure that you’ve accepted some other offer and not coming to UT Austin for sure, then please don’t leave the decision hanging, and just decline, cause a lot of other futures depend on that

Mine’s still pending and I really believe I had a good chance with Ohio. Guess we’ll find out soon enough.

I believe a few people on here claimed them... NW is probably my dream school atm.

Thank you, this is incredibly helpful. The job search becomes harder for me cause I'm an international student and a lot of places don't hire us or sponsor our visas ?

I understand. I am currently exploring LSE as a potential option.

I guess I am panicking a little bit because NW and OSU were my top "fits" and if I don't hear from them probably by this week then it is safe to assume my chances are a little dim...

Any specific suggestions?

As the days pass on, I’m trying to plan out some back up options in case I don’t get in anywhere. A masters degree in political science from which universities improve your chances significantly of getting into a good Poli Sci PhD program? apart from this, what else can a person do to build their profile to increase their chances?

I'm losing my mind looking at the word "Pending"

Is anyone claiming the Northwestern acceptance results for today? The one in IR/Critical Theory? Out of curiosity, does the NW application portal show any change?

I haven’t heard back from OSU (it still says pending), and I haven’t gotten any email yet either for an interview.

Quick question: My NW application statement mentioned one professor who I’m incredibly looking forward to work with. They’re currently on sabbatical for this year, but they’ll be back by Fall 21. However, it’s clear they’re not on the admissions committee, or even around to discuss applications generally. Would that hinder my chances of being accepted at all? Since someone I’m inclined to work with specifically is not around to sorta “okay” this decision?

Thanks! That’s comforting to hear.

Waiting to hear back from schools is probably the most brutal and stressful experience ever. Look at all of us here (including me obviously), constantly checking the forums/results and then overthinking the tiniest details and wondering what is in store for us ?

Yeah I’m also seeing some results from University of Illinois Urbana Champagne, and I’m hoping Northwestern/Rice follow soon!