Mitch Rapp

Applied to 29 programs in total (25 PhD and 4 masters). Got one acceptance but am waitlisted for funding. I have a 4.0 undergrad GPA, solid letters, and was an NCAA D1 athlete. It seem to me that this whole process is a massive black box of luck.

Here are my thoughts on this, let me know what you think..... If you get shut out, does that not imply something about your ability? I would think that a shut out is a hint that this might not be the field for you. Of course, it doesn't help when you get no feedback on apps. Going to a funded MA is still financially brutal, and the opportunity cost is pretty big. I applied to two MA programs and haven't heard back yet, but even if I get in I simply don't think I'll be able to pull it off financially without taking on debt. And that's not something I'm willing to do. With the job market seeming so bleak for professional philosophy would it not be better for those shut out to look at a different path? Idk, that's just where I'm at right now in this process...

Hey man, I'm in the same boat. 4.0 dual major, D1 athlete, writing sample edited by multiple faculty, profs told me I have what it takes yada, yada, yada.... Rejections from 20 programs so far. (Half pretty strongly presumed) Not a single waitlist or interview. Maybe it's for the best, who really knows? It's depressing, but I feel you though.

Thanks! You are right, though I did stress quite a bit in my SoP my specific interests. I meant really that I'd just be happy to get the opportunity to study philosophy at any place even if I have to change my interests slightly. I will admit that it has been challenging trying to navigate the talk of specialization. It seems to early to think of that right now....

Hello all, I'll try to keep it short. I come from a small state school and decided to apply to programs this years. However, all of my professors are very dismal about my chances, mainly because my school (to my knowledge) has never had an undergraduate placed into a top 30 Ph.D. program (Gourmet Rankings). So I have two questions... (1) What are my chances in your opinion and should I look for a backup plan? (2) Should I apply to any other schools? Here are my stats: 4.0 Cumulative GPA Two independent studies and a grad seminar on my transcript Majoring in Econ and Phil NCAA D1 athlete Three writing samples on Aristotle, Beauvoir, and Kant respectively (about half the programs allow two samples) 3000 words, 5500 words, and 7000 words All reviewed by multiple faculty and 100% + papers according to them No publications except for a small blog I run myself Tons of outside research which I highlight in my personal statement (I presume) three really solid letters of rec No GRE - I had some circumstances with the Covid stuff I applied to 23 programs most of which are in Gourmet top 50. I'm wondering however if I should apply to any others... Oregon and Arizona State come to mind? My interests are broad and I'd be happy studying anything if I could just get into a program. Thanks!