sadficus

@xmflti0722it looks like interview invitations went out between January 28 and February 4 last year, so I wouldn’t give up hope yet!

So Northwestern got a full 30 more applications than Berkeley? Is that typical? I always thought that Berkeley was the more “competitive” program. I guess you can’t really gauge that kind of thing well with grad programs.

@Lounmou9I got a rejection a couple of weeks ago. I find it so strange that you haven’t heard anything, as I saw an interview logged around the same time as all the rejections were flooding in. Weird. I’d maybe reach out to the department.

@PSward13congrats!! Did you happen to ask how many spots are available? I definitely forgot to ask that very important question, as I was in total shock. I suppose I'll just ask when the email comes next week, if need be.

I just wish this waiting game would be over, regardless of results! I'm honestly confused as to why USC hasn't sent out rejections yet? Just get on with it ya'll. I need some closure. I am also waiting to hear back from NYU, U Mich, and GWU.

@sampsunIt is a free program which provides you with advisers (general and SoP specific), webinars on different aspects of the application and post-application process (interviews, negotiating funding, etc.), fee waivers for all consortium schools, and discounted GRE prep and registration. The one I am in is geared towards multiply marginalized people who intend to enter the field of education. Under normal circumstances they have about an 80% matriculation rate, but obviously this is an unprecedented cycle, so they will be welcoming back everyone who is not placed this year, next year. It has been an incredible help, and if I am not placed this cycle I will absolutely be participating in the program again next cycle.

Congratulations on your USC acceptance! Do you mind if I inquire as to whether you have a Masters and if this is your first cycle applying to PhDs? I am just feeling really discouraged and thinking about whether or not I should apply again next cycle if things don't work out this year, or if I should consider Masters programs for the time being.

Glad I’m not the only one who hasn’t heard! Beginning to be eaten alive by post-app season anxiety!

Who is the USC acceptance?

That UC Berkeley rejection was a real gut punch. I was happy to have closure on at least one program but also kind of wish my first rejection hadn’t been my top choice.

I applied to Northwestern and UC Berkeley Performance Studies as well as American/Ethnic Studies PhD programs at USC, U Michigan, GW, UC San Diego, and NYU. The waiting game is killing me. I’m in a grad prep program and watching my cohort mates getting interviews and acceptances is painful.

I applied to seven PhD programs including U Michigan American Culture, NYU American Studies, GW American Studies, and USC American Studies and Ethnicity. Additionally, I applied to UC San Diego Ethnic Studies, UC Berkeley Performance Studies, and Northwestern Performance Studies. I was certainly discouraged by all the programs that announced they wouldn’t be accepting applications (Purdue even did so after I applied), but since I am in a graduate preparatory program I couldn’t give up. I’m not too hopeful for this cycle but I will be reapplying next year and possibly applying to some masters of art history programs (the field my BA is in and the field I work in) as well. Best of luck to everyone, I hope we hear very soon!