queenofcarrotflowers

Pretty crazy that there's still no news from UCLA comp lit...

Anyone have any information on Harvard or UCLA comp lit?

Super weird cycle this year; have been admitted/waitlisted at programs that I thought were a reach and rejected by my "safeties." Definitely not mad about it, but it shows how strange the system can be!

They're conducting interviews later this week, so acceptances wouldn't be out yet. Based on the wording of the interview invitation email I received, it seems like interviews are a required step. I wonder whether the rejection on the board is an actual rejection or somebody assuming rejection as a result of not getting an interview?

yuppp I’m going to have to say, point blank, that if your goal is to get into a top-tier phd program you would more than likely have a better chance taking a gap year to work on your application. These partially-funded-but-still-expensive-af MAs are really not worth it, and 1 year isn’t really enough time to build a proper relationship with your professors/gain anything for the next cycle, so you’ll more than likely need to take a gap year anyways. Reputation-wise, the MAPH programme is well known in academic circles to be a cash cow (literally had multiple profs warn me against the MAPH without me even asking/applying to Chicago, lol), so it will likely hinder your application, rather than helping it. Additionally, I’ve been told that some of the top programmes (not sure how much this is still a trend) tend to prefer non-MA students. Check out some of the threads (google MAPH + grad cafe) and you’ll see what I mean, and talk to your professors about it if you haven’t already. again, this is based on (a wealth of) secondhand info.

Although I don’t have anything valuable to add, I just want to send a whole lotta hugs your way— I couldn’t imagine having to make this decision and I hope you can take time to care for yourself with everything going on.

There are quite a few threads discussing this— the overall consensus is pretty negative/it’s very much notorious for being a cash cow. However, some people on this thread seem to have had really great experiences on the MAPH programme, especially now that there’s *some* financial aid... I can tell you that UCL, despite having a great reputation as an institution in the UK, is also kind of notorious for preying on international students for $$, and your experience might be pretty impersonal (I know a few people, both international and UK, who’ve attended the programme and they were all pretty dissatisfied). Although if you’re UK based/can get a loan from SFE its worth considering the programme, although I’ve heard better things about some of the other RG unis in London. In comparison to UCL, Chicago’s MAPH programme seems to be pretty centred around preparing you for grad school and seems to have some great resources, however, the cash cow reputation might end up damaging your application to PhD programmes (if that is your goal) rather than helping. Also, the programme is interdisciplinary rather than pure literature. overall, these programmes are pretty different so it’s hard to compare, but I honestly would not consider either, unless all of the following conditions were met: a) money was not a problem at all, or you are fully funded b) your undergrad was in a completely different field, but even then I’d probably consider other routes c) you aren’t taking an MA in pursuit of a PhD This is all just my 2c tho.

also thank you!!!!

University of Kentucky, which as a fellow Brit, is very confusing

Thank you so much!!! congratulations on your amazing acceptances :') and thank you and everyone else for being rly supportive and lovely through this crazy cycle

So after being pretty sure of a shutout, I've just been accepted into a fully-funded MA programme!!!!! Beyond shook If anyone has attended UK, please do drop me a message!

Officially out at Michigan. Was expecting it to hurt, but I think the weight of all these rejections, and the time and effort I spent putting my life aside for the sakes of a grand total of absolutely nothing, has suddenly hit me with a ton of bricks.

Michigan, I know you’ve already made your decision, please just rip the band-aid off already ?

that bit HURT!!... I’m sending it to my former prof?

This is literally my entire inner anxious ass monologue throughout the application process in the most hysterical, brilliantly written piece. Woke my cat up with my laughing, and now he’s giving me a death glare. Pretty sure he’s on #TeamBEN now.