polisci_gal

I would say there is still hope. This year is very unusual! (and by that I mean, very different than previous years)

I had an interview yesterday with a school. It was just the graduate director but we spoke via zoom. They asked me to tell them about myself (classic), explain my research, tell them why I applied to that school (and who I could work with) along with what I could bring to their department. They also mentioned that their department heavily uses quantitative methods and wanted to know my experience with quant and also what my research experience was in the past. They then opened up the floor for me to ask some questions. I asked mostly about the TA/RA opportunities, funding, and more specific faculty interests.

Hey, first off - sorry that this whole process has been really hard on you! And I hope your surgery went well and you have a fast recovery. I think it seems like a good idea to apply to those 2 programs with Feb 15 deadlines if you think that they are potentially a good fit for your research and if you do really mean that this is your first and last PhD cycle. Might as well shoot your shot if this is the only time you're going to apply! I didn't apply to Vanderbilt but I think that by the sounds of it on this forum, they have selected quite a few people to interview and have really begun to proceed with their admissions process. That being said, I personally wouldn't pay the fee especially if you are trying to be strategic with your funds. I would probably allocate your funds to the other programs that are still open. But, you could definitely contact Vanderbilts admissions chair to see and get that clarity if you need it. My last piece of advice - I would recommend checking out some masters programs in Canada if you are open to studying there. Sometimes the schools will offer international students funding or a scholarship for their MA and can transition you into a PhD route should that be something you wish to do. I wish you all the best and hope for a successful cycle for you.

I second this. As soon as the whole cycle is over and I've committed to somewhere, I will definitely disclose my stats and connect with many of you outside of grad cafe!! The solidarity in this community has truly kept me going!!

Where did you apply? Do you have any schools you’re waiting to hear from still? I’m sure you’ll get in somewhere with those stats!! Keep the faith

I always forget about this

Yup, agree with this too. And its also another [unnecessary] cost + stressor for applicants....

I'm wondering this too!!!! I feel like a lot of people wouldn't have submitted scores this year unless they were super confident in them....

True say. But holy 1%!!?!?? wow lol

Appreciate this insight. I think its been interesting too to see some faculty members disclosing how many (or an approximate %) of applicants they got on their twitter pages, just to demonstrate more broadly how competitive the COVID situation has made it this year. I remember way earlier in this thread people were posting screenshots of profs at like MIT or whatever saying "yeah we've had double the amount of applications this year" and other replies saying the same thing.... its tough out there ?

Random, but does anyone actually know the likelihood (%) of getting accepted into a PhD program? Ive tried to google this and most things come up around 4-10% change of getting admitted. Maybe this is fake lol. But I'm just wondering. Also - do we know what the *average* intake of PhD students (in the poli sci dept) will be this year at any given uni? I'm under the impression its like 8-12?

I think this is an important thing to highlight this year. There is so much to the admissions process besides one's basic credentials or simple the ranking of the school. Lots of focus on fit this year - probably especially since there are so many cuts everywhere

It seems to me like you would be a really competitive applicant. Having a JD + published articles is really impressive. Not to mention that you could really use your life experience to demonstrate how you KNOW this is something you want to do and could talk about that journey a little bit. I think you would have a really good shot! My only advice would be to make it really clear what research you're interested in doing and how your experience would aid that.

Its never over til its over!!! Fingers crossed for you

My admission was the exact same. Followed by a welcome email from the graduate admissions chair

Congrats!!!! Whats your subfield?

Wow! Nice. What's your subfield ? All the best

I'm sure one will come your way soon! out of curiosity, where did you apply?

Also if I have to see lil uzi vert and that pink diamond one more time....

UF or FSU? I've heard nothing from UF

Its not over til it's over!! I thought I was gonna get rejected from UMass since most people seemed to get acceptances/waitlists yesterday but then today I got a pleasant surprise. Sooooo what i'm trynna say is....keep the faith!

Yay!! Big day for you!!! Congratulations

Claiming the UMass Amherst acceptance. Got the e-mail this morning. Full funding for 5 years + health care package etc. I'm absolutely thrilled. This was my top choice in the US!! Crying lol Edit: AP subfield.

Do we think not hearing from UMass Amherst today means a likely rejection? Maybe my self esteem is just deflated AF but i’m not feeling much hope anymore lol

Anyone claiming the UMass acceptance?