BrownSugar

It’s the same thing I’ve been wondering. I refresh my email way too many times, but somehow have managed to restrain myself from checking the portals often. I’ve even started painting again (a hobby from high school) to distract myself, and leaving my phone in a different part of my house. Definitely recommend doing something similar if you have the time!

Thank you for this! As a first gen POC, sometimes I feel like I’m waaaay in over my head, so this was very comforting to read tonight.

Usually, Princeton seems to release last few days of Jan/start of Feb. I am not sure of the others since I have not applied there and didn’t really research that. As for Rice, I assume you meant third week of January? Hahaha if it were February, most of our anxieties would be gone

A UVA acceptance was posted yesterday, under ‘politics’

LSE alum here! I heartily recommend it to anyone interested. The government department is brilliant.

For me, it was the same. I also switched fields, specifically from law to policy, and did a one year MSc in the UK. It was useful for me in that way and also getting a lot more research experience in the field and writing a dissertation etc. I would heartily recommend it as an affordable back-up choice, or an additional stage before starting a PhD (particularly if you can get funding, though it is difficult to get). I don’t think I would feel as competent had I not done my master. Therefore, I would say the personal advantage is significant, but I can’t say what difference it would make when actually applying to PhDs (apart from more research experience).

My opinions aren’t “well informed” but I certainly can’t imagine universities lowering their standards, i.e. expected average GRE scores. I also think GRE-required programs won’t see as much as an increase of apps as that for GRE-optional ones. I myself only applied to GRE-optional universities, and so did most of the “international” students I know. Of course, this is merely anecdotal.

I know, I did say they send “decisions” in batches, not admits. I was speaking in more general terms, because I’m sure people have anxiety for programs that may not be in the “top”. Also, “most” indicates that there are outliers, which is also important to consider.

What we all need to keep in mind is that not everyone uses/posts on gradcafe (this includes those with rejections and offers). Gradcafe is not a complete overview of the admissions process/results. In addition, most universities send decisions in batches. Whether admits from the last few days/past week are real or not, more decisions will continue to come. This is merely the beginning. Good luck!

Would also like to know what subfield!

I am convinced it must be fake. It isn’t normal for decisions to go out on weekends, no?

Unfortunately, yes. There is no limit or regulation.

Most are under “politics”. Only one is under “political science”

Not sure, honestly. Just find it weird. Happy for those who got in if it is real! Haha, no it isn’t. I love brown sugar boba

Also applied comparative and haven’t heard! Also odd that it is Saturday.

Anyone claiming Princeton? Seems quite early!!

I just got my first decision - a rejection. Not feeling as badly as I thought, but a bit of a sour note to start off ? Edit - it’s a uni in the UK (only one I applied to there)

I applied for CP/AP so we are in similar boats. Good luck!!

I just noticed this, but wanted to share some solidarity as my master is also in public policy! My professors said it really shouldn’t put me (and I would assume that applies to you as well) at a disadvantage, particularly depending on the subfield(s) of interest.

In my case I didn’t reach out at all, and all the current PhD students (a lot at top 10) I know never reached out either. I think reaching out is only a good idea if you have something useful or productive to share/discuss. Don’t overthink it too much!

I remember they also mentioned we may or may not be contacted for interviews. Do you know the poli sci department’s approach on this, i.e. do they ever interview? I haven’t seen anything about that

Thanks for sharing! I hope it is the case. Even though I know I won’t receive anything yet, I can’t help but constantly refresh my email as well. Best of luck!

I’ve applied to 11, 8 in the US and 3 in UK/EU. I think it is definitely a good number and array of schools, but most of them can’t be considered “safeties” which worries me a little. Edit: most were suggested by my professors so fit is good and if they feel like I have a chance, I suppose I do (trying to be positive)

That last bit is crucial. Most universities across the globe don’t have the GRE or an equivalent requirement so I assume a page will be taken from their books in terms of making judgements? I for one have applied to universities outside the US as well, and have only gone to universities outside the US thus far, despite being American. So I’m more used to systems without standardized tests.

This actually really concerned me because I also have not taken the GRE as I wasn’t able to given the pandemic and my location. I really hope it doesn’t affect applications