AnxiousinSyriac

Just checking back in with hopes that everyone is doing fine. I am expecting that next week will be exciting for those awaiting results, based on past experience and the survey results. Unless, of course, COVID shook up things a bit. 
I had an email exchange with my POI in Toronto recently telling him that I was quite nervous about the whole application process and asking him if he had any insights on the process at his institution. He reassured me that it was alright and he understood. As for my other point, he did not answer it directly, which was fine with me. I'll share the answer when the time is right. 
Good luck to everyone!

Man, I am anxious! Fellow religious studies friends, I think grad cafe is making me more anxious, haha. Two days ago, I received an email from my top choice saying that my application was missing my writing sample. Luckily, I got that squared away. I don't know whether to take their reviewing of my application as a good thing, in that perhaps, I'll hear something from them soon? Man, oh man... I wonder what my chances are...

Hi all,
I saw a few questions about Notre Dame. I received an invitation this past weekend to interview for the Theo department in a few weeks. The email referred to those interviewing as "semi-finalists." I don't know if that means they won't extend any offers to those not interviewing, but that is how the email was worded.
 

spending way to much time checking my email and  on these sites trying to compare my cv and hoping for an end to the radio silence. we all are in this together! Solidarity!

Congratulations on this next chapter! Keep us abreast on your research. 

Congratulations on this next chapter! Keep us abreast on your research. 

Congratulations on this next chapter! Keep us abreast on your research. 

Thank you! 
I'm still waiting to hear from 5 more schools though I'm 99% sure I'll take this offer (waiting for financial package info to come in). I realized that I'd be happier with a supportive advisor than a school with a big name. The ultimate goal is to finish up the degree and continue my research. 
UCLA didn't interview me but I knew the professor wanted to work with me; it was just a matter of whether the rest of the faculty believed I was a good fit for their program. I spoke to the POI back in August/September and the vibe was good. He really sold the program. I was worried about the "Chicanx Studies" part of the program because I've done Religious Studies since my community college days (circa 2013). I mentioned these doubts and he reassured me that I would be fine if I got in.
I checked their current grad students page yesterday and they already have 2 other Harvard Divinity School students! Hahaha! I'll be the third. I was bummed about the last cycle I applied to. I can see that if Harvard or Notre Dame took me in 2019 I'd be missing out on this amazing community of scholars. I hate sounding so cliche but it all fell into place, at the perfect time. 

Just heard from two more places. 
Rejected from Notre Dame's history program. Not too surprised. 
Accepted to UCLA's Chicano Studies program (focus on Latinx religion)! Yay! I hope the funding is good. They're still working on that. Phew! One in the bag! ? 
 

Received word from a department chair that they have yet to make any admissions decisions, due to semester planning being backed up from covid...I guess I'll keep twiddling my thumbs. 

Received word from a department chair that they have yet to make any admissions decisions, due to semester planning being backed up from covid...I guess I'll keep twiddling my thumbs. 

Thank you for noting that Duke Divinity contacts people this week. While I haven't got any word yet, it's good to know.
Also, I did look at the survey: much of the activity starts in early February and continues until late that month. I know that one of the schools I applied to posts acceptances or wait-list entries at the end of the month and rejections much later (I should know, I applied to that school last year). 
It's tempting to think that most schools are foregoing interviews. From a look at the current cycle's survey, I only noted a few references to interviews: Duke (GPR and Divinity) and Marquette. Usually, I see quite a few in January. I hope that is the case this year, but we'll never know. Maybe people were asked not to post on Grad Cafe?  

Update: Just heard back from UCSB's Chicano Studies (Latinx religions). It was a no-go. Not crazy hurt but maybe a little bit. Ahh! 7 more to go! >.<

Perhaps, this is the week that we'll hear back from some programs. Any traction thus far? Hope everybody is well. 

Perhaps, this is the week that we'll hear back from some programs. Any traction thus far? Hope everybody is well. 

Yeah, it was through a contact at the university. My hope is that my specialization is pretty niche. Not many in the US do Syriac, particularly, from a philological angle focused on asceticism and poetry. I just worry that I used the wrong writing sample... My original number one choice, CUA, seemed promising in my admittance. However, they are not able to provide funding for the coming academic year, due to the ongoing pandemic. They said, if admitted, I could defer to 2022, which is, of course, possible, but requires some discernment. 

To answer both of y’all, Saint Louis U. Thank you for the well wishes and solidarity. 

To answer both of y’all, Saint Louis U. Thank you for the well wishes and solidarity. 

Man, I am anxious! Fellow religious studies friends, I think grad cafe is making me more anxious, haha. Two days ago, I received an email from my top choice saying that my application was missing my writing sample. Luckily, I got that squared away. I don't know whether to take their reviewing of my application as a good thing, in that perhaps, I'll hear something from them soon? Man, oh man... I wonder what my chances are...

Man, I am anxious! Fellow religious studies friends, I think grad cafe is making me more anxious, haha. Two days ago, I received an email from my top choice saying that my application was missing my writing sample. Luckily, I got that squared away. I don't know whether to take their reviewing of my application as a good thing, in that perhaps, I'll hear something from them soon? Man, oh man... I wonder what my chances are...