LMSoc

I've fallen back into listening to music I used to have on repeat all the time. Also really love using Beyonce's "Homecoming Live" on spotify as pump up music to energize me and pump up doing work. I live for performers that sound incredible live.

This sounds fun! I wish I was as dedicated to my hobbies or carved out more time for them amongst my work life.

I've been telling myself the past few weeks I would paint and haven't yet. And good luck on your research competition!

Everytime I see people say they found out via portals I panic a bit, even if I didn't apply to that program. I've been doing better at not checking the portals constantly and just casually checking email, but now I just want to log-in.... As a way to distract: Are you doing anything fun/relaxing this weekend? I'm trying out this viral feta pasta recipe I saw that looks amazing and possibly breaking out my watercolor paints.

Lol this was me earlier today ?, but I only did it once so I guess that's progress? [compared to twice in the morning and afternoons) I try to keep busy with work but I check gradcafe every couple hours still and that's how I know to check my email/portals. My usual focus tricks aren't always working either. It also gives me anxiety when I see other programs at the same university releasing results (if the main results page is accurate). All this waiting is slowly killing me.

No, and I'm anxious cause I've heard nothing (no interviews). I'm guessing I won't get in because it's already a super competitive program and it felt like a reach when I consider myself as a candidate given the competition this year. I really loved their program though, hopefully news will be shared soon!

Thank you for sharing this! I agree that so much is so different this cycle with COVID that I keep telling myself to not make too many assumptions. Everyone's trying their best in this process, and I imagine it's really hard for departments to make these decisions with all the factors they have to consider. Hopefully we'll both hear some good news from them soon!

I saw on the results page someone shared that Indiana-Sociology is making final decisions and releasing their decisions in the next two weeks, I'm curious if anyone had an interview there and is willing to share (or if they did interviews at all?). I haven't heard anything and am kind of trying to figure out if I should let go of hope in getting accepted there (my top choice). Kind of nervous in general about not being requested for any interviews, as it seems this cycle that's more common. Trying to keep the "no news is still good news" at this point but the waiting is slowly killing me.

All of this! I keep trying to affirm that my worth isn't connected to me being accepted anywhere this cycle, but it's also ok to sit with your emotions (grief, sadness, etc.) if you're not getting news you'd hoped for right now. The main thing is to not get stuck on the emotion, but to process and move forward. I also really agree with the limit time on portals as a way to manage the anxiety of waiting! GradCafe has been a nice find in the midst of this whole process (thanks twitter)! I sorta wish I had found it sooner (before finishing apps), but it's especially nice as we wait to hear back from programs. It's definitely been scary watching others hear back and not having heard anything from my programs. I'm kind of surprised I haven't seen many inquiries about some of the programs I applied to (variety of tiers and program styles), and that's added to my anxiety a bit. Hopefully the process of waiting moves quickly so we can all relax for this cycle!

I really appreciate your reframe and advice here! I've actually already been thinking about how to reframe my personal statement and swap out one of my LORs. By next cycle, I'd have another semester or two of teaching under my belt too. I also believe in not limiting myself post-grad option wise, but I do know I want to teach in some capacity. Honestly, I wish academia wasn't such an elitist/gate kept place. I hope to see academia change, and I would love to be help it change but first I have to get in somewhere. I'm hoping a few of my programs were less popular as I haven't seen them listed and I stand a chance there. I only applied to schools that I felt could support my both as a student and person (culture fit was a huge factor for me if I'm going to get a doctorate). Thank you again for sharing this!

I had a similar train of thought, especially given how so many in the field of sociology are worried about the future job market (in academia in particular). I guess I thought people might look at other fields...but it seems that was also wrong. I literally keep running through my applications and thinking about what I "should" have done instead. I only applied to six programs (and a variety in terms of tiers) who I felt could support me and that I could contribute to in regards to fit. I haven't heard back anywhere and my gut keeps sinking thinking I'm not getting in anywhere. I'm keeping a similar thought as you in mind: it's not my fault if I don't get in. Everything is so strange right now and competition is fierce, so if I have to try again, I have to try again this fall. For now though I'll just eat ice cream and work on lecture slides ?