[Academia Is a Cult]

I find this thread very interesting. A little insight from a (much) older PhD student...

I got my MA back in 2009. My colleagues who went on to complete their PhDs in 2015  all landed jobs at excellent (top-tier) universities, because we went to an top-tier university. (Many of you probably already know this but, historically, you educate up to work down. Those who get PhDs at Ivy League schools have the largest application pool, from the Ivies to really excellent liberal arts colleges or state schools, all the way down the rankings. Those who get PhDs at great state schools will have to look lower down the line, and so on. This, however, may not be as rigorous a rule as it once was in the future...)

After watching my professors for a year, I decided that, at 23, that life was not for me. I wanted to have a LIFE, not just to live my job. So I went and got a regular job and lived my life. Now, at almost 37, I am going back to school, because I love my areas of study and want to teach. The program I chose (in Comp Lit) is good, but not hyper competitive. If students want to become professors, they will support that, but they also support other types of career development. I want to become a professor, but I don't have any illusions about where I may be able to teach. If I can get tenure at a community college, that would be great. 

I think one of the problems with the traditional, academic approach to PhDs is that the vision of what one can do with the degree is so very limited. Teaching jobs exist at all levels and many pay a livable wage, but the life of a professional academic (especially at the highest levels) is grueling. It is not just teaching a few days a week and summers off. It is a full-time job and then some. And it is political as all hell. It is fascinating and consuming and challenging and definitely not for everyone. My MA program was very clear about that and they wanted their students to know what they were getting themselves into. I will be forever grateful to them for that.

While I know I want to teach, I also know that I have other options. Since I study languages, I could go into a field using those skills (research, translation, tutoring/teaching, etc). As I've done in the past, I could run my own small business combining a variety of my interests, or I could go back to my previous career in retail and restaurant management. Former graduates from my department have gone into the private sector, doing HR and non-profit work. I could do freelance writing/research or I could get a university job that is a staff rather than a faculty position (and those jobs are abundant). I have the advantage of age and experience here, and I know I will never be without options, but there is no reason why even young grad students, fresh out of undergrad, can't find other alternatives. It is up to us to change the established approach to PhDs. (And, no, that won't be easy either. Academia is rather stuck in its ways...) The job market is forcing a revision, especially in the humanities, and I believe those with passion, vision and enthusiasm are definitely up to the task.

Best of luck to all. I hope you enjoy your educational process and that you find ways to use your knowledge to make a positive impact on our world. 

[Decision Anxiety: Faculty vs Funding vs Location vs Life]

19 minutes ago, WildeThing said:

I would ask UCDavis if you'd be able to be long-distance/online once you finished coursework. If so (and you'd need to get this in writing) you could do your coursework, get to know the faculty, etc. while your partner is deployed, do one year of separation (in which you might be able to progressively relocate to NY so it's not so jarring for the kids), and then relocate to NY and do everything long-distance. Of course, the negative here is that you and the kids would have to relocate twice in a short amount of time.

If not, while there are no guarantees you'd get another offer in a new cycle (especially if you're limiting yourself to the NY area), I might relocate to NY. I did 2 years of separation from then-girlfriend now-wife while I did my MA and it was awful. I know some people do fine, and it was indeed fine, it was just noticeably worse than spending time together (I know of multiple couples who did a full PhD in different countries). But, the complicating factor here are the kids and I imagine it would be very difficult to basically raise your kids as faux-single parents for such a long time. I just don't think the PhD is worth it (especially given all the pre-existing negatives of the PhD).

Note that I am assuming here that the question is whether YOU should give up on UCDavis rather than whether it's a question of you doing it or your husband giving up on the job. You could have a whole debate on who should do what but that's a personal issue and not something anyone can (or should) comment on. (Also I am assuming your partner has the job, your post suggested they might still be in the process of it).

 

 

Thank you so much for weighing in. I really appreciate your willingness to share your personal experience. My husband is in-process with the job. The hiring process takes about a year and a half. So, it is not a done deal yet and wouldn't be official until after he returns from deployment anyway.

My funding at Davis is TA/teaching-dependent so, while I can apply for/take a total of a year (maybe two) of fellowship outside of that, I really have to be on-site. I could, theoretically, finish a bit faster since I already have my MA, but we are still looking at 4-5 years, if I bust my hump.

I would be limited to NY, CT, NJ and PA for next year. I feel like applying again has some advantages (I'm a Slavist and many programs closed applications this year so I would actually have a wider pool), but I also don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth. I feel so fortunate that I got in to one of my programs this cycle, of all years. 

 

 

[Decision Anxiety: Faculty vs Funding vs Location vs Life]

I am having a hard time deciding as well; not between programs (I only got into one) but, rather, whether I take the offer I got this year or wait until next cycle and reapply. There are a variety of complicating factors to our situation that were not in play when I applied. I literally don't know what to do...

Here's my situation: I am older (36), with a spouse and two kids (6 and 3). I got into a funded six year program at UCDavis, which is only a few hours from my extended family, which is great. It does require relocation, but not so very far from where we are now. All good stuff.

Here is where things get tricky: My husband is up for a job in New York. He applied in October of 2019. When we didn't hear anything by October 2020, we figured his application was dead in the water so I applied to grad school. Then, in January 2021, the job reached out and he began the interview process. My program here is six years. I can't fathom us being on opposite coasts for SIX YEARS. But it is his dream job. And grad school is my dream that will lead to my dream job. Ugh.

The other factor is that he is getting deployed for literally my first whole year of school. (He is in the Navy reserves and got tagged for deployment at the end of December.) He will be gone from July 2020 to May 2021. I am certainly not the only solo parent to embark on a graduate education, but that plus the relocation is pretty overwhelming.

Lots of moving pieces and so much to consider here. So, do I:

- start the program here and consider trying to transfer later (which is no mean feat)?

- wait a year and reapply (most of my ideal programs, all of which are on the east coast, closed applications this year due to Covid), or am I too old?

- just do school here and we see each other over summer and when we have vacations?

I would love some objective advice from folks who are not emotionally invested in this situation. Any input would be massively appreciated.

 

[2021 Applicants]

Anyone have any insight on the whole secret waitlist thing? I applied to one PhD program in Lit and have heard nothing, but I know they have already sent out both rejections and acceptances. I reached out once and was told I should hear in late March but everyone else heard in early February. Not sure what exactly that means, but it has been suggested that maybe I'm on an unofficial waitlist. Are any of you aware of or familiar with this process? Thanks!

[Comp Lit 2021 Applicants]

21 hours ago, Modpol said:

Hi everyone,

I am sorry if this is not the right place to ask this question, but I scrolled through a few pages of this thread and I thought some people here might be able to advise me.

I applied to a couple PhD programmes (outside of US), got two offers, but unfortunately the funding situation is not looking too good. I am now planning my next application cycle. My interests are Comparative Literature, Translation Studies and modernist Slavic Literature (not Russian though). I also sometimes work with German and English literature(s).

I was wondering if anyone here knew of strong doctoral programmes in Slavonic Studies in the US which are not Russian Lit-oriented (as far as I know, most Ivy League departments are), and also whether anyone here has had any experience with applying to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

I would appreciate your help and apologies again if this is not the right place to ask.

Best wishes!

Slavist here. I am not aware of any Slavic programs in the US that are not Russian Lit-oriented/based. You can absolutely go well beyond Russian, but that is always the primary. Options for Slavonic studies are pretty limited for PhDs. You should poke around the AATSEEL site. There might be someone there you can reach out to for advice. I

would definitely recommend looking into comp lit as well. If you find a program at a school that has a great Slavic graduate faculty where they offer a wide array of language and lit options (like Berkeley), you can definitely use your Slavic language as a part of your degree (even the primary part). If you are studying a more minor Slavic language, that could make you an excellent and unique applicant for a comp lit program. 

[2021 Applicants]

14 hours ago, caitlin_flawed said:

Hey! I posted my acceptance a while ago, I think most decisions have gone out already. 

Thank you! I was checking the results page and apparently was using the wrong search terms. ?

Based on historic data, I figured they would have sent out most decisions by now (not sure why I haven't heard anything yet). I did reach out last month and was told that they would be delayed this year, due to COVID (which does not appear to be true), and that I shouldn't expect to hear anything until late March. Maybe she was trying to let me down easy? ?

[Comp Lit 2021 Applicants]

3 hours ago, angrychalupa said:

Thank you!! I'm not 100% sure I'll be going-- I'm the #1 waitlist at a diff school's German department (and they're actually appealing the school to try to get me accepted), and I'm waiting to hear back from one final school for what I'm assuming is a rejection. So it'll be a tossup of UC Davis and the unnamed other one I do Jewish lit, mostly German, but also Slavic/Yiddish lit a bit, as well. 

I think I got in off the waitlist for UCD. I'm honestly in complete shock. I thought I had totally bombed my interview. 

Very cool! I just went to a (virtual) Slavic conference and saw an interesting presentation on early 20th century Yiddish poetry. Jewish lit is something I've always wanted to get into, but just never quite made it there. Maybe this time around, I'll finally make the leap!

I'm a Slavist (Russian 19th-20th century lit), primarily, but have done mostly comparative research in the past, with a focus on performance theory as well as feminist criticism/women's studies.

Again, so thrilled for you that you got in! It seems like such an awesome program and everyone I've spoken to has been incredibly kind and solicitous. Here's hoping I see you in Proseminar in the fall! 

[2021 Applicants]

Did anyone else apply to the Literature PhD at UCSC? Has anyone heard anything?

There is nothing on the results page but figured it was worth asking...

[Comp Lit 2021 Applicants]

14 hours ago, angrychalupa said:

I JUST GOT IN TO UC DAVIS WHAT THE FUCK!!!!!!!!!! 6 years' funding!!!

 

i'm so hoping this means good things for my other fellow confused applicants like @Magic Lanternoh my god i'm going to puke. 

 

i was at work and my boss thought something terrible had happened because i screamed his name and was laugh-crying.

Yay! I am so so happy for you!

I got in as well, and am planning on accepting (waiting on two more implied rejections before I make my final choice).

What are you research interests? I know it is a pretty small cohort so I'm keen to get to know everyone!

[2021 Applicants]

Just got an email titled "From the Office of Admissions" and I almost choked when I saw the notification...

It was just a spam message from a school I signed up to get notifications from, but didn't end up applying to.

They should be FORBIDDEN from sending out stuff like that during response/rejection/dejection season. SERIOUSLY.

I'm still waiting on two schools but am about ready to give up on them ever getting back to me. I submitted my applications the third week of October, so this wait has felt interminable. 

[2021 Applicants]

7 hours ago, missmarianne said:

GUYS! IT'S HERE! IT'S HERE!!!! THE BABY ARTICLE IS OUT IN THE WORLD NOW!

I do hope some of y'all can relate to this as well. 

https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/a-graduate-school-rejection-letter-as-written-by-my-anxiety-disorder-at-3-am

This was such a total delight to read. Thank you! This brightened my evening, as I obsessively check my portals to see if annnnyyyyyone is ready/willing to reject me to my face...

[Slavic MA/PhD Applicants for Fall 2021?]

On 2/28/2021 at 9:24 AM, vivian_ said:

I want to stay on the academic track and eventually go on to do a PhD in either CompLit (which I studied as an undergrad) or Slavic Studies. I'm hoping doing an MA would help me refine my research interests and fill in the gaps in my knowledge of the Russian tradition. I studied the language for 4 years, did a summer abroad, and wrote a senior project on Russian literature/literary theory, but I still feel like doing an MA first would really help me formulate a PhD project (as well as give me a taste of what graduate studies might be like)!

I would say an MA would definitely do all of those things for you. While most of the faculty I worked with at Columbia is gone now, I can say it is an excellent program and I found it most enlightening. The faculty was supportive, interested (in my work and also in me, as a person) and very interesting. I will say that, if you opt to continue to a PhD at another school/in another program, you may find (as I am finding now) that you will not be able to transfer much of your MA coursework toward your PhD. Be that as it may, it will definitely prepare you for graduate studies and give you an amazing foundation from which to go forth and do excellent, interesting and rigorous work. 

[2021 Applicants]

Who sends out a rejection at 8pm on a Saturday?!?!?!

Relieved to have the info, but it did make it hard to sleep. Soooooo many failure dreams. 

Two more programs still pending...

Good luck to all! Hoping for good news for everyone this next week!

[Slavic MA/PhD Applicants for Fall 2021?]

One more rejection to add to the pile. Heard from Stanford yesterday.

Hoping you all are getting better news!

[Slavic MA/PhD Applicants for Fall 2021?]

2 hours ago, prigov said:

I had an interview with Northwestern and they told me they wanted to take me. Since then I haven't heard back from them (2 weeks?..), so I'm a little nervous.

Congratulations! If that is what they verbally represented, I am sure you will get in. That is marvelous! It's such a phenomenal program. Keep us posted and I hope you get your formal offer soon!

[2021 Applicants]

1 hour ago, TTFilmMedia said:

I also applied to UC Davis' Com Lit., but haven't heard back from them (no rejection, waitlist, interview request, nothing). I'm thinking by now I should just assume rejection. Still wanna ask tho, do you think they could still be sending out anything other than rejections? Thank you very much!

Hi @TTFilmMedia. I honestly am not sure where they are on in the process. I know interviews are done and I *think*, based on the results page, that all acceptances have been sent out, for now. (I believe they said there were four spots and those four folks appear to have been contacted.) I don't know their process about notifying people about waitlist versus rejections, but it looks like, historically, that rejections go out anywhere from late February to mid-March.

There is no harm in reaching out for more info, in my opinion. I am still awaiting replies from three programs and reached out to all, just to ask when I might expect to hear from them. I heard back from two with info about when I could expect to hear, which has helped me temper my anxiety a bit. 

Hope this helps! Will keep my fingers crossed for you!

[2021 Applicants]

1 hour ago, clara salmon said:

Hey guys! I have an informal meeting over Zoom with my top POI at Davis (where I've been accepted) later this afternoon. I know I have some specific questions pertaining to my studies/the program itself which I'd like to ask him - does anyone have recommendations as to what other things I should probably ask as well? My mind is going a bit blank because I'm nervous and want to be sure I'm asking the right things and getting as much information as I can (without overwhelming them, of course)!

Thanks in advance friends!!

Is this in the English department? I did the same in Comp Lit. I asked about the program (some specifics about the degree process and requirements, especially how my MA could be utilized to help cut down on my coursework), I asked a lot about TA-ships (since that is part of my funding deal), and about the place itself (where to live, etc - I have a family so I have other considerations to take into account in this respect). 

My specialization is a bit unusual for the department, so we talked a bit about crossover areas of interest, etc. I did a TON of research ahead of time, read the grad handbook, degree requirements, and so on, to make sure I got to ask all the clarifying questions I felt I needed at this point. You will never be able to ask everything, but you are starting the conversation and will be able to follow up, via email, should other questions arise. Your questions will be specific to your situation, but just know you won't think to ask everything. You will get lots of info and will probably come up with more questions as you chat. 

I've also been up for a visit campus and Davis since talking with folks in my department and would be happy to share my impressions of the physical space via PM, if that would be helpful to you. I didn't meet with anyone in person, but took a drive around and did some exploring. 

Hope your chat is helpful and informative!

[Slavic MA/PhD Applicants for Fall 2021?]

Just wanted to post that I reached out to Stanford and they said that applicants should be hearing in the next week or two. Not sure if anyone has already received an acceptance, but thought I'd spread the word in case anyone else is waiting.

Also, if the person who got an interview at Northwestern is on this chat: Have you heard anything yet? 

[2021 Applicants]

9 minutes ago, Shake829 said:

Just curious: do you anticipate a better or worse cycle next year?

I think there are a couple of factors that will affect the process for next year...

The primary factor will be funding. Fallout from the pandemic is going to be rough and may seriously impact funding, or, it may not. (I spoke to someone at one university about this. It is very much a "wait and see" situation for departments right now and they don't really have a sense of what is going to happen.)

The secondary factor is the number of programs accepting applications. This year, I found that about half the programs I wanted to apply to had suspended applications. I imagine others had a similar experience. The suspensions ended up funneling a large group of applicants into a smaller number of programs. Many of those programs, in turn, accepted smaller cohorts due to funding concerns. So, we had a really big supply and demand problem this year. Consequently, however, a lot of folks may opt to apply again next year, which may inflate the size of next year's applicant pool.

It is my sense that next year will be better in some ways, and the same in others. The competition may be equally fierce, but there will be more opportunity to apply to programs that are the best possible fit for each applicant. Also, having gone through this cycle, should you choose to apply again, you will be going in with both perspective and experience that will serve you well and enable you to really tailor your applications for each program, next time around. That said, I think the cycle itself may be about the same next year, but may turn out better for those who applied this year and were disappointed.

[Slavic MA/PhD Applicants for Fall 2021?]

22 hours ago, vivian_ said:

Hi all! Just wanted to poke my head in and see if anyone else was applying to MA programs. I applied to NYU and Columbia and am very curious about both programs. 

Hey! I didn't apply to MAs this year but I did get my MA in Russian Lit from Columbia back in 2009. It was PHENOMENAL. Most of the professors I worked with are no longer there, but the department is really excellent and the course of study is pretty well-rounded. I will say, the free-standing MA is grueling because you do almost two years of coursework in a year+one summer, so it is intense. If you end up getting in, I definitely have more advice to share! Do you have a plan for what to do with your MA? (I didn't really when I got mine so no judgement if you are doing it just because you love it. I have a bit of a different perspective on the pros/cons now, almost 12 years later...)

On 2/16/2021 at 1:55 PM, Jpycco said:

Anything new?

Nothing on my end. Awaiting implied rejections from my last two Slavic programs Northwestern and Stanford. (Didn't get invited to interview at either.) Looks like I will be going the Comp Lit route, since that is the only program I got into and I am a bit old to try again next year...

[2021 Applicants]

17 hours ago, A Small Raven said:

Oh my goodness thank you so much for such a thorough response! I really appreciate it. This is my first PhD admissions cycle, and I don't think I was completely prepared for quite how competitive it would be honestly. I got my MA in England and the application process was very different than I think it is here. Definitely learning a lot this round for my PhD apps. 

@A Small RavenI am not sure what things have looked like in recent years but, it seems to me, based on previous experience, that this year is far more competitive than usual. With so many programs limiting cohort sizes or suspending applications entirely, everyone has been funneled into a smaller pool and the competition for those coveted spots (and funding) is fierce. This cycle, for me, has not turned out at all how I was hoping it would, but it may all be for the best, in the end. Hang in there!

[Comp Lit 2021 Applicants]

6 minutes ago, Warelin said:

Quick note: What do you mean by transfer? I'm not aware of any grad program where you can just transfer into. Changing programs will often require you to reapply and start from year 1 if accepted.

Yes, you would have to apply/reapply to transfer to a different program. Some programs will let you transfer credits toward your degree, especially if a PhD program is phased as MA/MPhil/PhD. For example, I am going into a PhD program, but already have an MA, and will be able to use some of my MA coursework toward my course requirements for the PhD. It isn't a direct transfer like undergrad credit transfers or institution transfers, and would be very program dependent (certainly not something all programs would be open to), but, from my research, it is not out of the question, depending on specialization. Especially if there is a very specific POI at another institution that you want to work with/who wants to work with you.

[2021 Applicants]

24 minutes ago, 1 Pint of Ricotta said:

This has been really hard for me to deal with when it's coming down to decision making.  Is it the best school for me, or is it just the highest ranked school I got into?  I had all these personal rankings before I applied that I essentially threw out the window once I got into some USNews-well-ranked universities.  Now I'm struggling to decide how important the ranking is to my future, especially in terms of job applications.

In my, admittedly, limited experience (I already did my MA but have not yet embarked on my PhD), school rank/prestige is important in the post-grad job market, but your enjoyment of the program and your success therein directly correlates to how good a fit the program is for you and you, for it. 

If you are in a program where you feel supported and you have excellent faculty to work with, you will end up being more productive and much happier, which may end up making you a better candidate in the long run (better/more research and writing, more teaching experience, better support when you hit burnout, etc).

I would trust your instincts. Getting into excellent programs is flattering and exciting, but there may be a happy medium for you. Think over your communications with the departments, your interviews and everything you have gleaned thus far. Every program will be rigorous, but a program that is truly invested in you will make getting through it enjoyable as well as viable.  

 

[Comp Lit 2021 Applicants]

1 hour ago, AdiCallai said:

hi @mashatheicebear,

congrats on your offer! i think a phd in comp lit might actually be an advantage when applying for jobs in area studies, and i imagine it won't be a problem to research only slavic languages for your degree as long as you fulfill the (probably two) languages requirement. you might also be able to find faculty from other programs to work with. ask.

unless you'd be giving up a nice job to take the offer, it seems like a no-brainer: it's the bird in the hand. you could reapply for slavic programs next year if you wanted. (i wonder if people have thoughts on that - would it be bad manners to apply for transfer? i know people do anyway)

as for becoming a professor: the market is fucked. we all know it. none of us should expect stable jobs in academia. have a back-up; maintain another career if you can.

Thank you for your input! I think it would be okay for me to apply for transfer if I find I can't complete my research in said comp lit department. There is definitely one faculty member I can work with, but she is literally the only one. I don't know her work well but we do share some overlap in both area studies and research interests. 

I will probably take the PhD offer. I feel like I am too old to wait another year, honestly. I am waiting to hear from a few more programs but none are looking promising, and only one of three is a truly excellent fit.

Since I've been out of academia for a long time, I do have work experience to fall back on. I've been running my own business for the last seven years and have been able to make a go of it, grueling as it may be. I enjoy the work, but it is not as engaging as I would like. But, it is comforting to know that that I have work experience and history in other fields, in case I cannot land a tenure position upon completion of my degree. I also would be okay teaching at a community college, which seems more attainable with a solid PhD and a lot of teaching experience. 

Thank you, again, for taking the time to reply. It is so helpful to get outside perspectives. 

1 hour ago, LtotheOG said:

I am sorry if this unhelpful — but this really comes down to what you want, or rather what you want more.

Would you rather that you passed on this offer for potentially nothing next year (as the argument goes)?
Is Slavic, or an ideal program worth the plaguing uncertainty (especially of these unprecedented times)?

I know nothing of your circumstances which in my case would be the basic determinant of what I end up doing.
So I’d ultimately ask myself, can I at this stage afford to play “go big or go home”?

With whatever you decide to do, I wish you the utmost success!

Thank you for replying to me! I wish I felt confident in waiting for another application cycle but, honestly, it would probably be a poor choice. I just don't understand enough about how age impacts eligibility in my field to know if applying again would be a fool's errand.

I really appreciate the input and the well-wishes! It is so helpful to get external perspectives from others going through this process. 

[Comp Lit 2021 Applicants]

Would love some advice from you all...I would ask for my family's input on this, but I think they are sick of my grad school anxiety....

I got into one Comp Lit program, but my specialization is actually Slavic Languages and Lit. Many Slavic programs were not taking applications this year, so my options were quite limited. The Comp Lit program I got into will absolutely let me do Russian for one of my literatures, which is great, but I am not sure I can convince them to let me do all Slavic (or if they even have the faculty to support it). They have a Russian undergrad department, but not a grad faculty. 

My question is this: Do I take the offer (it is fully funded by TA/teaching fellowships, which I am able to start my first year since I have an MA already) from the Comp Lit department or do I wait and apply again for Slavic next year? The big caveat here is that I am 36 (going on 37) and I worry that my age would be a deterrent for Slavic departments. Most Slavic departments are quite small (1-4 people per cohort) and many are fully funded, making the competition quite intense.

My end-goal is to teach. I want to be a professor of literature, preferably at a small college or university. The program I got into is good, and will give me lots of teaching experience, but doesn't typically see lots of graduates placed in academia. (That is not a primary goal of the department, though they are happy to support such an endeavor as best they can.) I am a bit concerned that this degree would limit my professional options, since the whole "educate up to teach down" thing seems pretty consistently true in my field...

Would love any and all input you guys would be willing to give. This is proving to be a much more stressful decision than I expected, and certainly a more stressful cycle than the first time I went to grad school, back in '07.