raabs

Yes, they are interviewing all candidates to ensure a very good fit (seeing as it's so competitive this year).

Sorry, I maybe should have been clearer. I meant when I eventually choose which offer to accept, should I attempt to negotiate a better funding package?

I was once told you should "never agree to the first PhD funding offer you receive", do we agree? Edit: I should have been clearer.. I'm saying once I receive all of my offers and I select my top-choice, should I always attempt to negotiate for a better funding package?

"This position (TA) comes with an academic year salary of approximately $XX,XXX. Compensation for your appointment includes a maximum of 9-18 hours of tuition coverage for each semester" Do we interpret this as meaning that my tuition will also be covered by the department in addition to the salary? I just want to make sure I am understanding it correctly. (I X'd out the amount for this post)

I think a lot of applicants see a professor has published on peacekeeping (random example) and they assume they are a strong fit because the applicant is also interested in peacekeeping. While that may normally be a good fit, these unprecedented times mean that an even stronger fit is required. In terms of whether a professor is taking a sabbatical or not is definitely luck, but I'd still say that schools are being more strategic than ever this year.

I really don't think the process is random or based on chance at all, it is all about fit. Given how competitive it is this year, even a "loose fit" will probably not suffice. I think that's the mistake a lot of people made, they applied to schools simply because of ranking and name.

Based on my offers so far, I can't help but think that fit (shown in your SoP) has been even more important than any other factor this year. I think grades and scores are becoming less important for committees and they are looking at whether your research interests directly align with one or more of their professors'. I think applicants next year should take this into consideration before blanket-applying

First time poster: How does the process work if I have received an official offer but I want to wait to see what offers/funding I get from other schools? Do I just wait and not reply to the official offer or..? Sorry if this is a rookie question.