generalstrike

Just my 2 cents from afar: I don't think it's disrespectful at all to ask about the purpose of the test. If this is a component of what's expected of you as part of the program, they should have no problem telling you about it.

I have never seen a school be so deliberate in announcing decisions. One wonders what their process is like. I'm thinking there will be at least some turnover with the admits. There is a lot that's attractive about the program, but they provide only four years of guaranteed funding, which will be a significant consideration for people considering multiple offers (presumably including five years' funding).

I'm the UIC admit. I can't know this for sure, but from all indications you will get an email from them if you make the waitlist. Incidentally, the email containing my acceptance letter was sent by an HR official, so Google put in my "promotions" inbox and I almost missed it. In any case, feel free to DM me if you have questions about the details of the package they offer (hopefully for your consideration this year, but otherwise for when you're selecting schools next cycle).

^^The very real support this forum has afforded me during this difficult time has been negated by this truly gargantuan mountain of condescension. I'm out, guys. Still pulling for all of you.

"what a time to be a U.S. historian" Whether or not the acceptances are legit, I would love an explanation of exactly what this means.

For those waiting on updates out of UIC: Got a warm response from the DGS, who says AdComm is still reviewing applications, and that we should expect to hear back "by the end of February." Her note suggested that the cohort size would not change this cycle, but PhD program is quite small to begin with (6 to 8 admits, plus more for the MA). Also said that the alternate was always very active (although conditions this cycle will probably have some impact there), so don't count yourself out if you get waitlisted.

Also have an MA and am on my second cycle, and feeling exactly the same way. I had lowered my expectations for this cycle, and yet, I feel more depressed than last time around (although some of that stems from feeling misled about cohort size, as I mentioned before). If I'm experiencing this much disillusionment and emotional anguish before I even enter a program, I have to accept that maybe I just don't have a future in this field ?.

Seems the general trend the last few years has been to eliminate the requirement, but my guess is that some schools will still want it. My scores expire this year – will add that one to the "reasons to not bother applying next year" column. First in that column is that I really feel like we got played with these ridiculously small cohort numbers, about which there was very little transparency. True, a few schools – a few – warned about reduced cohort size before applications were due, but even then, did anybody here really think that meant *five people*?

Congrats to the Wisconsin admits! Man, with things as tough as they are, getting that letter has got to feel good.

Don't know about the portal, but yes, that's what I meant – offers have gone out. I'm sorry, everyone : /

I can officially verify that Chicago is off the table.

I also doubt that they're trolls, but then again I only just learned that this was a common phenomenon here. In any case, it is a bit strange that waitlists would go out first (if that is indeed what happened).

People really do that? That is profoundly inscrutable behavior.

So anxious. As far as I can tell, this was my best shot – had encouraging (informal) interviews with two POI who said they'd recommend me to the committee. Nevertheless, both were very clear that I should align my expectations with the realities of the cycle. Good luck to everyone else waiting!

Hi everyone! This is my first post, but this thread has been a valuable source of comfort the past couple of weeks, in addition to providing some intel. I'm wondering if anyone has any information on the University of Washington that they'd feel comfortable sharing (in addition to whoever submitted the recent acceptance, whom I've already solicited on the results page). Also waiting on Georgetown and UIC, as well as a number of other schools mentioned here. Post-war U.S. labor history and history of capitalism, FWIW. Thanks – and solidarity!