funny_face

The usual cohort size is 12-14, and the break down is typically Americanists ~6-7; Asianists ~1-2; Africanists 1; Europeanists ~2-3; Latin Americanists ~1-2; Medievalists ~1-2. The incoming cohort will be smaller than usual, but not drastically cut down like other programs have done. The department is either more confident in the capacity of the program or hoping that keeping up similar numbers shows confidence in the program to administration. ? For those admitted but are weighing options: if your research is going to involve language training and international research, I advise you to get in touch with your prospective advisor to ask how they/the geographic field is adjusting expectations during the pandemic. There's been some irritation over the "business as usual" and "we can't drop standards" from some corners of the department. Also, I strongly advise to do a deep dive into local archival holdings in Chicagoland (also research centers--like those at the Newberry Library) to determine if there could be enough in the area to tide you over in the event of the pandemic continuing to affect travel and research into 2022/23. (in fact, everyone should poke around to determine what is available in the immediate vicinity of their potential program. Far too many mid-status grad students [not yet writing] are having to adjust their projects to address the lack of access to materials they said they would consult in their prospectus.) Chicago is significantly more affordable than Ann Arbor when taken holistically (rent, utilities, food, etc)--and there are more neighborhoods you can choose from based on your lifestyle because it isn't built around a university. The stipend is generous enough to live comfortably without roommates. Also, the public transportation is marvelous compared to A2.