uname_suggests_rdumb

Lurker here ! Got my first official rejection from MIT in PE this morning. Tough pill to swallow as my fit for the MIT was very, very strong. On the other hand, had real issues with some administrative documents (their dep. was not particularly helpful, in fact they never answered to anything), so there is a STRONG chance my application was not even considered. This is in fact very frustrating but, in terms of ego and belief in my capacities, more of a status-quo kind of thing than a damning one. I will try for sure next year. Other than that, I only applied at Georgetown in IR and fully expect a rejection. Fit was strong, but competition seemed unreal.
Truth be told, really not a bright idea to apply to only two programs, but truth is I was obsessed with a MsC program at Oxford which, coupled with the insecurity regarding political climate in the States (during Fall), took my attention away from an American PhD possibility. I found out in mid November that some schools did not require GRE scores, got in contact with a Pr. at MIT through a research partner in McGill a week later and brushed up a SOP with the help of said Pr. Thought I had a good shot, but made mistakes along the way which probably really cost me.
This whole thing is a learning process and I am glad I went through it, even though I am unsuccessful. I think I have a  strong profile but, at the end of the day, still am originating from a small francophone Canadian university.  I embrace the challenge, I am only 24 years old (which I understand is fairly older than many of my compatriots on this forum, but still young in the general scheme of things),  will come back next year with way more options and hopefully with better sample and a good GRE scores. 
Do not let this cycle, which has been affected by COVID in more ways that I think we can comprehend, dictate how you see yourself as an academic. Life has that weird tendency, a frustrating one to say the least, to  create paths for yourself that will seem non-linear, filled with obstacles ; a zigzagging journey that will test everything you have. You do have to believe in this process and understand that Life has a plan for you and that you need to trust it. This cycle is one small event in a career that will, one day,  bring you cherished friendships, discoveries and experiences. Do not give up.
See you next year ! Peace.

Thank you all so much for your kind words yesterday after I got my first, and likely only acceptance! It was quite an overwhelming day so I was logged off the forum for most of the day after I got the call.
Congrats to everyone who has gotten good news in the meantime, and good luck to everyone still waiting it out! I have gotten literally only rejections until getting into my dream program, so don't lose hope!

at least MIT had a quick turnaround to send out rejections! im on my last two now eek

Good point. You could also send an email like that to admissions or whoever you've been in contact with. Good luck!

I just received an offer from MIT
 
No idea if the previous ones were legitimate though.

Claiming MIT acceptance in AP. 

I received the email with funding info about 3 hours ago. They received close to 650 applicants according to the email. 

Claiming an acceptance at MIT! Comparative politics. Email came about 3.5 hr ago. 

with some of these schools saying results will be out by the end of the month im gonna be a bit annoyed if friday comes and still no news

Has anyone heard anything about MIT?  They have been radio silent the entire cycle.

I just got a call from the program director for Government & Social Policy at Harvard letting me know I've been accepted!
Really can't believe it, I had completely given up hope for this cycle.

Can anyone who applied strictly to the Harvard gov program claim any of the admits in the results page?

Claiming an acceptance (with fellowship funding) from Riverside. Totally shocked, as I had no interview or contact since submitting. 

Rejected from every program I applied to.
And then... Stanford!
 
Want to thank everyone on this forum! Your positivity kept me alive!

Rejected at Stanford too. Hoping for a swift response from Harvard to officially declare the end of my cycle.

I would also like to point out that most of the top US programs are VERY orthodox and VERY narrow-minded in what constitutes "worth pursuing." To the point that there are many good (and scholarly articles) out there about how political science is writing itself out of relevancy. I didn't apply to any top 10 programs this time for that reason, because I am passionate about my research and much life and professional experience has convinced me of its relevance. I was specifically told by a political science professor this year to keep in mind that, "just because it is a compelling real-world political problem, doesn't make it an interesting political science question." While I can see how that might theoretically be the case, there is still a huge problem with the privileged ivory tower getting to decide which random and often irrelevant political science questions deserve attention this decade. I have no idea what your specific research focuses on, but if you are passionate it, don't give up. Don't let a very small portion of the profession that has made up the rules on what is worth pursuing or not tell you otherwise. The rules are constantly rewritten and the more scholars that are out there pursuing interesting, relevant, cutting edge work, the more that becomes the norm. I'd urge you to seek out other scholars who are interested in similar questions, and worry less about the rankings of the programs they are at (not that you didn't do that this time - I don't want to assume!). But I do know that a lot of amazing academics who wrote the book on something didn't come from top ten or top twenty programs, but wound up redefining how those programs taught. 
I'll get off of my soap box now! Sorry for the ramble, I know I don't know you, but you've been a good influence on this forum and I hate to see great potential scholars disheartened by a system that isn't designed to create innovation and advancement but rather to replicate itself over and over again. I hope the future sees an army of political science renegades constantly redefining the profession we are all so passionate about!
(To be clear, I'm not putting down anyone who goes to or got into a top 10 program - that is amazing, and if your research interests fit go get it! I'm just advocating that there are other very relevant areas of research outside of what some of those programs are willing to consider.)

Thank you everyone who is sending out positive energy - it is much needed. 
I also claim rejections from Duke and Stanford. I think it is time to admit this cycle is over for me. Realistically speaking, I do have other backup plans, and I went into this cycle knowing that it's not likely I'll get anything. Yet, that slightest hope kept me day-dreaming, and I dare to admit that I am frustrated about it. 
Best of luck to everyone still waiting for admission results.
And for myself: Stay strong, don't be caught up with an obsession, and be open to life. 

Thank you everyone who is sending out positive energy - it is much needed. 
I also claim rejections from Duke and Stanford. I think it is time to admit this cycle is over for me. Realistically speaking, I do have other backup plans, and I went into this cycle knowing that it's not likely I'll get anything. Yet, that slightest hope kept me day-dreaming, and I dare to admit that I am frustrated about it. 
Best of luck to everyone still waiting for admission results.
And for myself: Stay strong, don't be caught up with an obsession, and be open to life. 

I would like to give a huge thanks to everyone on this forum for being such a supportive group this year. This cycle has effectively ended for me, pending my MA application responses. 
I will be taking a break from this forum and come back around April to post my final results as I'm in the last leg of my master's (thesis defense soon ?) and would like to focus on finishing on a strong note.
If you would like to keep in touch beyond this forum, I'm pretty active on Twitter! DM me and I'll send my handle to you. 
Congratulations again to all those who have received offers in such a difficult cycle -- if you are planning to apply in another cycle, you'll probably see me on this forum again. 
Best wishes to all! ☺️❤️

Two admissions is nothing to sneeze at! And while it's fine to change your research interests in grad school, don't do it just because you weren't the right fit for other schools. You might be able to pursue those interests at the programs you're admitted to--indeed, they may be excited for you to do so! There's so much that goes into an admit decision and so much of it is beyond your control that I would urge you not to give up something you're interested in. 

A likely tough week ahead friends, good luck to everyone!
Life and the present is always more important  

A likely tough week ahead friends, good luck to everyone!
Life and the present is always more important  

A likely tough week ahead friends, good luck to everyone!
Life and the present is always more important  

and even accounting for this year's off-the-schedule admissions timeline, MIT results should be out soon...
But, I'd still take 5 rejections over another week of coming-but-not-coming admission results.
(Editing to make it more positive: hang in there friends! Remember, 20 standard drinks per week before it's alcoholism (European standards, obviously :)))

and even accounting for this year's off-the-schedule admissions timeline, MIT results should be out soon...
But, I'd still take 5 rejections over another week of coming-but-not-coming admission results.
(Editing to make it more positive: hang in there friends! Remember, 20 standard drinks per week before it's alcoholism (European standards, obviously :)))