phdplease101

FYI, there are more than 350 applicants competing for 10 spots in Upenn Comm. The program is too competitative.

Thank you so much for this kind reply, it is extremely helpful ! Indeed, i have to admit that my application package is not well-designed this year. USC, Upenn and UW-M are three schools i am most familiar with, because many senior students went there from my school in previous years. I probably will gap a year if, well, get another rejection and be more well-prepared next time. thanks again! and congrats to those successful candidates!

Also got rejection from Upenn today. No specific reasons, heart-broken, this is my #1 program. UW-Madison provided an offer without fundings. When asking for possible future funding opportunities, the graduate office was very negative and disencouraging. They won't be able to provide any money now and won't gurantee any funding in the future even if you self-fund the first year. If that's true, i will cry the rest of Feb....I have not heard any news from them and no interviews at all. I only applied Upenn (reject), UW-Madison (no money), and USC this year and USC is my last hope now...