WomanOfLetters

I'm applying internationally! I've studied in the U.S. before (three times, including an MA), and am planning to return for my PhD. I'm interested in applying for programs in other English-speaking countries too, but funding is a problem. I agree that it might be harder to get fundings for programs in the U.K.. As a matter of fact, I've applied for (and been lurking on this forum) programs in the U.S. for a few years already. I really do hope that I will get in at least one program this time. 

I'm afraid this is untrue! If you take a detailed look at the student profiles, you'll see a lot of students holding BAs and MAs from institutions outside the U.S. ? Anyway, the UCs don't really fit my interests and I'm eyeing on other some schools. ?

I'm afraid this is untrue! If you take a detailed look at the student profiles, you'll see a lot of students holding BAs and MAs from institutions outside the U.S. ? Anyway, the UCs don't really fit my interests and I'm eyeing on other some schools. ?

I'm so tired of this

I'm actively manifesting a Cornell acceptance too - not the English program though! Good luck to all of us! ???

Private universities like Duke and NYU and Emory aren't giving funding packages nearly as generous as the Ivies but almost on the same level the UCs, and these schools all charge a pretty high application fee. Every program has exceptions, I guess! Judging from the student profiles on the program websites, I found the UCs recruited quite a lot of Asian students in the past. So don't just listen to rumors but see things with your own eyes! ?

Private universities like Duke and NYU and Emory aren't giving funding packages nearly as generous as the Ivies but almost on the same level the UCs, and these schools all charge a pretty high application fee. Every program has exceptions, I guess! Judging from the student profiles on the program websites, I found the UCs recruited quite a lot of Asian students in the past. So don't just listen to rumors but see things with your own eyes! ?

I think the African American literature thing came from the Black Lives Matter movement. But with Covid and Asian hate they are not specifying taking more Asian literature or Asian American literature studies students ?
I agree it would be great if the schools can just tell us what they are looking for each year - in social sciences and sciences professors who are not taking PhD students would put up an announcement on the website. Then again in humanities they don't do it. Probably it's because the humanities are lacking funding and grad applications each year make a good source of extra income, albeit how small it is. I mean, why would the UCs charge $140 per application, even higher than schools like Stanford and Yale, but at the same time the they offer funding packages far less than Stanford and Yale?!?! It makes no sense to me.

Hmm. Whatever concoction grad school acceptances need has no formula--very contingent! 
I just wish some departments were kind enough to specify which concentrations they were looking for, like UofChicago did. If I am not wrong, they said they were specifically looking for people working in the field of African-American literature...
By following their suit many other places could have gone gentle on some of our pockets haha. Being a shutout and being penniless at the same time isn't a very ideal situation to think of (let alone to be in!) ?

I'm actively manifesting a Cornell acceptance too - not the English program though! Good luck to all of us! ???

Haha I'm also manifesting positive thoughts about my applications from now on! ?

I really think it's much more than good grades and good schools - just think about it: every applicant's got good grades. It has to be some other areas that distinguish the suitable ones for pursuing advanced studies from those who don't. I still think that it's about how impactful the work you do, or how impactful you are. But of course right now this is just a hypothesis of mine. If I get in then I'll know if this is true. ?

Congratulations!! I’m glad the manifesting worked! Manifest, manifest, manifest! 

I really think it's much more than good grades and good schools - just think about it: every applicant's got good grades. It has to be some other areas that distinguish the suitable ones for pursuing advanced studies from those who don't. I still think that it's about how impactful the work you do, or how impactful you are. But of course right now this is just a hypothesis of mine. If I get in then I'll know if this is true. ?

I would like to echo this sentiment as well! From some of the programs I've talked to, they didn't really mention my grades/stats. They were more interested in how my research reflected a great fit for their program; they felt confident that they had the resources (several faculty members, interdisciplinary opportunities) to support my studies.
I know we talk about "fit" a lot, but I think it's important to remember that most departments may not take more than one or two students per field of interest (though, wouldn't it be neat to be in a cohort with 4+ folks establishing expertise & supporting each other in one field??). So, I think rejections are less indicative of your PhD potential, and more indicative of the department's bureaucracy. Also, one of the schools that accepted me said that they read all three of my applications (applied three years in a row, yeesh), and the mere fact of witnessing my growth was indicative of my potential to succeed in doctoral study. So, don't give up hope! A rejection doesn't necessarily mean it's the end of the road.

I really think it's much more than good grades and good schools - just think about it: every applicant's got good grades. It has to be some other areas that distinguish the suitable ones for pursuing advanced studies from those who don't. I still think that it's about how impactful the work you do, or how impactful you are. But of course right now this is just a hypothesis of mine. If I get in then I'll know if this is true. ?

I had no idea what manifesting positive thoughts was and had to look it up. My asian genes make positive manifestation difficult--will try nevertheless 
+_+ 

Congratulations!! Best of luck to you! We were all just talking about manifesting positive thoughts and seeing this just personifies those thoughts immensely! 

I'm also trying to manifest positive thoughts. I've not yet seen evidence that I'm going to be accepted anywhere, but I am trying to stay positive. I can't believe we are almost halfway through February--and I still have many places to hear back from. I hope it works out for everyone.

Haha I'm also manifesting positive thoughts about my applications from now on! ?

Haha I'm also manifesting positive thoughts about my applications from now on! ?

Haha I'm also manifesting positive thoughts about my applications from now on! ?

Haha I'm also manifesting positive thoughts about my applications from now on! ?

Thank you!
 
I’m not sure if the information I’ve provided applies to comp lit. Those were the details given in the letter I was sent. I think holding on to hope is always a good thing. I thought I was completely out of the running, but I kept positive thoughts and manifested good news, and I received a small glimmer of hope yesterday evening. Nothing is guaranteed for me, but I’m staying positive. Stay positive, friends. This process is emotionally taxing, but if you manifest positive thoughts, I’m sure good things will come.

Yeah, I will have to write to them. Even if they are not willing to let on much about how adcomms work, their tone might do the job! And it's not only about competitiveness I feel--they have accepted quite a few people who work on medieval literature which could mean they are trying to admit more students for that subfield... After covid many departments have narrowed down their specialisations. But these are just conjectures and the quality of application (the ws and sop) trumps everything else and those who have got in have put together some really really impressive applications!