PoliCommsGirl

Hey there! I emailed the GOVT department email as featured on their website on the admissions page. I am still waiting on an email from an actual person, but I received the following automated response the minute I sent the email: Dear Prospective Student, Thank you for your email inquiry. It is great to hear you are interested in the PhD in Government. Someone from the program will get back to you as soon as possible. In the meantime we have placed the link to our “Frequently Asked Questions” below along with some other key information. The FAQ contains information regarding the application process, the program details, and should be able to assist you with any question you may have until someone from our team reaches back out to you. https://government.georgetown.edu/ph-d-in-government/graduate-admissions/faqs/ The application deadline is December 15th All application materials should be submitted through the application portal, none should be mailed to the University. Matters involving application logistics and procedures can best be answered by the graduate admissions office, which can be reached at gradmail@georgetown.edu. An official transcript is not needed, only an unofficial transcript is needed for the application The GRE is not a requirement Best, PhD Program Team -- My guess is that at best they're trying to stagger acceptances (not sure that I've seen waitlists yet). At worst, they're sending all rejections in March en masse.

This is indeed very frustrating! I am also waiting on Gtown (CP), I've decided to put myself out of my misery and I just went ahead and emailed them about when an update is coming. I don't want to be pessimistic, but they've really drawn it out since we saw the first acceptances (and even interviews tbh) go out this cycle. I'll update what they respond!

Still, I'm not sure that we want to correlate GRE optional as allowing more low-quality/junk applicants. I would think removing the GRE can help in terms of removing what can be a significant financial/time-commitment barrier for folks wishing to apply. Applying to grad school is a considerable undertaking with or without the gre. There's the field-specific attributes and experiences that add coms are looking for, but there's also just the "deciphering" of how to apply for a grad program as well. Removing the GRE does help remove, at least, one more thing in that applying process that would have prevented an otherwise qualified applicant from applying. And I say this as someone who has taken the GRE twice (once for MA over five years ago, and now once again for PhD apps). I used GRE for only the schools which requied it, and my one acceptance (thus far) is from a school to which I did not report my score since they said it was optional. 2/3 waitlisted schools did require it. Just leaving that note for future applicants. Personally, I'm with the trend towards a GRE- optional/No GRE requirement, but I know that's contentious.

Sorry not understanding the first question, you mean any other admission offers? If so, then yes just one for now. I'm also pretty bummed. I had a VERY good case for UMD. Seeing so many on the waitlist is discouraging, and depending on where else those who got admitted to UMD also got admitted, I'm unsure of the chances. I'm also very worfied about the "balancing research/subfield" part of it which I take to mean that I'm not getring in unless someone from CP specifically declines. Idk.

Also claiming a UMD Waitlist for the CP subfield! Equally wondering the same thing!

Congratulations, that is incredible!!! I was told by a POI they only accept 1 or 2 people for the joint program. Would it be alright if I dm'd you, I'm interested in applying again and would love any pointers/advice

Was this for the comms & poli sci joint program? If so, I'm curious as I also applied for this

It's like you're speaking to my situation. I have one acceptance (BU), two waitlists. And four rejects. I have 5 schools still pending. I like the program at BU (otherwise wouldn't have applied), but I get scared about my Academic job market prospects when I read people harping on the importance of T10-20 rankings for job placements. My anxiety is through the roof as I too would just like to feel that I have options. PLUS, I'm a bit worried about Boston high cost of living. I'm trying to remain hopeful, but rejections are destabilizing my cool. ?

It will not be enough. I live in the area now and went to grad school (MA) here as well. You can live in the suburbs and metro into campus.

Thanks for that! Wondering if they had made any mention of funding?

I wasn't aware that UMD had even started sending offers?

Claiming a UMich reject. Honestly, one of my stronger fits at a Uni so I'm a bit baffled. Nonetheless, it wasn't my top choice so I'm trying hard to let it roll off my back.

I just don't get this trolling thing like who has the time and what is even the benefit!

In the same boat. I had talked with a POI there and thought this was the ONE school I would get into if nowhere else. I have an offer from BU and waitlist from GWU, but I really had hope for UWM. I hadn't talked or interacted with anyone from the other schools. Oh well!

Claiming the first BU admit, under CP subfield. Notified via email.