Rhizomatic68

I'm in a similar spot to you– I'm bummed about it, but it's still early. A lot of this has to do with timing when it comes to a specific program. It's one thing to fit in a department, it's another to fit in with the particular faculty who are admitting students this term. I'm sure some of your rejections are due to who is receiving students this year and the lack of affinity between your proposed research and theirs. I'm bummed I didn't get into Penn State or Emory, but it sounds like they were not looking at candidates with my research interests this go round and, if I need to apply next year (ugh), I'll have a better chance next go round. I have one school that I know for a fact after having conversations with the graduate director that the time is ripe for me to get in (they just conferred three people in the same field as me and are looking to fill those spots)– now... if I don't get in there, then I will feel pretty crushed and insecure about my future. So much of this comes down to arbitrary timing and luck. As has been said on here a million times, the overwhelming majority of us are very qualified to do the work. So, no need to beat yourself up– worst case scenario: there is always next year.

Is that Toronto application number typical for them? Over 400 apps seems ludicrous.

Emory! I was unaware they had sent anything out yet, congrats. I haven't heard anything this far from anyone- not even a rejection. Do rejection letters normally go out a bit after the wait list and acceptance letters?

Congrats! I'm still in the dark, although it looks like a couple of programs I'm interested in have conducted interviews. It must feel good to get a hit on the first word!

Interesting- that's surprising to hear! I'm applying to schools with more of a continental emphasis. I wonder if the lower amount of apps is across the board.

25 and 18! Holy smokes.. I should of applied to more (I'm at 8 so far, but a couple of mid-February deadlines I could still throw an appy at). We'll see what happens, I know everyone in my MA program last year struck out (something that has never happened for our program which has place 90% of its students into PhDs). There was about 5 of them, and this year we have an additional 5 people applying for their PhD. It's gonna be more competitive this year by the sounds of things– I doubt programs are going to take on more candidates this year simply because they took a reduced load last year. This is my first rodeo, I'm definitely prepared for disappointment.