OperaGhost

I would say for getting a professor job this general ranking wouldn't matter, but it might be helpful to have a big name school on your resume if you plan on going the alt-ac route (I mention this because you said you didn't care so much about teaching afterwards). You might also look into what extra types of training this program might offer (certificates, internships. etc) if you're using your PhD to expand your overall skillset.

Thank you so much for this vote of confidence! I do think I need to chill out about things a bit, and maybe not compare myself to others. That being said, I'm similarly worried about a competitive/toxic atmosphere. I totally agree that being the one granted extra funding presents its own pressures. I doubt students will resent you (at least not intentionally), but I do think they might grow an early resentment for the department, which is never good. You might want to ask for the email of a grad student to get a sense of how competitive the environment is. As someone who has both been on the "offered more" and "offered less" side of things, I really wish these departments would just offer money out equitably. It just doesn't feel good to get paid less or more when every grad student is diligent, intelligent, and likely financially struggling. All this being said, congratulations on your fellowship and your acceptance! I hope you truly enjoy growing and learning in whichever program you choose

So I can't offer any concrete answer, but I can give you my own thought process on this. If you're very interested in pursuing an academic job, I would think that, so long as the stipend is livable, you might want to pick the university with the significantly higher rank. This way you'll be able to build more connections, prestige, etc, for your resume. However, if this offer is outside of the research area you're passionate about (you mention a different research area), you might want to go for one of the schools that's more aligned with your interests. You are, after all, going to be spending at least 5 years on this degree. You want it to be in a research area you actually enjoy. Lastly, if you're on a bit of a nihilist (or hedonist?) bent like I am, you might want to put enjoyability above all else. Not to beat a dead horse, but we all know the academic job market isn't looking great. If you're getting a PhD purely for the pleasure of learning and not for a job, why not pick a low ranked program with wonderful vibes over a high ranked program that feels icky? Sorry for this kind of messy response? I'm currently in the same boat as you picking between 3 schools, so my brain is in shambles lmao. Best of luck with your decision!

Hey all! I am here, once again, asking for your emotional and intellectual support ? I've recently noticed that pretty much every program I've been accepted to has been handing out unequal funding packages. As far as I know, everyone is getting some sort of base stipend, but there are definitely individuals getting extra fellowships, summer funding, etc. I was wondering if anyone else was experiencing this? Should I be worried about the programs where I'm on the lower end of funding (even if the funding itself is liveable)? I'm a little worried about being valued less than my peers before I even enter a program, but I'm not sure if that's reason or anxiety talking. **Also, I second the above post by WildeThing. Don't let those unfunded MA punks exploit you; you're worth more than that

Idk how others feel, but I'd personally say to go for it. I think most schools have a decent sense of where you stand in mid-march (as in whether you're in the "maybe" or "reject" category), so I don't think it would influence their decision

I'm honestly very curious about this? Like I know grad school application cycles are always rough, but I'm curious if it got better or worse since last year. I didn't apply last year, but I know of quite a few who got completely shut out.

After seeing on the board that a 21st century person got the same response as me, I suspect you're right. I'm thinking Rutgers just got tired of the flood of emails and decided to go with a "diplomatic" response to inquirers. Alas! Can't win 'em all. Best of luck to you in getting off the wait list!

Ahhh that's what I thought too but I didn't want to get my hopes up! I really hope they're not toying with me ?

Is anyone on here willing to claim the Rutgers acceptances/waitlists? I'm curious what subfields you might be in. I emailed the department about my application, and they said they were "still making decisions." I'm wondering if that means there's any hope for all us early modernists patiently waiting? If not, that's okay! I'd pretty much accepted my fate. Still, it really would be a shock and a delight to be accepted (or even waitlisted!)

So I’ve been asking: 1) how long do people take to graduate? Is the funding livable for the area? Is there a student union? 2) what kind of research are current students in my sub field undertaking? 3) what courses in my sub field are being offered next year? 4) I also always let grad students know I’m willing to hear general comments or complaints! Take everything with a grain of salt of course, but it’s good to know what the vibes are Good luck meeting your prospective departments! I’m curious if others have anything to add to this list

Hey all! I emailed Penn state other day and they said they were still reviewing apps / making final decisions. Things will be finalized by the end of March if anyone was wondering. Congrats to the one acceptee on the board if you’re out there! I love to see a fellow early modernist thriving ?

Thank you! This is good to know. It truly does suck how little power we have in this process; The GSA at my current university is petitioning for a living stipend, so these issues are hot and heavy on my brain. Best of luck to you and to everyone else hunting for a decent funding package! “Know your worth” is a great phrase to keep in mind if a university is asking you to live on pennies

Thanks for this useful information about Austin! I hope they offer you better funding I also wonder: are acceptees to any program able to negotiate their stipends? I know that’s very normal for jobs, but Im totally clueless as to whether that’s appropriate for potential students / how to even go about it

As someone who got a few early acceptances and is now being thrown an onslaught of rejections, I can really relate to this. I had take an “angsty hour” to deal with the trauma of the Michigan rejection. The department and funding is stellar, and I really thought I was a great fit too. In general, I feel like the latter half of the season might be the hardest? It seems this is when there’s more rejections than acceptances being thrown out (since so many schools stalled with sending out rejections). That being said, it’s a huge accomplishment to get into even one program!! Half the cohort in the year ahead of me got completely shut out last year. Whether or not you end up accepting this offer, the fact that you got it says a lot about your abilities (they probably chose you over like 200 other applicants! That’s crazy!). If you do decide to go I’m sure you’ll shine, and if not, you can always reapply in hopes that the grad school application lottery will be kinder. Rejection sucks but you dont! Hope you’re hanging in there ❤️

I haven't heard anything new but their admissions page states that decisions should be out early March