Hi everyone, I applied to PhD Ethno programs this fall. I seem to have been waitlisted or rejected everywhere, I had one interview and otherwise crickets for all 8 schools. I emailed them all and everyone has said “you should hear back soon” ?. So I figure I’d ask you all for advice. First of all, I’m a slightly older candidate (30), so the first time I did this it was much different. It seems like it is now normal to contact your POI before applying. This used to be rude (Or so I’ve always been told). I also do not have other publications besides my thesis, but I have A LOT of field experience (research abroad, study abroads in Europe, summer school in Japan etc.) and a fair amount of teaching experience both as a TA and adjunct. I also triple majored in my undergrad in music, theatre, and art and incorporate that into my research and artistic endeavors. Overall, besides the publications my CV looks pretty packed. Is there anything else I’m missing to this whole application process or is my lack of contact and lack of publications a huge offense? Really any advice would be helpful.
