classicallynot

I have no idea why you were not outright accepted at UCSB and rejected from WashU. But then again my big rant is that I was really underestimating the competitiveness (or randomness?) of this whole process. The schools I applied to were all recommended by my professor as good fits and that I had a well-rounded, strong application. After getting rejected outright from 2 and wait-listed at one I began to freak out. Like considering an entire different approach to my future, getting a job-job, etc. Thankfully I got in at one place with full-funding and for the moment my sanity, the entire purpose of the last 4 years of my life, and happiness have returned.

classical arch I haven't heard anything from anyone Though I'm pretty sure I can mark stanford off my list, as I believe they have already notified the acceptances I applied to Stanford (classics), UPenn (AAMW), Brown (joukowsky), Michigan (IPCAA), Buffalo (classics), and Cincinnati (classics). I'll take any news at this point I just want something

There are definitely some academics out there who toy with the idea of fame, at least in their field or at their university. or infamy.

If the initial shock does not cause too severe a heart palpitation, I picture myself bursting out my front door and just running down the street for awhile with a huge smile on my face. Then I'll make the calls in this order: Fiancee, Dad, Mom, Brother, cousin, Friend, Friend, etc. Then, update my facebook status with the news and excessive exclamation marks. I will first go out to eat with some friends at my favorite place in town, order way too much food and beverage, then move on to some drinking establishment to buy rounds for everyone. Depending on the day of the week, if I miss class I will put together one of those apologetic e-mails but figure out some way to cleverly fit in the news of my acceptance. Additionally, I hope the relief will also serve to treat this horrible case of procrastination I've been suffering from this semester. This thesis is refusing to write itself

I'm curious too for some insight on life in Buffalo. So far I know that they don't call them 'buffalo wings' in Buffalo, just 'wings,' that Buffalo has a unique style of pizza which is a sort of merger between NY style and Chicago style, and that the city is really close to Niagara Falls.

I've been extremely lucky and my SO (currently engaged, set to marry this june) of 5+ years is completely willing to follow me to the ends of the earth to pursue my PhD. The timing is working out in our favor somewhat, we are both graduating at the same time. She is an english ed. major and our hopes are that she will be able to find a teaching job in the area around whatever school I end up at. While it is less than ideal that our entire lives are sort of sitting on the results from these applications, we both feel that we would sacrifice anything else before not being with each other. EDIT: I forgot to mention we both have lived our entire lives in sunny, warm, south Florida. To her great dismay, a few of the possible destinations are: Ann Arbor, Buffalo, and Philadelphia.

hey jprm, I wouldn't worry as long as your recommender can get them out ASAP. I had late letters as well which were finally submitted on the 26th on December and I have since talked to the grad program coordinators to confirm my file's completion. Stanford's app was due the 9th and UPenn's on the 15th, so they were pretty late.

Hey guys So one of my recommenders has not yet done/sent in my letters. One of the apps was due on Dec. 9th. I have sent her an e-mail but have yet to get a response. We are on pretty close terms (or so I thought!) so I don't know what's going on other than she must just be very busy. Another one of my professors suggested that I give her time and wait til around Jan. 1st before I pursue other options (calling her, asking someone else, etc). My question for you guys is should I send an e-mail to the DGS explaining my situation? I don't want my app to be ignored and forgotten because of this. thanks in advance

I wrote some attempt at a diversity statement thingamabob and ya I admit I feel a bit superficial about it. I had a couple people read it over with decent enough reactions. I probably wrote 3 or 4 completely different statements before finally deciding on one... Upside is that this was the last piece of work I had to finish all my apps. Sending away writing samples in the morning. Let the pain of waiting begin.

for your reference, I am applying to PhD programs in Classical arch. 4.0 gpa, lowsy GRE 610V 660Q 4.5A, 2 summers of fieldwork, strong letters, 4 years latin, 2 greek, 1.5 italian (no german or french :cry: ), writing sample is from my thesis which I feel is pretty decent my advising prof feels pretty confident in my chances, though I do not necessarily agree

Michigan requires the standard SOP and in addition a 500 word limit "Personal Statement" with the parameters: "How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan? For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree." They also explicitly say do NOT repeat the SOP. I am having a difficult time in deciding what exactly to write for this. I trace my academic journey in decent length in my SOP. Should I go the literal "Personal" route and discuss family events/situations that have impacted my development? I don't want to be too cliche and talk about my parent's divorce or anything... but I'm not sure what else there is. Any thoughts?