voiceofunreason

Recent update: I got into Oklahoma to study Native American lit and culture, and Utah waitlisted me with a nice note about my potential and "very impressive" achievements. For context, my undergrad performance, working against my fellowships, grants, conferences, and writing as an MA, was spotty at a difficult institution. This is my first round. I want to say this because despite what people say about undergrad performance, if you did not do yourself favors in undergrad (like me), I'd say you still have a chance. It's all a crapshoot. Go get an MA--try to make sure it's paid for. That being said, there are tradeoffs when your MA is paid for, in terms of how much time you will have to focus on your work--if you are curious about what those are and are considering an MA, I'd be happy to talk. I wish someone had given me some facts before I started on my journey. But the objective is to be financially supported to write and do research, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to do that. Congratulations to all who have found their fit and some good news, as part of this grand exercise in masochism.

Felt deeply. In particular, I feel like I screwed myself by being too honest in the alternative (but required, where I submitted it) statement of personal history. Of course, there are many factors involved, but maybe just maybe I am able to salvage this cycle and get one more acceptance so I have options.

I have not received any positive feedback on my applications thus far, so I am kind of assuming the worst at this point. Was told that schools really value a solid writing sample, and I am doing all the right things...I feel that is correct. Applied to twelve schools and have seen recent results from one of them with no news yet... this is my first application cycle and while I prepared for the worst and hoped to learn something, this is pretty brutal so far. For context, I went to a fairly prestigious undergrad institution (not an Ivy but a rigorous public institution) and am trying so hard to remember that I applied to gain momentum. Still on a good trajectory. Was just rejected from a school that I thought was a pretty good fit and while a great institution, not exactly a reach. Gaining tough skin. Needed to write that out. 0 a, 3 r, 9 p.

I created an account just to commiserate after this one. Me too. I was not expecting it this early. 😕