voxanonyma

I have not heard from them yet or from Stanford.

One of my recommenders has written for me since undergraduate. I think it depends on your relationship to them. If it's someone whom you haven't really worked with in several years, as is my case, I think it's only helpful for them to write if they can speak to your qualities as a person outside academia, e.g. your track and growth that they've observed over time. But even in this case, you still want to make sure they are updating the letter at least a little; I don't think it would be a good look to use the same letter from prior years, especially if, let's say, it has a date on there that identifies it as old.

I was invited to interview with Harvard. I received the request from their graduate chair earlier today. I am absolutely stunned, in the literal sense of the word too. My Michigan interview I think went very well too, I felt great after. I don't mean to impose this upon you all, but my sweet dog I've been with since childhood died yesterday, he got sick incredibly suddenly and we had to make the horrible decision, and I was and still am just struggling with everything; he was my best friend, and I wanted him to come with me wherever I went next, wherever I settled to earn my PhD. And I still can't honestly accept he isn't going to be there. My first thought when I saw the message was how much I wished he were here to celebrate with me; I shared so much with him. So, in all, this news is something that is astounding to me. In both senses of what I have related, I really cannot believe it.

Woohoo! Congratulations! And I agree, I'd certainly prefer that over things dragging out to March.

Well we are entering mid-January and I know a decent number of programs do much between now and the end of the month, so hopefully you do hear soon! Same for all of us. And then of course there's February, which will be here before anyone notices...

This will be my first interview at this level as well, so I'm going back and reviewing my materials and whatnot; I'd sworn off of them after submitting, but now it's quite relevant! I have some anxiety about it, but all in all I am quite hopeful. You too @Sisinnes! I also applied to ANCH, so I feel that program may be a bit more out of my reach now as I did not happen to hear from them yesterday, but one never really can know how these things will go. Irrespective, Penn is a lovely department and I hope the best for your chances there!

I have an interview with Michigan next week! I was contacted yesterday in the afternoon. I applied for the Interdepartmental Program in Ancient History; I've been trying to think about it but I don't know whether the bloc of times are just for IPAH or for all Michigan tracks. Regardless, good luck everyone! I also saw a result from UIUC, so things seem to be moving!

Yeah I'm officially starting to feel a bit loony from it all. It's hard not to think about it especially when you know your current institution has started their review... to say nothing of the rest. Distractions are good, obviously. We don't return to classes for two more weeks so until then it's going to be tough for time to really pass by, but it will, slowly but surely... And eventually...

Eheu! Me too. I knew I wouldn't be the only one. I think the thing for me is that I know - from unhealthy searching of old threads and past cycles - that programs could theoretically start sending out notifications around now, especially into next week, and that has turned me into quite the wreck. I'm hopeful, given how many programs I applied to, that I will hear from somewhere by Jan. 15 or so, but that is absolutely not guaranteed, especially if it's not an interview or admission offer. Provided at least one program admits me, though, things will get easier after I hear that news - but the question is whether that comes next week or next month! It's atrocious; all I can do is try to distract myself and wear away the days and hours. Still checking the portals every couple of days...

Well, friends, the last of my own applications are away. Fifteen in total. An exhausting process --- but hopefully one that bears sweet fruit in just a little while. It's incredible that we could start hearing back in less than month! Until then, I hope everyone gets a welcome break. Take some time for yourself, if you can, and rest.

Good luck!! Waiting is either the hardest or easiest part for applicants. It's out of your hands now either way - unless you get interviews, that is!

I'm applying to US-based ancient history and classical lit/phil programs. This is my last time going around through the cycle as I need to either settle into a PhD program or move on from the field for my own sanity and financial security. Right now I've got around sixteen programs in mind but that could well shrink significantly depending on what my advisor suggests is reasonable. I'm hopeful about my chances but you never know with this field. Looking forward to riding out the storm with you all!

Where do grad students with families live? The rents in Ithaca seem extortionate.

Hey all, how long typically do interviews run?

Congratulations on making that decision! For my part, I really, really want to commit to Michigan. I loved my visit there, and the support they are offering is truly incredible. I'm waiting to see what Cornell does, and I hope they tell people this week. NB that these are for their bridge MA programs, not PhDs (though Michigan carries that as part of the offer, not sure about Cornell anymore...). I know Michigan is a stronger program, but I have a few reasons I'd want to seriously think about Cornell too.