CLudmila

I was just reading some articles about the situation of universities, and one of the most affected by its processes during this period due to the context of education was the University of Pittsburgh. So, it's likely that they are still figuring out how to move forward, whether they can admit students, and at the same time, waiting to see who accepts their offers or not to offer admission to others. I think it's very hopeful to be on the waitlist; I haven't received any updates, even though I've inquired (no acceptances or rejections). I would like to believe that the offer with funding will come from one of those four that are still pending a response.

Hi Martyna! I am waiting for four responses. One of the coordinators answered that even if they had decisions, the end of the process will be on 15/04. So, if you do not have any updates, you could follow-up during the next week. Many universities have silent waitlists, so maybe you are still on one of these. I am still keeping my fingers crossed for you!

I’m really sorry to hear that the last option you were waiting for has closed ☹️. I hope that if they offer you that master’s, it could be a funded route to reach the PhD. Today, I also received my 13th rejection, and while after a few of them you start to become numb, each new email saying “the process was extremely competitive this year” still feels cruel. At least for me, I keep wondering what I did wrong, what I was missing, what they didn’t like about my application. Questions that we don’t even get answers to, because this process is also profoundly subjective. Wishing you the best for whatever comes next! 🫂

Hi, Martyna. I am sending you an DM. Hugs.

The situation seems to be becoming more and more complex in the U.S. There are programs that have already announced on their websites that they will not admit students for the next cycle and others that haven't posted anything yet but have communicated to their academic communities that they are unsure if they will be able to admit a new cohort in 2026. I only received one admission, but without additional funding, and I am still waiting for responses from five programs. This process application has been disheartening; feeling like we worked and put in so much effort only to receive a wave of rejections—and without honest feedback from the committees—it’s discouraging. Hugs to all of you, and I pray that the email with the admission we’re hoping for arrives soon.

Update from UPenn now

Hello, I hope you're doing well. I saw that someone posted the result of the University of Iowa, PhD in Communication Studies. Does anyone have more information about the status of the process? Thank you!

First of all, congratulations on your admission!!! UMass is an incredible university with a strong background in Communication and Humanities, and it's part of an innovative community. Amherst is a beautiful town; I took some classes and gained experience at Amherst College and UMass as part of an international leadership program. The people are respectful and diverse, representing the core of what Massachusetts is as a culturally rich state. UMass is an outstanding university with high levels of productivity, an excellent academic staff, and professors who truly love to support and challenge their students. I would have loved to go back to Amherst and pursue my PhD there, but the program focused more on media and cultural studies and my area is more related to Organizational Communication. Additionally, Amherst is very well connected to Boston, Salem, among others. I don’t know Penn State, but I can definitely recommend UMass.

Hello, Martyna. I completely understand and share your concern. I thought the process would be less complex than it’s turning out to be, mainly because I was awarded the Fulbright scholarship and am applying with their sponsorship. However, after reviewing the admission information shared here about programs I didn’t apply to—like the PhD at NC Chapel Hill, which has only one place for an international student, and recently UCSD, where they mentioned just two international spots—I think the situation is pretty tough. My main worry is that I’m from Latin America, and I’ve even seen raids on legally settled migrants. I hope that won’t be a factor in dismissing my application. 🙁. I’m still waiting and keeping my faith that a positive response for all of us will come soon!!

Additionally, is the same author in all of the UPenn publications: CommsHopeful25 What deplorable behavior if they/he/she is a troll. UPenn is a very serious university, so I do not think that they are sending some emails or notifications. Mrs. Rachel Pepper was great and meticulous during the application process!!

Here, on Gradcafe. That's why I visited my UPenn portal, but I do not have any updates. Who is making jokes about this process is a fool.

I don't have any update on my portal or an email . But many are publishing about the notifications.

It’s reassuring to come to this forum and feel like I’m not alone in the anxiety of waiting for a decision. The increase in applications to PhD in Communication has me on very nervous. May I ask how many programs you applied to last year and how many you applied to this cycle? Crossing my fingers for all of us!

Oh, I am sorry to hear that 😿. This year seems incredibly insane for the application process for a Ph.D. in Communication. I received a rejection from one of my safeties, informing me that the acceptance rate was 2.5%. Only five were selected, and more than 200 applicants. The same situation happened with Cornell, in my case . I am crossing my fingers for you!

Thank you!

Hello everyone, has anyone here received any information about the University of Maryland's admissions? I asked on the main GradCafe website, but I haven't received responses from those who posted about admissions or interviews. I would like to know the area of those who applied and have already been contacted, whether the interview was conducted by a potential advisor or the committee, and the approximate date they applied (since the process closed on January 3rd). Thanks in advance!

Oh my God, @colorvegas, you are leading this round's admission process. Congratulations! This program could be one of your top choices. I am really happy for you!!!

Wow, congratulations on the message; it sounds like a fantastic professor! I believe the department makes the decisions collectively, and several professors review the profiles they receive. At least that's what a professor from another university told me when I asked if he would accept students this year. May I kindly ask which area the professor who contacted you is from? Good luck with the process.

Hi, Martyna! From my perspective, if you are distributing your chances (top, target, and safeties), your number is quite good. It's hard work and demands a lot of money, too. I am applying to 16 PhD in Communication programs + 3 in another related field because I got a scholarship as an international student, and I NEED to be accepted during this cycle. This time is stressful, and it is plenty of anxiety, but keep the hope. Good luck! Best!

I think that this admission process is becoming highly competitive. From the link shared by @letsdothisss, I read that application rates have increased in many fields, including Communication. Factors that may influence quicker decisions could include: 1. A strong match with a professor’s project or prior work 2. Funding (arriving with a scholarship) 3. In cases of rejection, failure to meet basic admission requirements, or not being able to demonstrate alignment with the department's research interests, or even, possibly having a very junior profile, lacking experience or outstanding metrics. But every university and program is a unique world. I hope the best to everyone.

Thank you!

Hello everyone, I saw that the admissions for the PhD in Communication at Cornell University have been updated. If anyone has received a response, was it by email? How did they communicate your status? Thank you in advance. I wish you the best in your process.

Hello, Martyna! I hope you are having a good day. I am from Chile and am applying after getting a master's degree and professional experience. I am currently working as a professor at the School of Communication in some local universities. Where are you from? Best!

Congratulations! Receiving your first acceptance sounds exciting. I am applying to several PhD in Communication too. As an international student, I applied to: Cornell, UPenn, U Texas at Austin, Rutgers, U of Colorado at Boulder, Penn State University, Purdue, Arizona State University, and UT at Knoxville. Additionally, I am preparing applications for the U. of Maryland, U. of Iowa, Texas Tech, and George Mason, among others, in evaluation. I also applied to three PhD in Organizational Behavior 🙂.