socgraduate11

Last year there was quite a bit of discussion about "fit." I'm going to emphasize this again. As I was applying, I had a broad range of research interests so I made a point of adjusting my personal statement accordingly for each of the 13 diverse programs I applied to. However, the writing sample I used for all 13 schools was on one specific topic. As a result, I was accepted only to the programs where that writing sample connected directly to the work of professors in the program. It's hard to make a case for your interest in a topic if you can't show that you've pursued research in that concentration. This isn't to say that's the case across the board, but I was also making up for a terrible undergraduate GPA. Related, there's also been some debate over the weight of GRE scores. I had relatively high scores and would like to think that balanced out my less than stellar undergrad GPA. Ultimately, the decision process ends up seeming incredibly arbitrary, but if you can focus on making every piece of your application strong and consistent, then you'll be fine. Good luck applicants!

Congrats going crazy! I received an outright rejection and it was my first choice, so if I were you I would celebrate the crap out of being waitlisted

Hi frenchfries, I applied to Yale too and I don't think anyone has heard yet- looking at last year's results, no one seemed to hear until the third week of February. It's definitely positive that your POI was so enthusiastic about your application! Fingers crossed for us both

Boooooo, sorry Bonkers, I'm in your boat So they have made all the acceptance calls eh?

I'm also a chronic refresher! I emailed UT Austin as well and didn't hear back, and there aren't updates on my status page, but I'm guessing the grad coordinator is a busy lady. Can't win 'em all

I also applied to Berkeley and have been very curious about the posted acceptance!

Also got into UNC Chapel Hill Congrats to everyone!