GenderMediaGrad

You have mentioned that it would (naturally) upset you if this girl got accepted to a school that you didn't... however, neither you nor others who have posted have drilled home the point that, if she gets accepted, she is ABSOLUTELY taking SOMEONE's spot. With graduate programs as competitive as they are, there are not enough spots to go around. It would be absolutely despicable if this girl took ANY spot because that would mean one less spot for an honest, deserving and capable student In fact, there is a good chance she could be taking a spot that could otherwise go to one of us here on the fora. And she would likely be accepting a University fellowship or TA-ship as well... again, money that could otherwise go to a deserving student. If I were in your situation, I would certainly make sure that this information is available to any school that accepted her because it is simply WRONG for her to claim a spot that should go to a truly deserving student.

How is the economy affecting the packages this year? I just received my 1st acceptance and was offered $14K a year for 5 years plus health insurance and a full tuition waiver (I'm in the humanities). The letter I got from the University explained that the packages were lower this year because the University is being hard hit by the economy and this will likely be true of many Universities. Anyone else heard something similar?

Wow! Both of your lists are almost identical to mine. I have one acceptance (not from your above schools) and haven't heard yet from the others... will post if I do. Good luck to all of us!

I'm confused about interviews for humanities programs too. So far, I have 1 acceptance from a school that did not interview me. I haven't heard a word from the 7 other programs. Yesterday, I read on gradcafe that another applicant has been invited for an interview weekend at my top school (I have not). I have been neither accepted nor rejected (this school is also my alma mater, I know many of the profs there and feel I have at least a respectable shot at getting in). What does this mean for me? Are only the top candidates invited to an "interview weekend" or is it for borderline candidates or candidates they want more information from? Is not being invited the kiss of death, or is it neutral or even a good sign? Anyone know more than I do?