JMEnviroAnth

I don't know the answer to your question, but based on the large number of people on this website who were offered the MA but are not accepting the offer, I think they probably offer it to quite a lot of people. Since it isn't funded, probably only a small percentage of people actually do it. I talked to some profs at other programs to which I was accepted, and they all said it would be "tempting" to accept the Columbia MA, even without funding, because of the amazing resources, reputation, and (at least reputation for) rigor. Plus, you would be in NYC, a place where connections and resources abound for almost any field of study. It all depends on what you make of it, not on numbers!

Thank you! I decided to accept the offer of admission to the PhD program at UGA. I'm excited to get started. If anyone else will be going to UGA, please let me know!

It's interesting that you mention UGA. My main interest is Environmental Anthropology, and I was accepted into the PhD program at UGA and the MA at UNM. I was also accepted into the MA at Columbia, but not into PhDs at the top-tier schools to which I applied. My interests very closely match those of the professors at UGA, but I am concerned about the rigor of the programs at UGA and UNM, as well as hireability and respect in the academic community after I earn a PhD. But I can in no way afford an unfunded MA at Columbia and living in NYC to boot. Does anyone have helpful advice for someone in my position? I'm having a very difficult time making a decision (and I don't intend to wait another year). Thanks!

I got an email that directed me to the application website. A new link appeared at the bottom of the main screen with the results. You should receive an email, I think, when yours is ready.

I don't know, I think it's cool that I got into the MA program at Columbia. I'm not going to go, but given that I don't even have any official background in anthropology, I feel good about even a 'consolation' acceptance. I am sure they received hundreds of applications and had a difficult time deciding.

My understanding is that they don't offer funding for the MA.

I also haven't heard anything from Columbia, but I don't expect to be accepted.

Hey, for anyone still waiting on University of Arizona, I think they are gradually updating the Graduate College application status. I just checked and was rejected, which stinks, but it certainly makes my decision a lot easier!

For whatever it's worth, I'd have to agree that fit and funding are more important than a big name. If someone reads your application and says, "Oh my god, this sounds so interesting, I'd love to work with this person," that seems a lot stronger than them saying, "Welll, this person is quite accomplished and has high scores. Perhaps one day we will see eye to eye." I think the first person gets admitted, the second does not, especially when there are a lot of people to choose from. It's pretty hard to fake a fit if you're being more or less intellectually honest.

Rejected. I also do not think Stanford would have been the best fit for me, so good decision.

Nope, I haven't heard back from Stanford yet either. Maybe they are having a tough time choosing between all of us wonderful applicants!

I have not heard from Arizona yet. The only two I've heard from are U of Georgia and U of New Mexico. Hey, just to bring up a topic other than whether or not we got into schools, is there anyone else here who is going into environmental/ecological anthropology (sociocultural)? I was wondering how people view different programs, such as U of Arizona, U of Georgia, U of New Mexico, Stanford, WashU, etc., for that area of study. I've been very interested in BARA at UA for the U.S. Southwest.