bdon19

I was already having a bad Monday...everything kept reinforcing my perceptions of my own mediocrity (i.e. going just a hair worse than I was hoping they would). And now this. If Michigan hates me, too, I'm going to spiral into a deep, dark depression. And my trusty bar isn't open on Monday nights...

As an undergrad, I've never really experienced any of these sorts of "cherry picking" professors. I have found that professors with whom I've developed strong relationships tend to expect more from me, and so they are actually harsher with their grading on me when they think I'm not living up to my potential. Of course, there have been times when having taken multiple classes with a professor has helped me to sit back and relax (i.e. not think about grades), but that's more because I know how the professor will grade me on participation, what they will expect to see from my papers, etc. than favoritism, per se. It's a two-way street, in my opinion...

Yep, waiting and waiting for all the rest of my schools is trying on me. I keep thinking that this was my one stroke of luck, and that nothing else will work out. But then I remember that I'm in somewhere, and it's all okay. I really do wish the best of luck to everyone else here!! I know how awful it feels to get rejected but also how amazing it feels to get in, so I'm rooting for all of you!

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!! Isn't it the most exciting feeling EVER!? So happy for you!

UGH. This means a lot more waiting for me. I was hoping they'd all be like "Feb 15!!" and then I'd be done. But no, of course not.

The one thing that's made me feel marginally okay throughout this process has been the continual affirmation provided by the results board that, really, the numbers don't matter. I see numbers much higher than mine getting rejected, lower getting accepted, and just about everything in between. Of course, there's a line that's drawn at some point--invisible or otherwise--but really, as long as you're in that "okay but not necessarily great" place number-wise, it really does all boil down to the real stuff: writing sample, SOP, and fit, fit, fit.

OMG!!!!! That's amazing news! Congratulations! Look at us regulars, all getting acceptances within the past few days! I'm SO PROUD of all of us!!!!!!!!

Just got my official rejection. Oh, well. I didn't really like Durham, anyway.

I feel the same way. (Okay, maybe I'm most psyched for myself, but still.) I can't believe how awesome it is that we've done so well so far, and it's not even the 15th yet! Champagne sounds fabulous right now. In fact, I'm off to the bar right now. I have a couple of congratulatory (read: free) drinks waiting for me tonight.

YAYYYYYYYYYY! Congrats, Timshel!! I'm so happy for you!!!!!! I got into Indiana today, and it's the most AMAZING feeling! I've been literally skipping around all day! I'm so glad to see regular Grad Cafe-ers having so much success, so early in the season! GO US!

Just got my first acceptance! Wow, I had no idea it would feel this good. Good luck to all my other buddies out here!

I'm here right now. Apparently Duke is done with their acceptances and waitlist notifications, they just haven't sent out rejections yet. I can feel that glimmer of hope slowly fading away.

Oh, damn. I missed this. Well, at least I have 10 more to go...

YES LET US KNOW PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. <--- This process has resigned me to this.

Congrats, TripWillis! That's so exciting! Here's to hoping my first notification is a good one! hahaha

Same. 11 schools, nothing so far. It's excruciating.

Unfortunately, I went during the week between Christmas and the New Year, so there weren't many people around the campus. However, I do have a professor who recently got her PhD there, and I've heard nothing but good things about the program and about the town from everyone I've talked to. Austin was the only place not in the midwest/East Coast that I applied to (I don't do well in hot places because I get intense migraines), but the awesomeness of it made up for its location. It really was one of the coolest cities I've ever been to.

This is funny, because a professor of mine who did his PhD in Utah always talks about him and all his friends being functioning alcoholics through grad school. Though I can see that they'd be in the minority, for sure. ETA: When I visited Austin in December, I decided that my study spot would be a cafe that serves great coffee AND booze. Puttin' that stipend to good use. ...If I get in, of course.

YES! That musical consumed much of my listening time freshman year.

I agree with all of the above. I tend to listen primarily to music with good lyrics...it must be the English major in me. I adore The National's lyrics (I think the band collabs on the songwriting). Special mention: Jenny Lewis, Belle & Sebastian, Justin Vernon. And I know we're avoiding music gods, but shout-out to Joni Mitchell, please!

THIS.