Origin=Goal

This is a magic art form, requiring foresight, cunning, and leverage; I have no idea how to tactfully do this (I didn't get in contact any POIs, since most of the high profile faculty I wanted to work with were too busy), and am curious what has worked for others.

Not at all. My understanding is that many go until nine, though the end of these days seems nigh.

Its usually a guaranteed 2-2-1 (2 yrs fellowship, 2 teaching, and one dissertation year fellowship); although now UCB has students sign a contract stating that if students want the dissertation year fellowship, they will not be eligible for university funding (including TAships) after the 8th year. Probably not a tipping factor, but an important consideration to keep in mind given the state of the academic job market and the tendency for PhD periods to last longer due to lacks of TT jobs, decreased funding, etc.

Minnesota comp lit rejection letters are out, got a very nice, albeit long and round-about, statement from the chair. Not really sweating this one though.

Indeed, universities tend to gentrify communities, pushing impoverished communities elsewhere and erecting gates vis-a-vis high rent and cost of living-- part of the reason I would rather not live in a college town or university part of town. But this is not to say that the latter areas are, in fact, safe: my university town had high amounts (relative to the population) of on campus hate crimes, the largest police force in the state per capita, and a disturbingly high number of rapes and sexual assaults (not even counting all of the ones in fraternity parties that never go reported).

Comp. lit decisions are out fwiw. I'm waitlisted, but will probably go elsewhere whatever happens

I definitely plan on it! (though i was so taken aback I forgot the date of the visit). That's a unique road you've traveled to grad school. I'm a 20th cent Latin Americanist (Caribbeanand southern cone/Brazil) interested in relations between narrative form, history/political economy, and aesthetic experience. I could drone on for days about Theory, but I mostly use Frankfurt school CI and freud-lacan, with a smattering of narratology. My undergraduate thesis also provided the royal road to academia. Did you ever think while you were writing that it would lead to this? I sure didn't!

I felt the same way when I saw that, enzian! I hope I hear something, but I completely dread phone interviews.

Congratulations Pel! Btw your research interests look fascinating!

I am considering UCLA to do my PhD and was invited to attend the UCLA recruitment days, which I cannot attend due to having to go to another visit. But I was curious to get some impressions from anyone familiar with Westwood and the greater LA area. I'm from Northern California, but haven't been south of Monterrey for years; although my memories were not particularly positive, but Nor Cal folks have kind of a bias against the region as a whole, so more rounded insights would be appreciated. I currently live in the SF Bay Area, and love the (manageable) metropolitan feel, the cultural and political centrality, and general ambiance here, but of course am open to new experiences; 6-7 years is a big commitment though. Thanks!

Have a heart-to-heart with the adviser you're closest with and tell him about this HUGE opportunity for you. They've probably been in similar positions, and you'll only do yourself a disservice by waiting given the circumstances, (maybe even recommend a trust-worthy replacement?) and unless they have a vindictive or possessive spirit, odds are they want to see you succeed. Unofficial offers with funding information are not sent out frivolously, so unless you have a legitimate reason to worry about issues with your admission, consider it done! This feels so stressful right now, but when you're in your new program, working on your own project, publishing, etc, hindsight will make this a blip in the road. Good luck!

I was accepted yesterday, so expect more phone calls to come this week!

^^The lit ones might be coming later than the English ones

Thanks to everyone; I think we're all going to be equally happy come early March!

Congrats, V! Time to square up with the modernist heavy hitters

Completely understand, this is a nerve wracking process. I received a phone call from that outlined the basic decision, funding information, dept. visit, etc...I'm not going to lie, it was difficult finding anything to say back. An interview at Yale is pretty impressive, was that through Comp Lit?

In at NYU, wait listed at UCLA! Hope other folks are finally hearing back as well!

I was emailed to check my status: wait listed :-/ Most ivies/privates seem to actually call aceptees

I heard unofficially from a POI, then the DGS and graduate chair email sent an email. Apparently the application/embark status will change on Feb 2nd, so folks might want to check that out (speaking for Comp Lit here)

That's ludicrous, on par with how my past jobs ask you "how long do you see yourself with company x?" If you don't sound sure they might not offer you the spot, assuming that you'll turn it down (this happens with folks who appear "overqualified" if you can believe it); I'd go with what quantitative said, and "Say yes if you're comfortable saying it" (or some similar variation). As they put it, you don't HAVE to decide before April 15th.

Got an acceptance and financial aid information from Davis. I wish all schools were this prompt with their decisions!

Many classes at the R1s are instructed by GSIs (graduate student instructors) rather than lecturers/adjuncts; these positions are often advanced courses that pay more than TA-ing and, to varying extents, designed at the discretion of the GSI. Starla has got the right idea in any case: ask around, especially current graduate students in your future department

My thoughts exactly. Plus, if they want us to visit say, from the other side of the country, do they think our jobs/life/whatever don't merit as much advanced notice? (the question of visas is obviously much more complicated and difficult, but still...)

Haha, no I'm not actually, I suppose he's the point person for the adcomm. I do 20th century Latin America and Frankfurt School CI (among other things). On another note, it seems like the big-name privates are starting to slowly send out acceptances/interviews. Duke has sent out invites as well, as other people are confirming.

Congratulations and good luck prepping for the big weekend! That should be amazingly fun, in addition to nerve wracking!