Mnemonics2

I'm flipping out being nervous about UVa now...

Random question: What do people think the average ratio of applications per number of spots finally given out is? How many applications for the standard 10 spots, say?

See this was my logic (not for UCSD, but for other schools that reported last year on the 9-10th). Is it fair to say that that week last year is this week this year?

I really agree here...I feel like most of the action has been happening (this year and historically) between Wednesday and Friday, with adcoms meeting early in the week for final decisions. Which suck, I know. Anyone else waiting on UVa?

What makes you say that? Looking back at last year (and considering that the weeks fall slightly differently this year), it seems that a lot will be out this week. Of course, we may just have a completely different list of schools we're waiting on...

Strong raft of schools - we have a bit of crossover! GMU didn't require official transcripts I think, so they should have reviewed it. And if you haven't heard anything, they could still come back after the first wave.

I feel like UCSD is the first of the schools that we've seen where huge numbers traditionally apply...maybe OSU...but we haven't seen Michigan or UCLA, etc. yet.

Wow...that's a bloodbath over on the results page. So sorry.

Waitlisting really is still good news. I had several last cycle and was accepted to G'town (no funding of course) off of the list in mid-July. It happens.

If you don't mind me asking, why only 2-3 others for serious consideration? You still have...6 outstanding, right?

Here's a question: when people say "full funding" on the results forum or on here....what, on average, is meant by that?

Even with funding, three weeks is seeming a little.....short, to me.

PM me.

I was a duke applicant last year, before I realized that the fit really wasn't good for me. They are very prompt, but also very good about updating everywhere at once (online, email, etc.). Try to relax and take a bit longer between refreshes though...!

Thanks! I actually have a question that I think might be broadly applicable to a lot of people. Do you think it more worthwhile to attend a better-ranked program with great general fit to your interests (a few professors generally in your line of work), or a slightly farther down program (like 25th versus 18th) with decent fit and one guy that is 100% a match (and you know that guy won't leave soon or anything)?

Hey pingsmile, it just occurred to me that we might be in the same cohort. Are you thinking of going?

Claiming the GMU offer....so unbelievably pumped! This is my first acceptance, making me 1 for 1....which after last year's disappointing cycle feels just great Keep the faith everyone who is still waiting - it happens! MarketMan, big envelope, full tuition remission, TAship with the usual phd candidate salary.

Yes, I'll likely be there again this year.

You know what the suckiest thing is right now? The fact that I picked all schools that are, traditionally, very late reporters. Anyone else in that bucket?

This. This is an appropriate reaction. Well done sir.

Thanks, good luck to you too. I am also CP/IR. But I have...interesting connections with that program. So we'll see what happens!

I want a PhD in my field. But I knew that my GPA wouldn't likely make the cut (got a bit sick and a big bit lazy at times in undergrad). But I got into a great MA program with a 2.66. My GPA from my MA was 3.81 and I've now had oodles more research experience. So now I can apply for the program's I originally wanted. It can happen dude. Keep the faith.

Was just told that GMU will be going through applications and deciding during this last two weeks of January. It seems from the new early deadline and this early sorting that they are switching up when they get their decisions out, so as to be more competitive.

This is great advice. From someone who got straight rejections last year (ok, two waitlists), this kind of approach really will help you deal with the stress more. It took me til after the cycle was over to get into a "there are other things to do in the field" mindset. And this year I have worked at two prominent think tanks (still do) and have a fellowship at a third, one of the biggest in the world. Shit will happen for you and PhD decisions (as subjective as they are) are no reflection on what you are capable of doing in the field in other ways.

University of Bob...how did I not remember to reply to that hallowed institution?