PhDreams

Awwww... I've been having the same dreams. Sigh...

Ahhhh... Yeah. I think my programs start interviewing at the end of Jan and make offers mid-Feb. Now what to until then?! Sigh

I know everyone is starting to wrap up their last applications, so I just wanted to wish every one good luck! Let the interview offers begin!

Groan... I can't even fathom asking my recommeders for letters again after they were all so sure that I would get into various programs. Yet, I'm plagued by anxiety that I wont get in anywhere. I'm a roller coaster of highs and lows. I have a solid Plan B since I'm since I'm also applying to jobs right now, but sigh..... I just couldn't face them if I didn't get in. I'd feel like I disappointed all of them..and that... I suck.

Hey! First, hang in there. This will work itself out. You will find a solution. I think there are a few places you can start- Start with your advisor. He/she might be able to come up with people that you may have overlooked. Together you might be able to come up with a short list of people to talk to that could be willing to write you a strong letter. Next, while it's less than ideal to get recommendations from people that you might not be initially psyched about, they might suprise you. If you know anyone from that last job where you have those contacts that would be wiling to have a meaningful chat with you, you might be able to pull out a really solid rec from them. Just be sure to let them know that you would like the letter to focus on your academic strengths like critical thinking, etc. It also might be a good letter to have because it can even speak to some of your leadership skills. Lastly, do you have any mentors in your field? Have you had any volunteer experience that is strongly related to criminology that you may be overlooking? You might have to really think about these things, but I'm sure that you can come up with the three letters. They also might even turn out better than the ones you expected. Often letters from people that know you well can paint a great picture of who you are beyond an academic. While I'm not saying that you should look for character references, recommendations that create a holistic portrait of applicants are generally looked upon favorably. Best of luck to you! I'm rooting for you.

I think it helps to have a team of people cheering you on. I hope that this is the last year for all of us! Cheers to all of you who have the persistence to stick it out. It's tough, but you all are amazing for following your dreams. It's so easy to give up when you feel defeated, but you have all chosen to make options even when it didnt appear that there were any. Keep it up! It all falls into place...eventually. Virtual hugs.

Looks like there have already been some acceptances and interviews in this thread! CONGRATS!!!! Let's hope the good luck continues for all of us!

Hahahaha I just chose places where I thought my research and I would be a good fit. From what I've heard, there are a lot of applicants that never get in contact with faculty. However, while I'd say that positive contact with faculty and departments is helpful, I don't think that no contact will hurt you. It just makes you sorta neutral. I did get to meet with a professor from NYU when he came to do a talk at my school a couple of months ago. I told him a little bit about my research and that I was applying. He was really great and I would love to work with him. However, I didn't keep in contact. I really should have. Sigh... I was only able to correspond to a handful of professors from other schools. I could have been better, but time really escaped me. Good luck to you!! Where are you applying?

FYI the application to NYU is at 5pm EST not midnight like most schools. I don't think it's a big deal if your scores, etc come in after the deadline. Most programs are barely putting together folders...but you can call to be sure. However, I'm not so sure about the actual application. Most programs are pretty firm about needing the actual app by the stated deadline. You should call Mich before you spend your money...or check to see if the portal is even open if the deadline has passed. Good luck!

Awwww... I've changed the settings on my phone to give me reminders for every email I receive instead of consolidating it every hour. Sigh.... I also still have recommenders that haven't submitted....and the deadlines have past...weeks ago. Oh well...

Also..HI! Best of luck to all of you! Just a few months and this will all be over. Big sigh of relief...

Yale and Harvard also have Am studies programs. Although, Harvard's is still called Am Civ, but this will soon change to Am Studies.

I don't think Harvard interviews.

I remember Michigan last year. Yep... Stanford is sorta like that too. :/

I had to stop looking into programs. LOL I found myself trying to convince myself to apply to more.

Hang in there. Everything always falls into place. We're all rooting for you...

I feel the same way. If you keep looking at it, you will keep revising. It's a curse. Good luck!

LOLOLOL Yes.... THIS. These forums got me through the app season last season. Best of luck to all of you. This process is rough...

I've heard good things about NYU. Have you considered Brown or Harvard? I heard they have pretty great programs. Good Luck!

Decision?

Thank you! So, does that mean you'll be attending Penn? How exciting! This year I cast a really wide net and ended up withdrawing my apps from multiple schools. This fall I'm just applying to four. I'll be around to laugh AND cry with you! Good luck in the fall.

Hey, Edgirl! I have also decided to apply to doctoral programs for next fall. Are you doing a masters program first? Did you apply to Penn as an afterthought? Just curious.... Good luck with everything! I'm sure I'll see you around in the fall during the stressful application season. Haha

Fingers crossed for you!

I really thought that Stanford would start to notify people sooner as to their status on the wait list, but I haven't heard anything at all. Good luck with Stanford! I hope you hear something soon!

Oh no! How did you find that out??? I really wish I could ask what made the admissions committee admit me? I'd love to know! And I think you're right, a high score, especially in Ed is not going to be what gets you in. Most schools look for well rounded students. But the OP should be happy because their app is shaping up quite nicely!! Good luck!!!!