Mr Grimwig

I took the GRE and, as always with my standardized tests, I didn't do so hot. I had an 86th percentile verbal. I can't remember my exact percentile on the literature subject test, but it wasn't great. I still got into several great Ph.D. programs with funding. I just accepted an offer at Columbia. All the professors I've spoken with (at Brown, Columbia, Brandeis, and Oxford) raved about my writing sample and statement of purpose. Those two documents tell them whether you're a good fit and whether you can write and research properly. They are of paramount importance, so my advice would be to focus on those. And I mean REALLY focus on them. I went through 24 drafts of my statement of purpose. I'm sure other people have gone through even more than that. And re-read your writing sample, edit it over the summer, have other folks take a look at it, make sure the research that underpins it is fresh and makes a clear point. And best of luck!

Final Decision: Columbia!

I haven't heard anything either, and I just checked the site. Nothing. It's odd they're staggering rejections.

I think the most important thing is to look at which department has the best people to fit your field and interests, which program seems to be more successful in finding its graduates good jobs, and which program is in the best setting to make you productive and relatively happy. The money is important, yes, but if it means throwing away a better option in terms of fit or where you'd rather be located, I wouldn't strictly "follow the money".

I will be attending the visiting day next week. I look forward to meeting all you guys who will be there! Columbia was very helpful in making my travel arrangements for me.

I just got the same email and offer, Isidore. I'll be letting them know soon that I won't be accepting it, even though it's a lovely campus.

UVa is always so frickin' tardy on notifications. Blech.

Rejected via email. Looks like the results board's lighting up.

deebee, to me one of the major attractions of UK programs is their consideration of authorial intention. I have never been inclined toward literary theory, and I am worried that in an American program it will be forced upon me more than I'd wish.

Unlike most American Ph.D. programs, teaching opportunities are not automatic at Oxford. But they are available, you just have to apply for them. Not everyone does this, and I think those who don't later run into trouble on the job market (especially in the States).

I feel like it's going to take me forever to decide because Oxford doesn't usually announce until March 20th or so. Many people tell me I am crazy to keep Oxford in consideration now that I've gotten into Columbia and Brown. But I can't let the dream die so quickly...I've always wanted to study in England.

Maurice Lee told me BU had about 200 applicants this year. With this number, it would be unrealistic to give every applicant feedback. BUT not every applicant writes in to request feedback! Indeed, I'd bet only a tiny percentage do. I completely understand professors are very, very busy people. But it seems so aloof and cruel not to at least offer some kind of feedback to those who request it. Even the briefest of comments can be immensely helpful. I doubt many applicants write in to ask for insights like tjschae, and it seems such applicants should be rewarded for their resolution to improve their applications. This could easily be done by the admissions committee. They could make small notes when rejecting an application as to why they're doing it (poor fit; non-competitive GPA; SOP needs refinement and focus). Then, when an applicant inquires, they could quickly jot them a note with their reasonings. I just don't see where this would be that big of a deal for the admissions committees. They're already doing a lot of work, and this wouldn't add much.

Columbia has been emailing me incessantly. I've had notes from four POIs, as well as two other professors who just wanted to welcome me and tell me they liked reading my application. Meanwhile, I have not heard anything specific from Brown. I am trying not to let this sway my decision. But should it? How much can we tell from the email habits of programs?

Congratulations, all you Princeton people!

Wait listed. Just got a kind email from Maurice Lee.