jerzygrl

I am with you on this one OP. I also applied to anthro programs so I know your pain. Anxiety and a panic attack was what it took for me to make the assumption that I am being rejected from every school I applied to (though it was brought on by the only responce so far, a rejection). Once I picked myself up and dusted myself off I started trying to figure out other options. I am applying to two master's programs (one state side and one overseas) but I also started applying for jobs. Since I don't know the results yet I can be really picky about where I apply. I only apply places that I think would be fun to work at for sometime. Maybe I can make enough money to travel which could turn into a great SOP... and maybe even enough to pay for next years apps Let yourself have your few minutes of self pity, but remember that in our field most of us will be rejected! Think about what would be fun to do if you had enough money and then start going after it. Should add here that I am actually interested in working at some of the places I applied and feeling excited about the prospect of making some real $$$

Beyond the Body Proper- is a personal favorite as a reader about embodiment, but it isn't really a "classic". It would familiarize you with anthropological thought, but ground you in theory... um, no. Some Foucault perhaps- though he is not an anthro everyone cites his work. (along with Marx, Weber, and Freud) Bear in mind that, most likely, you will not be the only person in your program who does not have an anthro background. You will gain a solid foundation in the first two years. I think it is a better idea to just read stuff that interests you and then take a look at what sources they have used and read some of those works. Anthropology is a holistic discipline, which is why you can read a lot fo material outside the confines of the discipline and it will still be entirely relevent. Good luck in your studies!

I see Rutgers made some offers... but in the past they have trickled out sloooowly. And as far as I know they do some interviews. Good luck!

I think the silence is worse than a flat out rejection. I am holding on to hope that I could be wait listed and then offered a spot and yet I have the overwhelming feeling that this is not the case. It's sadistic torture I tell you!

Three of the five schools I applied to have notified admits and all I have is silence Two of these schools were my best fits and I am not too hopeful at this point for the last two schools. Any second year applicants to cultural programs who can share some tips about prepping for the next application cycle? How can I make my applications more competitive? Most likely I will not apply this fall. This has been a very stressful process and I do not think I can jump right back in so soon which means I have a whole year (and a half) to really make my applications shine. For those of you admitted the second time around, what do you think made your applications shine this time?

Congrats Lixy!

Several of my programs have begun to notify admits. Wonderful! I am so happy for you all! But why, oh why, cannot they not just update the application system so we can all know our results! Waaaahhhh!

Congrats on the admit! Thanks for sharing your experience. It helps the rest of us guage our own applications

Whoever said "silence is golden" clearly never waited to hear back from adcoms

I'm also wondering about UCSC. Could that poster share some info? Did you have an interview?

I should have added a disclaimer that my oldest is only 10... I could be fooled into the lull before teenager! I am in that dangerous period where I don't remember the struggle of living with baby and I do not yet have the pain of teenage angst. (and it's Valentine's day... quick sweetie! Hand me the large snuggie to wrap myself in! Now isn't that sexy? )

I will agree with your mother that in some respects raising a baby is easier than a puppy. Puppies only ever mature to three year olds... kids eventually take care fo themselves! Sounds like you have a good set-up with your husband and in-laws so you are probably in good shape. You should still look at the type of childcare options available where ever you consider going. It does happen that everyone will be sick but you and baby and you will need a back-up plan for those days. I didn't think it could possibly happen and I had to miss class! One of the reasons I mention Cornell though is that the school holds events for children of grad students and even spouses of students. The school works to make sure the whole family is cared for so the student is free to study. Few other schools do this... but I am with you that ultimately this will not affect my decision too much. My family is used to the current "they don't exist" system in place by most schools, but it would be nice to have them feel as though they are a part of my education.

It can definately be done, but I second what another poster said- have a good support system. I see you have an interview with Rutgers. Great program, but be aware that they have no help for students with children (then again neither do NYU or Princeton, but somehow they seem to accomodate students more). The prof's are (usually) amazing in their support of students, but the institution is one giant hamster wheel that never changes dierection. (It is lovingly called the "RU Screw"). That being said, it is a great area and there is a lot for children in the neighboring areas in case you decide to cross the Hudson to live Just for the sake of the conversation, anyone thinking of children should look at Cornell to see how a program *can* be. They have amazing resources for students with children and it is a shame that other schools do not copy their example. Yes, it costs money, but schools would have happier more productive students if they would give a little more. We should organize and demand more services! Power in numbers!

I'm a member! I went back to UG for a degree so I have become used to being around the younger set. Several of them have become good friends of mine- you will find that generally, the smart students (those going on to their Phd.) behave like adults and not children. My UG has been very diverse and I also found a whole group of mature women that have been great. Honestly, I think diversity is a good thing and you will be surprised by many of the students you will encounter. As for having kids... I have some of those! They are school aged and we have been talking about the possibility of moving with them. The hardest part is talking in abstractions ("if I get in university x, y, or z we can live here, but if I get into college a then we will live here). I will not be having any more children, but for those who do want to have kids during grad school, definately wait until after you finished course work. They are amazing little time warping beings! Depending on your field they can really be an asset though. You really gain insight into time management (think you had awesome skills before... have a few kids and see how those skills transform). Plus, in anthropology my kids will serve as a conduit for social interaction. If I am living in a community I automatically gain access to numerous families and I am trusted because of having children (it's a sad day for social interaction to have this realization, but it is true!). Good luck everyone!

Your vaguely criptic message reminds me of those guys who walk around with signs that say "the end is near" We all know the decisions are coming soon.... this just adds fuel to our already burning anxiety!