Gene Parmesan

I totally understand. Its hard to get out of the applicant mentality! This person doesn't seem cocky or authoritative at all, I just want to give my best impression that I can. Webcam would be nice, but they're out of town and don't want to ask too much. I'm definitely going to mention that the department attracts me because of the strong match in research interests with the faculty. It really is a perfect fit. And I plan to thank this professor for their interest in my research. I'm sure once we start talking it'll be fine. I just had one experience in a meeting with a POI where he sat down and said "ok what can I do for you?" I would ask a question, he'd answer in 10 seconds and say "OK, next?" BUT, I that was in the fall during the applicant stage so who knows..

Thanks, Safferz. All great suggestions. I'm especially nervous because this scholar's work essentially shaped my historical interests from a very early point in my undergrad. I'm a little star-shocked.

Hi all, I have a phone meeting today with a POI at one of my accepted schools. I asked to speak via phone after they offered their cell phone since they're out of town during my campus visit and had offered to answer any questions and encourage me to join the dept. My request was to simply introduce myself on a more personal basis (outside of email) and to thank them for their interest in my research, so I can possibly start building that relationship. Would it be smart to ask specific questions or expand on my research interests? I really don't know what to expect since its not an interview, and I don't want the conversation to fall flat.. Thinking too much into it?? Probably. When provoked I can do a good job of just "being myself," but does any one have any good questions they can suggest to ask? I have a few questions of my own, but this is foreign territory for me. Thanks!

For University of Washington applicants still waiting on their status, my letter that came via snail mail today was dated February 22 and they noted their hope for an incoming class of 15. Again, I'm on the West Coast, so if you're still waiting check that mailbox tomorrow!

No problem. I hope to congratulate you and anyone else still waiting to hear from U-Washington soon!

I received only the letter via snail mail. Although I should say I've been out of town for a few days and was only notified today (when I wasn't home) that there was mail waiting for me. Again, I haven't read the letter so I don't know when it was dated. I can say that I emailed the program assistant last Monday (Feb. 20) asking about when decisions were planned to go out. The Prog Assistant replied back then that "notifications" would go out later in the week to next week (so now). When they replied with that, rejections had already begun going out. I wasn't notified of any status and I didn't speak with any prof or grad advisor. So keep an eye out in your mailboxes! Like I said, when I look at my mail finally I'll share any details that might shine light on what they're doing

Hi all, I'll claim the UW acceptance. It came in the mail today. I'm not home and was only relayed the news via phone, so I have no idea when the letter was dated. If I remember correctly, I was told the letter said something like 240+ applicants for 15 spots. Once I review the letter I'll post any pertinent info. BTW, for mail concerns, I'm on the West Coast. Sorry to all receiving bad news today. I'm channeling positive energy for everyone to receive good news in the next few days/weeks

Thanks a lot, RiceandBeans!! In terms of an easy move, it seems like a fine idea because I can apply online. Since I'm coming from CA, I thought the prices were amazing. But then, as you mentioned, I realized that rent can be cheaper elsewhere. I'll check out the tenant union. Thanks again!

Anyone heard anything about U of Washington yet? Still waiting and wondering what's going on...

Sterling Stuckey's Slave Culture and Carey McWilliams' The Education of Carey McWilliams. Working my way through these.

And my Washington wait continues.. Congrats to all who received stellar offers today!

I always went "dr. ___" as an undergrad. When I became a master's student, it was more expected to go by first names because of the really great community in our dept. My rule right now is to continue with "Professor_______" in email as I'm talking to my POIs. Then, once I visit and meet them in person, I'll go by their first name which they have been using to sign emails.

You never know! It could swing in your favor!

Literally holding myself back from emailing Univ of Washington about my application. Its not that I can't wait (it is early after all). More that I'd like to know what final schools I'll be weighing before I leave on my first campus visit trip this week.

Congrats Congrats, sandyvanb!

I haven't really been following Yale so sorry if this is old news or if decisions have been made or something. Essentially this says Yale is being pressured to "interview" before sending acceptances. Saw it on the American Studies thread: http://www.yaledaily...ver-interviews/

Thanks for the insight, teachgrad and ticklemepink! I'm really honored with the fellowship nominations and offers from both schools, so its hard for me to think it could get sweeter. But I do have certain concerns about funding that have been coming up recently, and your advice will help me approach those discussions with more ease. Yes, I'm feeling this too. I really want to remain in contact with these professors from other schools because they are generating work that continue to shape my interests.

So here's a question for everyone: I've planned my trips to visit schools. From what I've heard from others, it seems likely that they'll ask me if and what other offers I've received. To what extent should I share the details of my other offers? Should I provide names of schools? funding offers? POIs? I certainly am not interested in starting some kind of competition just yet as I really want to get a good sense of the departments. Another issue that arises for me is that the POIs at my three schools all know each other. Many are colleagues or former students of a Prof at one of my top choice schools, so I don't know how much to share. Perhaps it would work in my favor financially to discuss these things? I also don't want to be put in an awkward position or conversation (not that I expect these schools to press me hard). At the end of the day, as I mentioned before, I'm really leaning towards one school, but I want to be fair to the others and let them "make their case."

Wow that's great! Congrats!

I'm really glad this thread was started. I was hoping to get a conversation going with people about the next step of the process, and without loading up posts about admissions in the other thread. For me, I'll be visiting my top 2 schools I was accepted to (the third I visited in the Fall as part of a grant/scholarship, so I've got a good sense). Although I'm going to do my best to remain open and aware of all the dynamics/qualities of each school, I also hope to devise a list of fair questions for current faculty and current graduate students there. I was told by my prof that a good time to speak with current grad students on my visit would be away from campus, typically over drinks or dinner, so as not to have anyone hold back for fear of a prof hearing or anything. Maybe email can serve this function as well. For example, when I visited a school last fall, all the profs would admit that funding was difficult but wouldn't elaborate. Graduate students opened up to me over coffee about the realities of multi-year funding there. So I really got different impressions of a school based on who I talked to. Because funding offered at both my top 2 schools is generally the same when compared to cost of living, I'm not too concerned at this specific moment about where I can get more money. I'm still waiting on the results of fellowship nominations, and can't think much about funding until those come back. My only rule is that I must have funding that includes tuition and a stipend. I've worked 2-3 jobs, 14 hr shifts for the last 3 years while working on my BA and MA, and I refuse to let myself work outside the university (teaching I dont mind at all). I am hoping to discuss funding in more depth on my visits to get a sense of what the next years of my life will look like. I am leaning towards one school more than another. But because both departments seem equally invested in my application and my research, I want to be fair to myself and them give both departments equal attention on the visits. At this point, I see different trajectories for my work at different schools, and this drives me to lean towards one school over the other. BUT, I'm also waiting on 2 more decisions from Univ of Washington and North Carolina, which may or may not complicate my decision. What have you been thinking, GoldieLocks?

Congrats, doodle26! Way to go.

I wonder what it means that Univ of Washington's rejections went out before acceptances? Is this common for them? Results page didn't have much from the years before. Has anyone heard anything from U Washington about waitlists/acceptances?

Unless they actually are sending out emails today, I wondered if it might have been someone who emailed them asking about the status of their app.

Uh oh, there's a Univ of Washington reject up. Wonder if this is the first wave?

haha! yes it was a brutal game. Arsenal would do well to buy some quality defenders in the next market.