populatedgaze

Both are quality programs. I don't know much about the strengths of these depts in your field, but I know enough to advise you to ignore the rankings (to a point--both are top 30, so I wouldn't worry too much). I hear both are shark tanks. UCLA's dept is the largest in the country, so you're less likely to receive a lot of individual attention. I hear NYU's faculty is pretty divided. Keep in mind this information is based largely on hearsay--I have no direct experience with either dept.

I think there's a disconnect at most places between the grad school and the admission committees. I'm up in the air on where I'll be going. Davis seems like a great place.

This e-mail is meaningless, really. I was accepted into the program and still received this e-mail. It seems to be an automated letter from the grad office informing you that your file has not been rejected. If they say you're on the waitlist, then you're still on the waitlist.