schonbier

As it's almost April, and I still only have three wait lists (all for PhD, I already have an M.A.) and a ton of rejections, I've been thinking on this question a bit. If I don't get in to any of the three places, I'm kind of at a loss as to what I'll do for another year as I wait to apply for PhD schools starting in 2013. I'll definitely be reapplying, but if I don't get in after the second round, I think it's time to try something else. The Peace Corps is a fantastic idea, but there are three problems; one is that it's not really a long-term solution - at least, not to begin with; it's two years, but you can extend and then, if you like administrative stuff there are possibilities there. Secondly, I'm already in the Peace Corps, and it is fantastic, but from experience the majority of people that choose it as a plan B don't particularly like it, nor do they usually stay for the full two years. It can be pretty tough, and if it's not something you really want to do, it's probably not a good choice (alot like going to grad school, I suppose). Third, I'm already in the Peace Corps, and don't think that I want to do it again immediately after going back to the states. So, what to do if I don't get in off one of the wait lists? I think I'll spend it working on my SoP and Writing Sample and retaking the GREs (as they'll have expired by then) while working some job that takes little to no thinking or time. Bartender? And if I don't get in after the second try, I'll probably take my beer making hobby and new found bartending skills and open a brewpub. Where the money for such a thing will come from, I've yet to figure out. Maybe I'll knock off a bank? Yeah, a bank heist sounds like fun.

I've been waitlisted at several schools thus far for a PhD in Philosophy - no response from many more, and unfortunately, no outright acceptances. Through talking to a few friends who were accepted off the waitlist recently - as in, within the past few years - it sounds like making a visit to the school can greatly help whether or not one gets accepted off the waitlist. However, due to my financial situation (i.e. I don't have any money) and my work situation (i.e. I can't get away from work), it is impossible for me to visit any of the schools. So, I was thinking of calling some people at the department to get some more information, and to let them know that I'm interested. a) Is this a good idea? Who, exactly, should I call? Should I call the person who sent me the notification of being on the waitlist or try to call someone else as well? c) What are some good questions to ask?