canadiana

Off topic, I just got waitlisted at Johns Hopkins! Don't know my rank, but the very fact that I got on the list is very encouraging for me. Even if I don't get in, I'm really happy to have been seriously considered.

I know what you mean....the waiting is absolutely nerve wracking, and I'm not dealing with it too well. I just walked out of a test halfway through, because I'm so discouraged at this point that I've been thinking, "Why bother?" I don't know about other undergraduate applicants, but I'm at that point just a few months away from graduation, where I wonder whether all the effort over the past four years even matters.

Wow! Two rejections already from Brown, and both through contact with a professor...so does that mean that accepted students have already been notified?

Maybe it just wasn't a good fit. You never know, so hang in there!

I'm not sure how it works in English, but I suppose it may be similar to History (my discipline). I was encouraged by my mentor to apply to PhD programs, but I honestly didn't think I stand a chance for the PhD programs. A Masters might be better for me. I don't have a lot of research experience, and my GPA and GRE scores are mediocre at best. I see it as a positive, though. A Master's program would allow me to develop the skills needed to hopefully succeed in a PhD program later on, and would make the transition to PhD easier. And I agree that a Masters degree demonstrates a good track record of success at the graduate level, which a lot of undergraduate students don't demonstrate (even if they may have the abilities to succeed). Definitely go for the PhD if you get in, but don't turn down a Masters offer - they are quite valuable in the long run.

Yeah, I wouldn't worry too much about it. They're obviously interested in you, and most professors understand the nervousness, since they've also been through this hellish process. Congratulations on the phone call! It's more than what most of us have heard so far.

Really? Considering that the deadline was Jan 15 for applications, that's REALLY quick! I guess that American schools make decisions faster.

What is BU History? Just curious...

Curling's awesome! A couple of my friends got very tired of my whining about graduate schools one day, so they decided to take me to the rink....and now I love it more than hockey. There's nothing like shouting "sweep! SWEEEP!" at your friends.

I've taken up curling....

Hi, I know what you mean about the lack of response from certain schools. In my experience, however, other profs at some schools have been very helpful. I'd suggest studying to retake the GREs (although they honestly don't seem to matter that much...just try to improve your score), as well as applying to a Master's program first. (This just from personal experience: I myself applied for several PhD programs before realizing that my application was not competitive. I'm more optimistic about my master's applications.) Also, your professors at your alma mater (probably those from whom you're getting your LORs) would be able to suggest people in your field at other universities to work with. Ask them how to better approach professors -- maybe they know something about a certain professor or department. And don't be afraid to apply without talking to the prof in person. Just mention their name somewhere in your application, stating why you're interested in their work and in working with them. Finally, I think that your application has potential strengths: your interdisciplinary approach, for one, as well as your language proficiencies. So don't be discouraged!

Haven't heard anything at all. Whatever the decision, it will be nice to finally find out.

Nice to see history people on this website! Although, after reading some people's posts, I feel nervous that I only applied to five schools (three of them are programs I probably won't get into, and two are more realistic - a.k.a. my safety schools)! I'll probably stay in Canada for next year or two. It will be interesting to see if any international students are applying to Canadian schools for history.

I'm mentally preparing myself for the rejections over the next few months, so I thought I'd join you: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! (hee) I TOO WANT MY MOMMY! On the other hand, try not to worry too much about it. Life's too short for that.

I must say that I'm jealous of the science applicants as well! It must be a relief to know the result, either way, so that you can set your Plan B in motion if need be. I'm just finishing up some MA applications for a couple of Canadian schools, so thankfully I have that to keep me busy this month.