amlobo

Guys seem to wear nice jeans or khakis with a dress/polo shirt. I think a suit or a tie is overdoing it, but anything less is good. Visits are generally pretty casual, from my experience and what I've heard from others. I am female, and I wore dark jeans with a nicer shirt and cardigan.

I doubt that it is that they are angry. It could just be that they are busy at this time of year, your email fell through the cracks, and they forgot to respond. Or maybe they didn't think a response was necessary. I wouldn't stress over it

This is how I've been approaching my decision, which is coincidentally how I chose paint colors for my house, lol.

For what it's worth, I came from a different discipline and submitted a writing sample from the different discipline, which related to my sociological interests as far as subject matter. I think they just want to see your ability to write, make an argument, and think critically. So, find an existing paper that you think represents your abilities well, and I would use that. I don't see any reason to write something new unless you absolutely do not have a suitable existing writing sample.

I didn't ask a question, but this is of interest to me. I feel like perhaps adcomms enjoy the "anonymity" and flexibility in a secret admissions process. I would think the process varies depending on who is on that year's adcomm and what the needs of the department are each year. The less you disclose, the less open to criticism or question the process is. I also think it probably works two-fold in the effect on applicants, in that it avoids pandering based on the things you "know" an adcomm wants (to the extent it isn't already present), but it also avoids discouraging applicants who don't feel they meet a school's criteria but who very well may be offered admission anyway. I feel like the lack of transparency most affects people who do not have access to U.S. sociology faculty advisors. At least if you are in a sociology department somewhere in the US, your professors know how the game works in general and can advise you accordingly. If you are coming from abroad, changing disciplines, or have been out of school for a while, you don't have that advantage and are even more in the dark. Without this board and all of you wonderful folks, I would have been completely lost.

I got the same reply... sounds like a rejection bomb is looming...

I have two programs that will take the visits for me to decide, and one visit is at the end of the month, so I foresee an April decision for sure. I am also waitlisted at one of my top choices, so I expect to hear a "final" decision in April. I am considering all of the normal factors (fit, placement, etc.), but I also have to factor my spouse into the decision. I am trying to figure out what will be best for my future and for my spouse's future. He is incredibly supportive, and I want his career to be a priority for us, as well; it's very much a "joint" decision for us.

My POI told me the first year is fellowship, with no requirements (maybe the first 2 years for your package). They want you to adjust to the quarter system, I think, was her understanding of why they try to give no TA/RA responsibilities the first year.

I would contact someone at NYU regarding particulars on the waitlist. I was accepted to NYU, and all I know is that in the email it said waitlisted students are invited to the visit and that they are shooting for a cohort of 8.

Well, I emailed them today because I'm ready to get all of this over with. So, I'll let you know if I hear anything back... lol.

Someone on this thread has claimed an acceptance, so I assume the ones on the results page from a couple of days ago are real.

Everyone's funding package is different, and yours is definitely better than mine, lol. Just FYI, in making your decision. Sounds like UCSD is very impressed with you!

I talked to my POI on Monday, and she mentioned that they were "working diligently" to put the packages together. But... no, I haven't received anything. I would assume we would get them before the visit next week... I hope...

I set up my conflicting visits to be one right after the other instead... so I fly straight from one to the next. I'll be at one next Wed/Thurs, then the next Fri/Sat, so I'll let you know how that goes... lol...

If you are seriously interested in both (which I assume you are, lol), ask about arranging to visit on an alternate date for whichever you feel more comfortable missing the "actual" event. I'm doing that for one of my programs, and I'm arranging meetings with grad students and professors while I'm there and sitting in on a seminar. They are still reimbursing my visit and have been very helpful in making sure I get the most out of my visit.

Won't let me upvote, so HOORAY again

Thank you! And thank you everyone for the kind words! I ran out of upvotes! I seriously was in shock. I had completely written it off because it was so competitive. I saw a 212 area code on my missed calls and immediately googled it and saw it was a POI... and I thought he must have called the wrong person, which is why he didn't leave a message. Lol. Good thing I picked up the next time he called!

Accepted to NYU! Got a phone call from POI.

Congrats! Sooo happy for you!

Thanks to randomdood for starting this thread, as I was curious about my waitlist prospects as well, hehe. Did the accepted people get info on the visit yet? I know it's in April... but am wondering so I can hold the date open juuuust in case I get good news before then...

With only 6, I guess the likelihood of any of them being gradcafe peeps decreases. Still a bit strange!

I've started emailing some schools... rejection from Harvard Sociology/Social Policy and rejection from Hopkins. Hopkins said they sent out their 6 acceptances last week.

The "visit day" is Thursday, March 7th.

I emailed a few weeks ago after rejections came out. Nothing. Emailed again today, and I am expecting nothing again. I just want to know so I can cross it off the list, is that so much to ask?!

So, I still have received nothing from UCLA... just end the torture already!