University of Chicago's MAPH Offer

[sentientcabbage]

I just got an email from the University of Chicago which said that I was rejected from the literature Ph.D. program, but offered a spot in their one-year Master of Arts Program in the Humanities. As no funding is attached, it doesn't seem like a viable option for me...although it is a nice respite from all the more straightforward rejections I've received so far!

Anyone else in the same position? Opinions on the program? As I haven't received a letter from Chicago yet (the email suggested that I ought to have), I'd be interested in knowing if it has further details.

I hope everyone's getting through this season well! It certainly hasn't been an easy one.

[lifealive]

No one should do an unfunded master's degree--especially not one as pricey as Chicago's, and especially not in some nebulous "humanities" field--when there are plenty of MA in English programs out there that DO fund. Sure, they're in less glamorous places such as University of Delaware or Arizona State, but they won't set you back 40 grand.

Chicago's MAPH program is widely known in these communities as a cash cow. I've heard it's not all that great, but that's just what I've heard and I have no personal experience with it.

[Butitwaslaundryday]

Hello, I'm just curious since I applied to MAPH and haven't heard back yet--do you know if it sounds as if everyone who got a spot has already been notified? Thanks!

[sentientcabbage]

Hello, I'm just curious since I applied to MAPH and haven't heard back yet--do you know if it sounds as if everyone who got a spot has already been notified? Thanks!

Hmm...the email doesn't directly address the subject, though it's clear that they're done reviewing applications. The site says they aim for classes of about 100 students, though, and gradcafe definitely suggests that few spots have been offered so far! It seems likely that they still have a lot of offers to extend, and as the email made it clear that all aid decisions had also been reached, they'll hopefully be sent out soon.

I'd say it's not time to worry yet, but I guess we've all been worrying for a while already. In any case, good luck!

[mysteryzone]

Don't fret. Got the e-mail today, and as the U of C is my dream school, I am beyond happy. The e-mail was very personalized and mentioned my correspondence with professors, my SOP, etc, so I have a feeling that these acceptances will be sent out very incrementally.