Processing non-acceptance

[2021orbust]

As a four time PhD process rejectionist here are some thoughts.

1) You most likely will become discouraged seeing acceptances and interviews knowing that you probably did not get in. You can hold out hope, but honestly it sucks. Sit with it and realize that not getting into a program hurts and sucks. It is ok to feel this way.

2) The way it works is that people will find out they are accepted way before the official thanks, but no thanks go out. Often the thanks, but no thanks emails are poorly worded and curt. And if you seek feedback from the school be prepared for little (generic if any) to no feedback. 
 

3) This is for when it is all said and done. You are more than a rejection try to do good where you are (I have a hard time with this personally because I have felt like my identity was attacked in the rejections and did not know what else I am supposed to do with my career/life choices.) It is still early/mid in the process, but I leave this in case it helps anyone. Best wishes! 

 

[Sunshine04]

This is a good forum. It can be discouraging to not be accepted into certain programs especially if it was on the top of your list. But it definitely doesn’t define you and it’s not the end of your academic journey or dreams. 
 

If you don’t mind me asking which schools have you applied to? And are you still pursuing programs ?

[2021orbust]

Hi Sunshine04,

I applied this year to Northeastern and UC Irvine. Looks like a no go again. This will be my last year applying. I kept it to 2 because of how much time applying takes up. Good luck on your choices!