nearly been rejected by all the programs I've applied

[Ellie_Li]

My sub field is Islamic Studies and I tend to choose the topics about gender issues and modern religious thoughts. I've applied 6 PhD programs and already been rejected by 4 of them, since I haven't receive even one interview, I guess I'll end up with nothing this year. I've decided to try again for 25 fall, but I still can't help to feel desperate and unconfident. Since my financial burden is heavy(I guess it is quite common in the field of Religious Studies), 25 fall would be my last chance.  Is anyone willing to share your feelings with me? Oh god I really need to talk with someone……

[Ellie_Li]

Well, there is a joke goes like "Adolf, you were rejected" but I'm not Hitler and I just can't stop crying. 

[DavidX]

Last year was supposed to be my last year applying, but I spoke with a professor who really took an interest in me and my work. They helped me your year and after years of applying I finally got two interviews (1 wait-list and 1 rejection). It's a tough thing. I did not want to apply again this year but it's the most success I've had so far. 

 

Have you tried meeting with professors and forming a mentorship bond. Seeing if they can help you with your application? Maybe reach out to a few professors and explain your situation and say this is your last time applying and ask if they would either give you a reading list or look over your application beforehand. 

 

A couple people are encouraging me to try one more year if I don't get in this time, but I'm tired of applying especially not even getting interviewed at places I felt I should get into. Pray for guidance (if you're religious/spiritual), but don't give up. 

 

Do you mind me asking what financial things are causing you to not be able to apply past next year?

[Ellie_Li]

On 2/16/2024 at 12:23 AM, DavidX said:

Last year was supposed to be my last year applying, but I spoke with a professor who really took an interest in me and my work. They helped me your year and after years of applying I finally got two interviews (1 wait-list and 1 rejection). It's a tough thing. I did not want to apply again this year but it's the most success I've had so far. 

 

Have you tried meeting with professors and forming a mentorship bond. Seeing if they can help you with your application? Maybe reach out to a few professors and explain your situation and say this is your last time applying and ask if they would either give you a reading list or look over your application beforehand. 

 

A couple people are encouraging me to try one more year if I don't get in this time, but I'm tired of applying especially not even getting interviewed at places I felt I should get into. Pray for guidance (if you're religious/spiritual), but don't give up. 

 

Do you mind me asking what financial things are causing you to not be able to apply past next year?

Thank you for your warm-hearted reply. I've already tried to send emails to my POIs, but I only received a reply by one of them explaining that our research interests did not match yet. I understand that professors are very busy, but to be honest, I've nearly been totally beaten down by all those obstacles in my way...

As for my financial burden, it's quite complex and hard to solve since I'm an international student, so my problem may be unique. Thanks again for your kindness. I'll try to rebuild my mood, though it may take some time."

[DavidX]

1 hour ago, Ellie_Li said:

Thank you for your warm-hearted reply. I've already tried to send emails to my POIs, but I only received a reply by one of them explaining that our research interests did not match yet. I understand that professors are very busy, but to be honest, I've nearly been totally beaten down by all those obstacles in my way...

As for my financial burden, it's quite complex and hard to solve since I'm an international student, so my problem may be unique. Thanks again for your kindness. I'll try to rebuild my mood, though it may take some time."

Don't let their lack of response get you down. Continue to find someone who appreciates your topic and sees your vision. Most schools have financial aid for applications. I think most (if not all) mine were waived this year.

[Ellie_Li]

Ok, I'll keep trying, and it is your valuable experience that has reminded me that if I want to continue on my academic journey, then I have to overcome these obstacles. Thanks a lot!

30 minutes ago, DavidX said:

Don't let their lack of response get you down. Continue to find someone who appreciates your topic and sees your vision. Most schools have financial aid for applications. I think most (if not all) mine were waived this year.

 

[DavidX]

8 minutes ago, Ellie_Li said:

Ok, I'll keep trying, and it is your valuable experience that has reminded me that if I want to continue on my academic journey, then I have to overcome these obstacles. Thanks a lot!

 

No problem keep pushing. Your work is valuable and the world would be honored to see it. Keep reaching out and you'll find something or someone

[Ellie_Li]

1 minute ago, DavidX said:

No problem keep pushing. Your work is valuable and the world would be honored to see it. Keep reaching out and you'll find something or someone

Hope both of us will make it one day(･∀･), we'll make it!

[DavidX]

4 hours ago, Ellie_Li said:

Hope both of us will make it one day(･∀･), we'll make it!

Same here!

[xypathos]

What's your background? By that, personal and/or academic involvement with Islamic Studies? That might help others suggest programs and offer more specific advice.

[Ellie_Li]

13 hours ago, xypathos said:

What's your background? By that, personal and/or academic involvement with Islamic Studies? That might help others suggest programs and offer more specific advice.

I'm an international student so I guess it may be a little bit difficult for professors to evaluate me from my academic background. I've joint several research programs but haven't got any published results yet. And those programs were also settled in my local academic system so it may also difficult for committee to evaluate their value, their function is to prove that I got some research experiences and that's it. Maybe I should mainly focus on finding potential supervisors with similar research interest and refining my writing sample? Could you please share your opinion with me? Thank you for your reply!

[Joey-Jawad]

Hi, so I'm just passing by and I'm not in Islamic studies so here are my unqualified two cents -- I'm East Asian/International and I've observed that for a lot of people in of my nationality in religious studies, if they didn't get their BA in a U.S. college, tend to get a masters degree at an American University and then successfully transition into a PhD program. A lot of people even get 2 masters degree, just so that they have 1 masters from their home country and the second from a U.S. institution. I imagine if you have a master's from like American Uni of Beirut/Cairo that would be incredibly portable/legible to the U.S. system as well, but if not, have you considered a master's program at a Divinity School like HDS? They tend to give out full scholarships and unfortunately living costs you would have to manage yourself, but if you're really set on a PhD programs, it might be the most direct way to leverage yourself/gain connections, and I know of several people to successfully moved from divinity degrees to prestigious PhD programs.

Of course, even without the master's program, I think it's very worthwhile to apply again! I know someone who got into a fantastic program on their third try, so most definitely a master's isn't the only way to get into a PhD programs.

I hope it all works out. I'm in my early 30s and I recently got into a great PhD program after a divinity degree. Sometimes it takes longer, but if you are passionate, it can work out. Good luck!

[Ellie_Li]

16 hours ago, Joey-Jawad said:

Hi, so I'm just passing by and I'm not in Islamic studies so here are my unqualified two cents -- I'm East Asian/International and I've observed that for a lot of people in of my nationality in religious studies, if they didn't get their BA in a U.S. college, tend to get a masters degree at an American University and then successfully transition into a PhD program. A lot of people even get 2 masters degree, just so that they have 1 masters from their home country and the second from a U.S. institution. I imagine if you have a master's from like American Uni of Beirut/Cairo that would be incredibly portable/legible to the U.S. system as well, but if not, have you considered a master's program at a Divinity School like HDS? They tend to give out full scholarships and unfortunately living costs you would have to manage yourself, but if you're really set on a PhD programs, it might be the most direct way to leverage yourself/gain connections, and I know of several people to successfully moved from divinity degrees to prestigious PhD programs.

Of course, even without the master's program, I think it's very worthwhile to apply again! I know someone who got into a fantastic program on their third try, so most definitely a master's isn't the only way to get into a PhD programs.

I hope it all works out. I'm in my early 30s and I recently got into a great PhD program after a divinity degree. Sometimes it takes longer, but if you are passionate, it can work out. Good luck!

Hi, thank you for your detailed response and valuable advice! I hadn't considered MDS before, but now I believe it could greatly benefit my PhD application. Since my financial situation poses a significant limitation, I will endeavor to gather more detailed information about living costs and potential financial aid options.

To be honest, I am not lacking in the courage to try again, especially after receiving such warm replies. However, I am confronted with a harsh reality: if I invest too much time in pursuing my PhD and ultimately graduate past the age of 35, it may become nearly impossible for me to secure a job, whether in academia, enterprise, or somewhere else in my country. While my options seem limited, I can at least take solace in the fact that I have made an effort.

Thank you once again for presenting me with a potential opportunity. I wish you a bright future ahead!