Fall 2025 Applicants

[JMAurelius]

I know it's still summer, but better early than late! 😄

[canyoudigit]

I guess I'll start this off!  

This will be my third round applying for PhD programs so hopefully third times the charm!  My focus is on programs that are either Mediterranean Archaeology or Classics programs with Archaeology streams.  I have about 10 schools on list so fingers crossed this year will be my year!

[iegor28]

Applying to Greek literature PhDs. Applying to the usual suspects in the US but adding a couple of Canadian places (e.g., UToronto) given potential catastrophe in higher ed with new administration intent on destroying universities...  

[voxanonyma]

I'm applying to US-based ancient history and classical lit/phil programs. This is my last time going around through the cycle as I need to either settle into a PhD program or move on from the field for my own sanity and financial security. Right now I've got around sixteen programs in mind but that could well shrink significantly depending on what my advisor suggests is reasonable. I'm hopeful about my chances but you never know with this field. Looking forward to riding out the storm with you all!

[clodiametelli]

Just submitted my five applications for Classical philology programs. This is my first time going for PhD programs (I have an MA from my last round of applications). I was going to apply to BU as well until they pulled the plug on that program for the year.

[voxanonyma]

3 hours ago, clodiametelli said:

Just submitted my five applications for Classical philology programs. This is my first time going for PhD programs (I have an MA from my last round of applications). I was going to apply to BU as well until they pulled the plug on that program for the year.

Good luck!! Waiting is either the hardest or easiest part for applicants. It's out of your hands now either way - unless you get interviews, that is!

[canyoudigit]

On 11/23/2024 at 5:59 PM, voxanonyma said:

I'm applying to US-based ancient history and classical lit/phil programs. This is my last time going around through the cycle as I need to either settle into a PhD program or move on from the field for my own sanity and financial security. Right now I've got around sixteen programs in mind but that could well shrink significantly depending on what my advisor suggests is reasonable. I'm hopeful about my chances but you never know with this field. Looking forward to riding out the storm with you all!

I feel very similarly about this being my last time going through the application process.  If it doesn't work out this year, I'm not putting myself through this entire process again.  It's too hard and mentally draining.

[voxanonyma]

Well, friends, the last of my own applications are away. Fifteen in total. An exhausting process --- but hopefully one that bears sweet fruit in just a little while. It's incredible that we could start hearing back in less than month! Until then, I hope everyone gets a welcome break. Take some time for yourself, if you can, and rest.

[JMAurelius]

Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉 Best of luck with all your applications!! 🤞🤞

[clodiametelli]

Hoping we all get the news we want soon! I was feeling anxious in December, but January is bringing a new level of nerves. 

[voxanonyma]

3 hours ago, clodiametelli said:

Hoping we all get the news we want soon! I was feeling anxious in December, but January is bringing a new level of nerves. 

Eheu! Me too. I knew I wouldn't be the only one. I think the thing for me is that I know - from unhealthy searching of old threads and past cycles - that programs could theoretically start sending out notifications around now, especially into next week, and that has turned me into quite the wreck. I'm hopeful, given how many programs I applied to, that I will hear from somewhere by Jan. 15 or so, but that is absolutely not guaranteed, especially if it's not an interview or admission offer. Provided at least one program admits me, though, things will get easier after I hear that news - but the question is whether that comes next week or next month! It's atrocious; all I can do is try to distract myself and wear away the days and hours. Still checking the portals every couple of days...

[clodiametelli]

15 hours ago, voxanonyma said:

Eheu! Me too. I knew I wouldn't be the only one. I think the thing for me is that I know - from unhealthy searching of old threads and past cycles - that programs could theoretically start sending out notifications around now, especially into next week, and that has turned me into quite the wreck. I'm hopeful, given how many programs I applied to, that I will hear from somewhere by Jan. 15 or so, but that is absolutely not guaranteed, especially if it's not an interview or admission offer. Provided at least one program admits me, though, things will get easier after I hear that news - but the question is whether that comes next week or next month! It's atrocious; all I can do is try to distract myself and wear away the days and hours. Still checking the portals every couple of days...

Same with me. I know I *could* hear soon, so I’m telling myself it’s totally reasonable to constantly refresh my inbox and check my application statuses. I return to my teaching job tomorrow, which will keep me busy during the day at least. 

[voxanonyma]

On 1/5/2025 at 10:10 AM, clodiametelli said:

Same with me. I know I *could* hear soon, so I’m telling myself it’s totally reasonable to constantly refresh my inbox and check my application statuses. I return to my teaching job tomorrow, which will keep me busy during the day at least. 

Yeah I'm officially starting to feel a bit loony from it all. It's hard not to think about it especially when you know your current institution has started their review... to say nothing of the rest. Distractions are good, obviously. We don't return to classes for two more weeks so until then it's going to be tough for time to really pass by, but it will, slowly but surely... And eventually...

[voxanonyma]

I have an interview with Michigan next week! I was contacted yesterday in the afternoon. I applied for the Interdepartmental Program in Ancient History; I've been trying to think about it but I don't know whether the bloc of times are just for IPAH or for all Michigan tracks.

Regardless, good luck everyone! I also saw a result from UIUC, so things seem to be moving!

[Sisinnes]

Congratulations, @voxanonyma!

I am offered an interview with Penn ANCH next week! Got notified yesterday. It will be my first interview, so I am a bit stressed and doing some preparations these days. Fingers crossed, and good luck to everyone!

[voxanonyma]

51 minutes ago, Sisinnes said:

Congratulations, @voxanonyma!

I am offered an interview with Penn ANCH next week! Got notified yesterday. It will be my first interview, so I am a bit stressed and doing some preparations these days. Fingers crossed, and good luck to everyone!

This will be my first interview at this level as well, so I'm going back and reviewing my materials and whatnot; I'd sworn off of them after submitting, but now it's quite relevant! I have some anxiety about it, but all in all I am quite hopeful.

You too @Sisinnes! I also applied to ANCH, so I feel that program may be a bit more out of my reach now as I did not happen to hear from them yesterday, but one never really can know how these things will go. Irrespective, Penn is a lovely department and I hope the best for your chances there!

[clodiametelli]

Congrats to you both! I didn’t apply to either of those (I’ve heard great things about both!), and still haven’t heard anything from the ones I did. Hoping to get something soon. My poor partner is hearing a lot of grumbling from me haha 

[voxanonyma]

4 hours ago, clodiametelli said:

Congrats to you both! I didn’t apply to either of those (I’ve heard great things about both!), and still haven’t heard anything from the ones I did. Hoping to get something soon. My poor partner is hearing a lot of grumbling from me haha 

Well we are entering mid-January and I know a decent number of programs do much between now and the end of the month, so hopefully you do hear soon! Same for all of us. And then of course there's February, which will be here before anyone notices...

[clodiametelli]

20 hours ago, voxanonyma said:

Well we are entering mid-January and I know a decent number of programs do much between now and the end of the month, so hopefully you do hear soon! Same for all of us. And then of course there's February, which will be here before anyone notices...

Just got an interview invitation from Brown! They’re my top pick, so I am still processing the good news. I think the next few weeks will be when we hear from most programs. 

[voxanonyma]

1 hour ago, clodiametelli said:

Just got an interview invitation from Brown! They’re my top pick, so I am still processing the good news. I think the next few weeks will be when we hear from most programs. 

Woohoo! Congratulations! And I agree, I'd certainly prefer that over things dragging out to March.

[Sisinnes]

11 hours ago, clodiametelli said:

Just got an interview invitation from Brown! They’re my top pick, so I am still processing the good news. I think the next few weeks will be when we hear from most programs. 

Congrats! Applied to Brown as well but heard nothing from them yet...

[Silsmh]

14 hours ago, clodiametelli said:

Just got an interview invitation from Brown! They’re my top pick, so I am still processing the good news. I think the next few weeks will be when we hear from most programs. 

OMG hi! Sorry for entering this string of conversation so late (as I am also late to be signing up for this platform ha ha), but I also received an email invitation for Brown, which is at the top of my list as well!! Are you going in March?? Also, if you feel comfortable, I would love to discuss the emails that were sent because it was a very nice one, but also, I have questions (cry emoji). 

[Silsmh]

On 1/11/2025 at 10:14 PM, Sisinnes said:

Congratulations, @voxanonyma!

I am offered an interview with Penn ANCH next week! Got notified yesterday. It will be my first interview, so I am a bit stressed and doing some preparations these days. Fingers crossed, and good luck to everyone!

Penn is amazing! Super happy for you!

[voxanonyma]

I was invited to interview with Harvard. I received the request from their graduate chair earlier today. I am absolutely stunned, in the literal sense of the word too. My Michigan interview I think went very well too, I felt great after. I don't mean to impose this upon you all, but my sweet dog I've been with since childhood died yesterday, he got sick incredibly suddenly and we had to make the horrible decision, and I was and still am just struggling with everything; he was my best friend, and I wanted him to come with me wherever I went next, wherever I settled to earn my PhD. And I still can't honestly accept he isn't going to be there. My first thought when I saw the message was how much I wished he were here to celebrate with me; I shared so much with him. So, in all, this news is something that is astounding to me. In both senses of what I have related, I really cannot believe it.

[clodiametelli]

1 hour ago, voxanonyma said:

I was invited to interview with Harvard. I received the request from their graduate chair earlier today. I am absolutely stunned, in the literal sense of the word too. My Michigan interview I think went very well too, I felt great after. I don't mean to impose this upon you all, but my sweet dog I've been with since childhood died yesterday, he got sick incredibly suddenly and we had to make the horrible decision, and I was and still am just struggling with everything; he was my best friend, and I wanted him to come with me wherever I went next, wherever I settled to earn my PhD. And I still can't honestly accept he isn't going to be there. My first thought when I saw the message was how much I wished he were here to celebrate with me; I shared so much with him. So, in all, this news is something that is astounding to me. In both senses of what I have related, I really cannot believe it.

I’m so sorry for your loss, it’s such a deep pain to say goodbye to a beloved pet. 
 

Congratulations on the Harvard invite, and best of luck with the interview!