pugsley87 Posted March 30, 2011 Posted March 30, 2011 Hi all! I've been wait listed since the beginning of March, and was wondering what the general timetable is for hearing from the program...when should I abandon hope of getting off the wait list? How many people are generally wait listed at a top history program? I've been checking the results page, and no one (at least no one who has posted) has come off the wait list yet. Anyone else in the same boat as me? I would definitely go to this program if they ever give me the chance! Hope all is well with everyone--happy almost April!
TMP Posted March 30, 2011 Posted March 30, 2011 If the list is ranked, there is not much you can do. If it's not ranked, get back to the program and tell them you're still really interested in attending if taken off the list. If your professors know somebody there, they may be able to call (but no guarantees).
superfluousflo Posted March 30, 2011 Posted March 30, 2011 Hello, I am also waitlisted at some top programs. All I know is that the three programs where I am waitlisted will be convening next week to discuss the list and whether there are any spots to be offered. I'd say next Friday is when you might expect to hear, but it's not unrealistic to think that you could hear on April 15. hang in there!
pugsley87 Posted March 30, 2011 Author Posted March 30, 2011 If the list is ranked, there is not much you can do. If it's not ranked, get back to the program and tell them you're still really interested in attending if taken off the list. If your professors know somebody there, they may be able to call (but no guarantees). I wish I knew if it was ranked! The department is being pretty tight-lipped about it. My prof recommended I just sit tight--pestering them one way or the other (even to tell them I really really want to attend) won't help much. And silas, which programs are you wait listed at? I'm just wondering if it's same as mine, so I'll know whether to be waiting for news (you can also PM if you prefer)...
superfluousflo Posted March 30, 2011 Posted March 30, 2011 I wish I knew if it was ranked! The department is being pretty tight-lipped about it. My prof recommended I just sit tight--pestering them one way or the other (even to tell them I really really want to attend) won't help much. And silas, which programs are you wait listed at? I'm just wondering if it's same as mine, so I'll know whether to be waiting for news (you can also PM if you prefer)... Princeton, Columbia, and Michigan.
borderlands Posted April 6, 2011 Posted April 6, 2011 I withdrew my application at the U of Michigan from the waitlist. I just got tired of waiting and the whole process in of itself. I wanted to be done with, so accepted U of Chicago's offer and declined Davis' offer. No easy choice but I'm glad its done, and I can actually sleep at night, from always waking up restless or with anxiety throughout the day from application process and waiting. Good luck to all other applicants making a decision! This forum has been a great way of dealing with all this roller coaster of emotions.
barricades Posted April 6, 2011 Posted April 6, 2011 Just said no to USC, in case anyone is waiting on them.
Rustin Posted April 14, 2011 Posted April 14, 2011 Just declined UPenn in case anyone is waiting. Going to Harvard!
barricades Posted April 15, 2011 Posted April 15, 2011 So, Chicago is making their runs. Just said a really hesitant no to a waitlist offer.
Rustin Posted April 16, 2011 Posted April 16, 2011 So, Chicago is making their runs. Just said a really hesitant no to a waitlist offer. Was it a funded offer? I turned down my spot on their waitlist a month ago, in part because they said coming off the waitlist would include a tuition waiver but not necessarily a stipend. I was quite happy with my other choices and didn't want to complicate it further. Doesn't affect me anymore, just curious.
oseirus Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 Do any of you guys regret not waiting a bit longer (for those that opted out of the waitlist) for those schools? Also fee lfo get a feel for why you were waitlisted maybe?
superfluousflo Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 Last year was tough. Michigan over-yielded leading them not only to forgo the waitlist but also they are unable to admit any new students for 2012-13. Otherwise, I wasn't admitted to any of the schools that waitlisted me primarily due to very high yields everywhere. I learned what I needed to improve and I did what I could in the 8 months from the final waitlist rejection to the first application deadlines of this cycle to improve my file. If you are waitlisted, I recommend emailing your POIs for their thoughts on your application. I was given very helpful feedback and considerable encouragement.
barricades Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 I got a call on April 15, at approximately 3 pm, from what was probably my top-choice school (it's hard to say which one was, honestly) offering a funded spot. I had already said yes to another of my top choices, and decided to decline, since I would have to think about it and, if decided to accept, call the other school and rescind my acceptance all in two hours. It was incredibly frustrating, and every once in a while I still think about it. But I don't regret my choice at all. They were all great schools, and I'm sure I would've been happy and well trained in any of them.
TMP Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 Honestly, I've been waitlisted twice by the same top-choice university. Probably the best thing it's ever done for me even though I wasn't accepted elsewhere with funding. I knew that if i was darn good enough for that school to be waitlisted (which was ranked much higher than the other places where I was accepted w/o funding), I should try again. In the meantime, my application just grew stronger thanks to a variety of opportunities. You may have seen some indecisions by other posters who were waitlisted at top programs and/or accepted in lower-ranked PhD and MA programs. If you can foresee a stronger application in the next year if you don't take anything, then it may be worth waiting another year to be (hopefully) accepted at the program that waitlisted you. virmundi 1
oseirus Posted January 14, 2012 Posted January 14, 2012 WOW, it seems that a few of you had to apply several years in a row? How often does that occur? Is that the norm to have to apply & reapply?
superfluousflo Posted January 14, 2012 Posted January 14, 2012 This is the third time that I'm applying for a PhD program. I applied once for a MA. Each time, I find out something about what I need to improve. I hope that I've done what I need for admission this year but there are no guarantees. As such, I think that some people can apply only once and get admitted to a top program directly from undergrad. Others need some time sharpening their skills before admission. Still others, regardless of what they do, might not get admitted to the programs they want.
oseirus Posted January 14, 2012 Posted January 14, 2012 then follow up question: when will you know there isn't anything else you can do? I mean you're finished at undergrad & those stats aren't going to change much, is there a sign or something? I know silly question but doesn't hurt to ask
TMP Posted January 14, 2012 Posted January 14, 2012 That's why I've advocated for Plans B an C on these boards. If you really want to go for your PhD and you don't get in anywhere this year, then look for opportunities to strengthen your application. That's what I meant by saying that if the outcomes for Plan A aren't very favorable and Plan B looks better, then go with Plan B and re-apply.
oseirus Posted January 14, 2012 Posted January 14, 2012 I like that strategy ... anything in particular you would advocate as a plan B or C?
TMP Posted January 14, 2012 Posted January 14, 2012 It really, really depends on your field, interests and goals. If you're interested in African or Eurasian history, Peace Corps may be an interesting way to go as you'd get the experience of living and working there and strengthening your language(s). If you're interested in Europe, maybe an au pair job (as usually you're allowed to take language courses for part of the day on the program/family's dime). If you're interested in Native American history, you could do something in the West through Americorps or something. Anything to stay connected to your field of interests, whether geographically or thematically.
oseirus Posted January 15, 2012 Posted January 15, 2012 I wonder if you get a liitle too old in the tooth that also becomes a detriment down the road?
crazedandinfused Posted January 15, 2012 Posted January 15, 2012 I wonder if you get a liitle too old in the tooth that also becomes a detriment down the road? I hope not!! (plucks another gray hair named Harvard)
oseirus Posted January 15, 2012 Posted January 15, 2012 I hope not either ... never thought turning 30 would become a life altering event ... who knew
wikichic Posted February 3, 2012 Posted February 3, 2012 Hi all, I've just been wait listed at my top pick program. It worries me that several of the people from this board have had to reapply this year. I'm hoping that those fortunate enough to be accepted straightaway will accept/decline quickly, but I know it is far too early for that to begin happening, at least not until all the offers are made. How did you all cope with the waiting/not knowing? I'm completely ready to wait until April 15 for this program if necessary. But still, it will (and must've been) terribly heartbreaking to wait so long and not get a spot. Good luck to you all this year.
oseirus Posted February 3, 2012 Posted February 3, 2012 Hi all, I've just been wait listed at my top pick program. It worries me that several of the people from this board have had to reapply this year. I'm hoping that those fortunate enough to be accepted straightaway will accept/decline quickly, but I know it is far too early for that to begin happening, at least not until all the offers are made. That is the worst part, being dependent on the decision of other applicants as opposed to the schools. I wish there was a way all the schools would come together & do a draft of some sort. Everyone lists their top 7 programs in order & go from there
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