who else is still waiting on the majority of their schools?

[yank in the M20]

So I've heard from only one of my seven schools, a rejection of course. What's driving me crazy is that so many on this board have heard from nearly all of their schools and I have six with decisions still pending. UVa is debatable, might be an implicit rejection, but the other five just haven't decided yet. I applied last year, only two three schools all in top 20, and like many others on here really worked to make my new application that much stronger, but I want to know if it's paid off because I'm not doing this a third time. The way I look at it, great for anyone that chooses to, that shows real dedication, but I'm older, have been out of undergrad for ten years, already did an MA, and just can't spend yet another year working a shit job while I do applications. If I don't get in this time, it's on to Plan B. I've consciously decided not to prematurely investigate Plan B in depth because the job market is so bad that I don't want to be further depressed and because I think the best way to get through this limbo period is just to ride it out, but it's been a far, far long enough ride. Of course I know that it's still limbo for those waiting on one or two schools or waiting on funding...

Who else is going through this? What's your Plan B or what are your doing differently in your applications next year?

[anxious_aspirant]

I'm still waiting on 3/6. I'm using it as an excuse to lament about my future, too, perhaps to a really unhealthy point. Plan B just makes me depressed...really, even just the fact that it's called Plan B. They really need to get going on this, I can't take the suspense.

[cokohlik]

I'm waiting on 10 PhD programs and 1 MA program. I'm also waiting on funding from the single program (MA) I've been admitted to thus far. Yikes.

[GodzillaGrad]

So I've heard from only one of my seven schools, a rejection of course. What's driving me crazy is that so many on this board have heard from nearly all of their schools and I have six with decisions still pending. UVa is debatable, might be an implicit rejection, but the other five just haven't decided yet. I applied last year, only two three schools all in top 20, and like many others on here really worked to make my new application that much stronger, but I want to know if it's paid off because I'm not doing this a third time. The way I look at it, great for anyone that chooses to, that shows real dedication, but I'm older, have been out of undergrad for ten years, already did an MA, and just can't spend yet another year working a shit job while I do applications. If I don't get in this time, it's on to Plan B. I've consciously decided not to prematurely investigate Plan B in depth because the job market is so bad that I don't want to be further depressed and because I think the best way to get through this limbo period is just to ride it out, but it's been a far, far long enough ride. Of course I know that it's still limbo for those waiting on one or two schools or waiting on funding...

Who else is going through this? What's your Plan B or what are your doing differently in your applications next year?

I'm still waiting on 5 of 11 . . . so I feel you somewhat.

If I apply again next season (would be my third) it would be a huge application packet. Kind of, go out with a bang? I'd apply to any program that seems to fit, even if it's clearly a "reach" school for my current portfolio, and apply to programs I previously excluded do to a lack of a perceived job market after graduation (because, at least a PhD from an unknown university is better than my current MA from an unknown university). I'd also email professors at each school (something I've yet to do in either this or the previous season) and attempt to visit programs close to my current location to see if the "fit" was there and to gauge interest from the department, as I've been told I'm much better in person than I appear on paper. So there's that.

Also, I'd also consider a second MA and apply to one or two programs that fit in my field of study, as the more class would distance me from my terrible undergraduate years and only improve my application going forward.

Moral of the story: Don't give up after two years. No plan B's unless they are only temporary with the goal still on plan A. Take a year or two off to build a resume up with a "real job" if needed, but don't throw in the towel.

Edited February 27, 2012 by GodzillaGrad

[yank in the M20]

Okay, glad to hear it's not just me, though not glad you all are in this horrific limbo, of course.

GodzillaGrad, that would be the way to go out on a third application round. I thought picking a range of schools was the smarter choice this year and thinking more about fit, but now I bemoan the fact that I only applied to 3/4 in the top 20/30 and only two were really top. So if i get into my last choice school, will I actually be excited? I don't know. I think it's great you'll give it another go, but I just can't. I'm living in England because I did my MA here and working yet another shitty office job. My visa will be up at the end of the year. And the only thing worse than remaining in my shitty office job would be finding a new one back home because at least here office culture is quite fun and banter-y and I really love my coworkers. Not to mention the fact that 5 weeks of vacation a year is pretty standard.

Katelynanne, funny we're in the same boat waiting and worrying about translations.

Cokohlik, I'd suggest doing the MA if you don't get into a PhD, funding or not. I did my in the UK unfunded and it was an amazing opportunity. Yes, that means loans galore, but you only live once. If you don't get into a PhD, an MA is a great chance at experiencing grad school and seeing what the culture is like and if you'd even really like doing a PhD. I know several of my MA cohort decided they weren't interested in doing a PhD, or at least not for a few years.

[crystalleem]

This is my first year applying (I applied to 16 programs!). I'm finishing up my MA this summer. I've heard back from 8 schools, with only 1 acceptance, and as of now, I'm on the waitlist for funding. I'm not willing to go to a program and pay out-of-state tuition, so in my mind, right now I'm not going anywhere next year.

Additionally, this whole process has me confused. I'm surprised how many schools I haven't heard a word from, and yet I see acceptances, rejections, and waitlists posted on the results boards to those schools. When do these people let you know where you stand???

Luckily (or not so luckily, depending how you look at it), I've been a high school teacher for 9 years, so if I don't get in anywhere, what's one more year of secondary school?

At this point, I am planning on going for round 2, as I've become discouraged by this whole process and don't have much confidence in the schools I have yet to hear from. I wish I would have found this forum about 3 months ago because I think my SoP would have been completely different and much more specific than it is. I have a 4.0 GPA, so I feel good about that, but my degree isn't from a famous university, so I wonder now if I made a mistake going there.

If I go for round 2, I will continue to teach and delay my graduation by continuing to take at least one class in the fall (I am scheduled to finish this summer). During that time, I will revise my SoP, get a different LoR (from a professor that is a known name), revise my writing sample, and try to present at a couple more conferences. I may also retake the GRE, but I'm not sure because I see mixed feedback on the forums about that. Currently, I have decent scores, but they could be better. I might also reach out to a few professors at my top choice programs because I've realized (thanks to these forums) how important fit is.

Additionally, I question my SoP. Should I put something down that I know I don't want to study just because it might get me in? Is it ok to feel like a fraud? Or, do I just stick with what I love and somehow make a university feel comfortable in taking on someone with my interests?

As you can see, I'm filled with doubt and indecision!

[GodzillaGrad]

This is my first year applying (I applied to 16 programs!). I'm finishing up my MA this summer. I've heard back from 8 schools, with only 1 acceptance, and as of now, I'm on the waitlist for funding. I'm not willing to go to a program and pay out-of-state tuition, so in my mind, right now I'm not going anywhere next year.

Additionally, this whole process has me confused. I'm surprised how many schools I haven't heard a word from, and yet I see acceptances, rejections, and waitlists posted on the results boards to those schools. When do these people let you know where you stand???

Luckily (or not so luckily, depending how you look at it), I've been a high school teacher for 9 years, so if I don't get in anywhere, what's one more year of secondary school?

At this point, I am planning on going for round 2, as I've become discouraged by this whole process and don't have much confidence in the schools I have yet to hear from. I wish I would have found this forum about 3 months ago because I think my SoP would have been completely different and much more specific than it is. I have a 4.0 GPA, so I feel good about that, but my degree isn't from a famous university, so I wonder now if I made a mistake going there.

If I go for round 2, I will continue to teach and delay my graduation by continuing to take at least one class in the fall (I am scheduled to finish this summer). During that time, I will revise my SoP, get a different LoR (from a professor that is a known name), revise my writing sample, and try to present at a couple more conferences. I may also retake the GRE, but I'm not sure because I see mixed feedback on the forums about that. Currently, I have decent scores, but they could be better. I might also reach out to a few professors at my top choice programs because I've realized (thanks to these forums) how important fit is.

Additionally, I question my SoP. Should I put something down that I know I don't want to study just because it might get me in? Is it ok to feel like a fraud? Or, do I just stick with what I love and somehow make a university feel comfortable in taking on someone with my interests?

As you can see, I'm filled with doubt and indecision!

Our lists are very similar, what is your area of interest?

[crystalleem]

I thought picking a range of schools was the smarter choice this year and thinking more about fit, but now I bemoan the fact that I only applied to 3/4 in the top 20/30 and only two were really top. So if i get into my last choice school, will I actually be excited? I don't know.

I totally understand what you mean! So far, I've only gotten into the school I considered my "safety school." I didn't get the thrill I hoped I would upon hearing "Congratulations..." The program isn't a super great fit and has no funding, so maybe I should have just applied to schools that I knew would be what I'm looking for.

[yank in the M20]

Crystalleem, teaching's my Plan B, actually. I want to go private because of the obsession with state tests scores at public schools, though. As well as my perception that interest in subject matter is very much secondary to interest in education rubrics and working with kids. What are your thoughts based on your experience?

And look, we're both Pitt rejectees--not so many of them on here. Kindred spirits.

[anxious_aspirant]

This is my first year applying (I applied to 16 programs!). I'm finishing up my MA this summer. I've heard back from 8 schools, with only 1 acceptance, and as of now, I'm on the waitlist for funding. I'm not willing to go to a program and pay out-of-state tuition, so in my mind, right now I'm not going anywhere next year.

Additionally, this whole process has me confused. I'm surprised how many schools I haven't heard a word from, and yet I see acceptances, rejections, and waitlists posted on the results boards to those schools. When do these people let you know where you stand???

Luckily (or not so luckily, depending how you look at it), I've been a high school teacher for 9 years, so if I don't get in anywhere, what's one more year of secondary school?

At this point, I am planning on going for round 2, as I've become discouraged by this whole process and don't have much confidence in the schools I have yet to hear from. I wish I would have found this forum about 3 months ago because I think my SoP would have been completely different and much more specific than it is. I have a 4.0 GPA, so I feel good about that, but my degree isn't from a famous university, so I wonder now if I made a mistake going there.

If I go for round 2, I will continue to teach and delay my graduation by continuing to take at least one class in the fall (I am scheduled to finish this summer). During that time, I will revise my SoP, get a different LoR (from a professor that is a known name), revise my writing sample, and try to present at a couple more conferences. I may also retake the GRE, but I'm not sure because I see mixed feedback on the forums about that. Currently, I have decent scores, but they could be better. I might also reach out to a few professors at my top choice programs because I've realized (thanks to these forums) how important fit is.

Additionally, I question my SoP. Should I put something down that I know I don't want to study just because it might get me in? Is it ok to feel like a fraud? Or, do I just stick with what I love and somehow make a university feel comfortable in taking on someone with my interests?

As you can see, I'm filled with doubt and indecision!

Ditto on the fraud thing. I could really sell a research interest I don't care about...but is that worth it...?

Like you, I also teach HS (for the past three years). Nice to know I have job security...but i want so much more! I'm waiting on UConn and Northeastern, too. They're my last hope!

[crystalleem]

Godzilla - My focus is 19th century British fin de siecle novels, especially science fiction including an interest in an understudied writer named Arthur Machen. Continuing that trend, I also enjoy examining the posthuman in modern and postmodern dystopic/speculative fiction and film, especially regarding the treatment of women and the maternal.

[yank in the M20]

I totally understand what you mean! So far, I've only gotten into the school I considered my "safety school." I didn't get the thrill I hoped I would upon hearing "Congratulations..." The program isn't a super great fit and has no funding, so maybe I should have just applied to schools that I knew would be what I'm looking for.

It's funny because Greensboro was on my list, along with Western Michigan which was to me equivalent. I didn't want two safety schools so I dropped Greensboro for no better reason than it's not a car city and I had a great conversation with a current PhD at Western Mich talking about the great atmosphere of the program and the town. And the name alone--Kalamazoo. Ha ha! Then I read on the boards that last year Western Mich didn't accept anyone and suddenly I'm wondering if I have a safety school at all...and of course I know that sometimes what we think will be safety schools actually aren't.

[crystalleem]

yank - I don't know much about teaching in private school, since I've never done it. I have an amazing schedule, but it took me several years to get it. I teach AP literature, as well as senior college prep English. At 12th grade, there is much more focus on preparing them for college instead of standardized testing. Steer clear of 9th and 10th grade!

Both of the classes I teach are completely designed by me. There is no set curriculum because of the nature of the classes, so while I am teaching my AP students to pass the exam in May, I get to do that with the texts that interest me and a way that I feel works best.

Don't rule out public school. Just be careful with the schedule you get, and realize that it may take a while to get the classes you desire. But the schedule and benefits are fantastic!

[yank in the M20]

Crystalleem, if you apply again, make sure you look at UVa if you haven't already. They have some great scholars working on the fin de siecle. And they have a summer course in London taught by their big modernist!

[marlowe]

Why apply to a safety school if you wouldn't attend (or be excited to attend) once admitted?

Also, what do you mean about Greensboro not being a 'car city'? Just curious about the terminology, here.

[crystalleem]

I applied to a safety school because I thought I would want to go to any program, no matter what. That was BEFORE finding these forums and reading everyone's opinions on the reputation and faculty of/in programs. Now that I've spent hours on these boards, I wonder if my safety school idea was such a good idea after all.

[GodzillaGrad]

Godzilla - My focus is 19th century British fin de siecle novels, especially science fiction including an interest in an understudied writer named Arthur Machen. Continuing that trend, I also enjoy examining the posthuman in modern and postmodern dystopic/speculative fiction and film, especially regarding the treatment of women and the maternal.

Ah, interesting. I also applied to Pitt (rejected, alas was one of my dream schools), Syracuse (rejected, Street and Smith archive?!), Buffalo (rejected), Northeastern (pending), and Rochester (pending, also a dream school). I'm personally interested in 20th century American periodicals as a form of popular modernism; the marketing dynamics and "selling" of High Modernist ideals to literary critics and the academy; hardboiled crime fiction, film noir, neo-noir as political-economic commentary (and sites of popular cultural resistance to capitalist logic); Marxism, postcolonial theory, globialization, and popular neoliberalist discourse. So not much of the same in there, but interesting that we share many of the same programs! Good luck!

Edited February 27, 2012 by GodzillaGrad

[crystalleem]

Godzilla - Rochester is my dream school, too!

[GodzillaGrad]

yank - I don't know much about teaching in private school, since I've never done it. I have an amazing schedule, but it took me several years to get it. I teach AP literature, as well as senior college prep English. At 12th grade, there is much more focus on preparing them for college instead of standardized testing. Steer clear of 9th and 10th grade!

Both of the classes I teach are completely designed by me. There is no set curriculum because of the nature of the classes, so while I am teaching my AP students to pass the exam in May, I get to do that with the texts that interest me and a way that I feel works best.

Don't rule out public school. Just be careful with the schedule you get, and realize that it may take a while to get the classes you desire. But the schedule and benefits are fantastic!

I think this will be my plan if I for my upcoming year if I do not get an offer; however, with the strict certification requirements of my state even with my MA I cannot teach at public schools . . . and I can't bring myself to get certified for what hopes to be only a year commitment. Perhaps private schools are the way to go . . . where are these jobs posted btw?

[crystalleem]

Godzilla - What are the certification requirements? I had to take 3 tests and was on a temporary certificate until I passed them and finished the alternative certification program (Here you have 3 years on a temporary certificate). Does the state you are in not have an alternative certification program?

In my area, private school jobs are hard to come by, and if you know what area you want to be in, the private schools usually have a link on their website for job openings. Otherwise, I'm not sure.

[yank in the M20]

Why apply to a safety school if you wouldn't attend (or be excited to attend) once admitted?

Also, what do you mean about Greensboro not being a 'car city'? Just curious about the terminology, here.

Sorry, I meant that it IS a car city, as in hard to get around without one. As for applying to a safety, it's not that I didn't want to go, I researched and chose mine for a reason, but when people around you are going to prestigious schools and you know you will graduate and have even harder of a time on the job market, it can be a bit depressing to contemplate. But I read on here, actually, that applying to just top 20 schools is a good way to get shut out and, as I knew this would be my last application season, I wanted to broaden my horizons. I just wish now I'd kept the safety school but applied to another five in the top 30. Oh, well...I can only say I was cheap and didn't relish shelling out application fees, score reports and transcript costs to more than my chosen 7.

[crystalleem]

As for applying to a safety, it's not that I didn't want to go, I researched and chose mine for a reason, but when people around you are going to prestigious schools and you know you will graduate and have even harder of a time on the job market, it can be a bit depressing to contemplate.

My thoughts exactly!

[yank in the M20]

Godzilla - What are the certification requirements? I had to take 3 tests and was on a temporary certificate until I passed them and finished the alternative certification program (Here you have 3 years on a temporary certificate). Does the state you are in not have an alternative certification program?

In my area, private school jobs are hard to come by, and if you know what area you want to be in, the private schools usually have a link on their website for job openings. Otherwise, I'm not sure.

My state is California--public school jobs just aren't available. But maybe I'll investigate Oregon and Washington. You're very lucky to be teaching honors . I hear it takes until the teachers currently in those posts retire for a spot to open up and for some that might be a long way off...Can I ask what made you decide to go back for your MA and try for a PhD? Do you not enjoy it or do you just want that something more?

[crystalleem]

Yank - The PhD was always my plan. I knew in high school that I wanted one, but I got sick of making eight bucks an hour and mooching off my parents, so I started teaching as something that was supposed to be short term. Somehow, it took me 8 years to go back for my MA. I should have never taken the time off!! Teaching has been great; it's just never been what I've wanted to do with the rest of my life, and once I got back into the swing of college, I knew that's where I am supposed to be! So here's hoping that my last year of teaching high school will be coming soon! If this year isn't the last, hopefully, next year will be.

[anxious_aspirant]

Yank - The PhD was always my plan. I knew in high school that I wanted one, but I got sick of making eight bucks an hour and mooching off my parents, so I started teaching as something that was supposed to be short term. Somehow, it took me 8 years to go back for my MA. I should have never taken the time off!! Teaching has been great; it's just never been what I've wanted to do with the rest of my life, and once I got back into the swing of college, I knew that's where I am supposed to be! So here's hoping that my last year of teaching high school will be coming soon! If this year isn't the last, hopefully, next year will be.

Same, same, same here, except I was more split between arts & lit when I was in high school. But I REALLY don't want to let this high school teaching thing go on for too long and just settle for it. Then again, I wonder if I should count myself lucky that I'm at a (public) school where I essentially design my own courses. And that I have a steady paycheck.