Communication/Media Studies Ph.D Fall 2014--Apps, Decisions, and Waiting...

[clammy]

Thanks for the PM lebleb and congrats. REALLY happy for you!

[Meanyus]

Congrats Leb. I unfortunately was not accepted, but being rejected from Penn doesn't really hurt when you consider the amount and quality of people from which they get to choose.

 

I don't mind sharing publicly my stats that did not get in. Undergrad GPA 3.592 with a 4.0 in my major of Comm Studies. GRE scores of 157V 154Q and 5AW. Graduate GPA of 3.92. I had a strong SOP and LORs but after spending another three months with my writing sample, I have found some flaws that make me wish I had not been as ambitious in sending my most recent work.

 

Only 3 more programs for me to hear from before I take the plunge!

[Austin F]

Congrats Leb. I unfortunately was not accepted, but being rejected from Penn doesn't really hurt when you consider the amount and quality of people from which they get to choose.

 

I don't mind sharing publicly my stats that did not get in. Undergrad GPA 3.592 with a 4.0 in my major of Comm Studies. GRE scores of 157V 154Q and 5AW. Graduate GPA of 3.92. I had a strong SOP and LORs but after spending another three months with my writing sample, I have found some flaws that make me wish I had not been as ambitious in sending my most recent work.

 

Only 3 more programs for me to hear from before I take the plunge!

 

I did my undergraduate and masters at CU-Boulder. I'm surprised to hear that you got turned down with those stats. I know the department has been hurting (like many others) with funding, but that's still surprising to me. 

[VioletAyame]

Big day for me, 2 decisions in my mailbox this morning. I'm gonna claim another acceptance from U Penn Annenberg! I still can't believe it myself. I absolutely thought there was no chance.

 

On the other hand, rejection from UNC Chapel Hill. But I'm too happy to care.

Edited February 7, 2014 by VioletAyame

[natebassett]

I did my undergraduate and masters at CU-Boulder. I'm surprised to hear that you got turned down with those stats. I know the department has been hurting (like many others) with funding, but that's still surprising to me. 

 

I know ever rejection hurts, but I thought I'd share some of the facts behind my reasoning to not apply to CU Boulder, and see how others feel/if they make sense.

 

1. When I was searching for information about the program, I found that CU Boulder closed it's journalism school pretty recently.

2. A College of Media, Communication and Journalism is in the works, but there's no indication of when exactly that structure will be in place.

3. When I contact the school, I received a very quick, very eager, very helpful (a-few-shades-from-borderline-desperate) response. Basically I got all the information I needed, that there was a Media Studies PhD Media Studies program (I got the 2011 handbook), the list of faculty involved (also from the defunct J school), and current doctoral bios. It was all ok, but I was still concerned with the state of things and how it would transition in the next 4-5 years.

4. The current scandal in the Philosophy department to me also points to some fundamental issues with CU Boulder's staff and faculty and the potential stability in other departments (keep in mind the big flux in structure for comm/media/journalism).

 

I really love the idea of Boulder - location wise it's perfect. And if it had been 2015 or 16, I probably would have applied there when things settle down. But at the moment I figured it's better to try my chances elsewhere. 

Edited February 7, 2014 by natebassett

[clammy]

Big day for me, 2 decisions in my mailbox this morning. I'm gonna claim another acceptance from U Penn Annenberg! I still can't believe it myself. I absolutely thought there was no chance.

 

On the other hand, rejection from UNC Chapel Hill. But I'm too happy to care.

WOW!! Congrats!!!!

[KentuckyCurls]

I know ever rejection hurts, but I thought I'd share some of the facts behind my reasoning to not apply to CU Boulder, and see how others feel/if they make sense.

 

1. When I was searching for information about the program, I found that CU Boulder closed it's journalism school pretty recently.

2. A College of Media, Communication and Journalism is in the works, but there's no indication of when exactly that structure will be in place.

3. When I contact the school, I received a very quick, very eager, very helpful (a-few-shades-from-borderline-desperate) response. Basically I got all the information I needed, that there was a Media Studies PhD Media Studies program (I got the 2011 handbook), the list of faculty involved (also from the defunct J school), and current doctoral bios. It was all ok, but I was still concerned with the state of things and how it would transition in the next 4-5 years.

4. The current scandal in the Philosophy department to me also points to some fundamental issues with CU Boulder's staff and faculty and the potential stability in other departments (keep in mind the big flux in structure for comm/media/journalism).

 

I really love the idea of Boulder - location wise it's perfect. And if it had been 2015 or 16, I probably would have applied there when things settle down. But at the moment I figured it's better to try my chances elsewhere. 

While I did not know about the scandal in the Philosophy department, you hit on some of the key reasons I left CU-Boulder off of my list this year. Coming into a program that is undergoing big changes feels like it might be too risky of a move at this point in my academic career. If I find myself in the position of reapplying to schools next year, I may reconsider-- depending on what their situation looks like then.

I can also add my name to the long list of people who didn't make the cut at UPenn today. I'm not devastated. For me, it was one of those schools I'd feel silly not applying to-- because you never know.

[hellofandom]

Hmm...interesting.  I've heard of some of the rumblings about the J-school at CU-Boulder.  Didn't hear about the scandal in the philosophy department.  One of my LOR writers went here and suggested it to me, otherwise wouldn't have applied based on the climate.    

[VioletAyame]

Hmm...interesting.  I've heard of some of the rumblings about the J-school at CU-Boulder.  Didn't hear about the scandal in the philosophy department.  One of my LOR writers went here and suggested it to me, otherwise wouldn't have applied based on the climate.    

I learned about the CU Boulder philosophy department scandal through Grad Cafe! I know I know, I have way too much time on my hand.

 

I just got accepted to Penn Annenberg!!!!

So it looks like that earlier post in the results section was a fluke.

 

AHHHHHHHHHHHH this was my top choice so I am beyond stoked.

Congrats! I forgot to ask, will you be at the prospective student reception in March?

[Meanyus]

My experience applying to Boulder was not fantastic. I had originally sent my unofficial transcripts, which the application made it seem was acceptable. I found out months later after the application confirmed that it had everything it needed to find out that it was not the case. As I tried to remedy the situation, I was blown off fairly hard by the office staff, Julie, who understandably was probably tired of dealing with people's applications. I did exactly what she asked me to the day we talk, and was told by her to call a week later to make sure the school had received the official transcripts. On that phone call she was pretty rude to me asking why I had not done this earlier and informing me that I would probably not get in because my application was not completed in time. I just told her that I understand and was only doing whatever I could in my power and would let the chips fall where they fall. I am honestly relieved I wasn't accepted because the only reason I applied was because my wife wanted to stay near her family.

 

Now that I'm forced to move I've killed two birds with one stone!

[CommPhD20]

I think there are some reasons to look on skeptically re:CU, but there are also some reasons for optimism. I Skyped with a member of the Comm. department (which incidentally led me to realize that I needed to apply to the Media Studies PhD instead) and he seemed pretty upbeat about the whole thing and answered a lot of my questions. I think here will be a lot of goods to come from the restructuring, most notably a buttload of money flowing through the new school.

 

As far as the Philosophy department business, it is very troubling, but not to me as an applicant. That's a stinky discipline right now in that regard and it seems to be confined to that department. The school itself has been the only proactive actor in that deal and it's because of them deciding to release the report to the public that we even know about it. 

[CommPhD20]

Also, got an acceptance from Syracuse! Media Studies MA program. Got a really nice letter from the DGS referencing our previous interactions and some things like that. He said he is actively seeking funds for me, but no promises just yet. 

 

With a fully-funded PhD offer from OSU and a fellowship nom. pending there, I'm not sure that Syracuse is much in the running though. Kind of strange that I immediately felt weird about getting the offer -- when I saw who it was from and the word "acceptance," I wasn't able to really revel in the admission decision since I felt like it wasn't good enough from the get-go. I suppose this is a good problem to have, though! You never know what I'll find out when I visit OSU or as I reach out to some contacts in the field that might make me need to go to other options.

[hellofandom]

Congrats, JLRC!  And all the UPenn people today - congrats leblebleb7 and VioletAyame!

 

Also: anybody hear anything from UMass?  Like when they'll start the selection process?

[deleonj]

Big day for me, 2 decisions in my mailbox this morning. I'm gonna claim another acceptance from U Penn Annenberg! I still can't believe it myself. I absolutely thought there was no chance.

 

On the other hand, rejection from UNC Chapel Hill. But I'm too happy to care.

Congratulations!

[leblebleb7]

I learned about the CU Boulder philosophy department scandal through Grad Cafe! I know I know, I have way too much time on my hand.

 

Congrats! I forgot to ask, will you be at the prospective student reception in March?

 

Ahh congrats violet!! Yes I will definitely be there See you there? 

[trizzleYO]

Dude Ohio State is a great program. I would have been quite elated (and proud) with a fellowship offer from there. So congrats on that man, also congrats to all the UPenn people ! Though I have to say I hope Violet and I can be colleagues at UCSB in the fall.

[Kaitlyn721]

I just found this webpage and now will be adding it to my daily psychotic checkings along with my email and applications! 

I saw a few people have heard back from GSU and Utah, I was just wondering when you heard back. I know GSU originally said we'd hear back by mid january, however I still do not have an acceptance/rejection posted. 

 

Places I'm waiting to hear back from include UT Austin, U Utah, UGA, GSU, and Pitt!

[Austin F]

I also learned about the CU philosophy scandal via Grad Cafe. That's completely out of left field... very crazy.

 

As far as the J school & new comm college is concerned, most of that was just starting to come about when I graduated in 2012. The J school was in the process of closing during those previous few years, and talks about the new comm college were just bubbling when I left. Originally the comm department wasn't really entertaining leaving the College of Arts & Sciences, but that's obviously changed. Speaking with one of my ex-thesis committee members who's been representing the department through the change, everything seemed to be running smoothly. Most importantly, the fundamental structure and aim of the department isn't on the table to change. 

 

The Media Studies PhD is a great program. The entire Atlas program that it's situated in was one of the highlights of my educational experience at CU. At the same time, it's also fairly interdisciplinary (including most, if not all the faculty), which comes with its own set of pros and cons.

 

 

I just found this webpage and now will be adding it to my daily psychotic checkings along with my email and applications! 

I saw a few people have heard back from GSU and Utah, I was just wondering when you heard back. I know GSU originally said we'd hear back by mid january, however I still do not have an acceptance/rejection posted. 

 

Places I'm waiting to hear back from include UT Austin, U Utah, UGA, GSU, and Pitt!

 

I got a standard "check the website for decision status" rejection email from GSU last week. It seemed like a couple of others heard rejections, so you may be past the first round of cuts. 

 

Congrats to everyone who got acceptances over the last few days! 

[natebassett]

I also learned about the CU philosophy scandal via Grad Cafe. That's completely out of left field... very crazy.

 

As far as the J school & new comm college is concerned, most of that was just starting to come about when I graduated in 2012. The J school was in the process of closing during those previous few years, and talks about the new comm college were just bubbling when I left. Originally the comm department wasn't really entertaining leaving the College of Arts & Sciences, but that's obviously changed. Speaking with one of my ex-thesis committee members who's been representing the department through the change, everything seemed to be running smoothly. Most importantly, the fundamental structure and aim of the department isn't on the table to change. 

 

The Media Studies PhD is a great program. The entire Atlas program that it's situated in was one of the highlights of my educational experience at CU. At the same time, it's also fairly interdisciplinary (including most, if not all the faculty), which comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Interdisciplinality is important to me... if I had known the transition was going so smoothly, I probably would have still applied.

 

My point was never to disparage the program though, just to encourage others who had been rejected with some of the things I had considered in deciding whether or not to apply. I think that CU Boulder (with it's devotion to creating a new school and the reputation that precedes it) very possibly could become on par with some of the best media studies programs in the country. There aren't that many of them at that level.

[TVtravis]

Has anyone heard anything from Minnesota's mass communication program? 

[VioletAyame]

WOW!! Congrats!!!!

 

Congrats, JLRC!  And all the UPenn people today - congrats leblebleb7 and VioletAyame!

 

Also: anybody hear anything from UMass?  Like when they'll start the selection process?

 

Congratulations!

Thanks everyone. I'm still walking on cloud nine.

 

Also, got an acceptance from Syracuse! Media Studies MA program. Got a really nice letter from the DGS referencing our previous interactions and some things like that. He said he is actively seeking funds for me, but no promises just yet. 

 

With a fully-funded PhD offer from OSU and a fellowship nom. pending there, I'm not sure that Syracuse is much in the running though. Kind of strange that I immediately felt weird about getting the offer -- when I saw who it was from and the word "acceptance," I wasn't able to really revel in the admission decision since I felt like it wasn't good enough from the get-go. I suppose this is a good problem to have, though! You never know what I'll find out when I visit OSU or as I reach out to some contacts in the field that might make me need to go to other options.

Congrats JLRC! When are you visiting OSU? I don't think they're having a visit weekend are they? Or are they having one and not telling me?

 

Ahh congrats violet!! Yes I will definitely be there See you there? 

Yes see you there! Where will you be flying from? I'm so excited!

 

Dude Ohio State is a great program. I would have been quite elated (and proud) with a fellowship offer from there. So congrats on that man, also congrats to all the UPenn people ! Though I have to say I hope Violet and I can be colleagues at UCSB in the fall.

Oh trizzle don't make it any harder than it has to be! (I have always wanted to say that)

[UC2011]

Congrats, JLRC!  And all the UPenn people today - congrats leblebleb7 and VioletAyame!

 

Also: anybody hear anything from UMass?  Like when they'll start the selection process?

 

Congrats everyone!! I too was wondering about UMass...anyone know anything? 

[KentuckyCurls]

The Graduate Application Tracking System for UPitts is giving my heart a workout. First, my application was incomplete because of missing TOEFL scores (I'm a U.S. citizen, so...). Then, yesterday afternoon, my transcripts were suddenly missing from my application-- transcripts that were uploaded with said application when I submitted. This morning, transcripts are back in place, but the application is still marked as "incomplete." 

[UC2011]

I know that you can't be surprised if you are rejected from Annenberg but I did have my hopes up from talks with faculty. I was asked what my stats/profile looked like and it always takes a little of the sting out for me when I see people with "good" stats that also got rejected so... I have a 4.0 Grad GPA, 3.8 undergrad from a top 10 U.S. university, 6 on writing for GRE, NCA and ICA conference presentations as sole author on papers, 4 TA positions, 2 semesters of teacher of record, and 2.5 years as a research assistant. I really think we will all end up where we fit best. Good luck to everyone still playing the waiting game and don't let this process make you feel inadequate! There are too many variables at play (admissions committee members, how many students they already have doing your work/interests, faculty changes etc.)  for anyone to feel bad about a rejection (easier said than done, I know).  p.s.- does anyone know if schools know if an applicant has already committed to another school they were offered admission to?

[KentuckyCurls]

I know that you can't be surprised if you are rejected from Annenberg but I did have my hopes up from talks with faculty. I was asked what my stats/profile looked like and it always takes a little of the sting out for me when I see people with "good" stats that also got rejected so... I have a 4.0 Grad GPA, 3.8 undergrad from a top 10 U.S. university, 6 on writing for GRE, NCA and ICA conference presentations as sole author on papers, 4 TA positions, 2 semesters of teacher of record, and 2.5 years as a research assistant. I really think we will all end up where we fit best. Good luck to everyone still playing the waiting game and don't let this process make you feel inadequate! There are too many variables at play (admissions committee members, how many students they already have doing your work/interests, faculty changes etc.)  for anyone to feel bad about a rejection (easier said than done, I know).  p.s.- does anyone know if schools know if an applicant has already committed to another school they were offered admission to?

Thank you for posting your stats-- which are dauntingly impressive.

 

I believe you have the right attitude regarding getting rejected from programs. When you *are* able to find recent admissions stats for programs, you typically see that many departments have 100+ applicants for a handful of spots. Given those who apply to doctoral programs are generally competitive by nature, it makes sense that applicants often have relatively similar GPAs, GRE scores, and experience. Fit can make or break an application, and sadly the departments often have a better perspective of our fit than we do (despite our diligent research efforts).

I will confess that I am coming from a pretty rigorous master's program at a tiny liberal arts university-- one that I most likely would not have chosen had I known I would ultimately want to pursue a doctorate. Fantastic little program in terms of learning theory and honing writing skills, but there have been zero opportunities to work as a research or teaching assistant. Also, I wasn't encouraged to submit papers to conferences until fairly late in the game (roughly around the time I was wading through applications). That said, if I find myself in the position of reapplying next year, I refuse to beat myself up.