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Fall 2015 Applicants


dr. t

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I read an interesting article online about "launching a public relations campaign" just prior to decisions/post decisions prior to funding.  The article recommended writing a focused letter to the DGS asking detailed questions about the program, teaching commitment, what it's like to live there, etc.  Has anyone written this type of letter and if so, was it successful?  I'm thinking of maybe doing it for the two remaining programs I really want to get into. 

 

I did something similar last year, when I was introducing myself to POIs. Before our phone/skype conversation, I made a list of questions that I couldnt find answers to. I asked about TA-ships, if the stipend was livable, department politics, placement records (most programs published it on their website), and if I could contact 1-2 of their grad students for further questions. Some POIs were really helpful, and very honest! Others were more hesitant. From my experiences, in order to get the right answer you have to ask the right question. One of my POIs warned me about the current financial problems the department was facing, and I don't think she would have told me if I didn't ask specific questions. 
 
I think (and this is what I will do), once an applicant is admitted and offered a financial package, the applicant should contact his/her POI, and if possible, a handful of grad students in the department. Ask them pertinent questions that you might effect your time in the program. There are also websites that offer an insight on the living experience and expenses within a particular city/town. For Blooming, IN, Ive been following the weather on my phone. I've also looked at rentals on zillow and craigslist, living expenses on numbeo, and the cost of moving. You can find the answers to some of these questions online. 
 
...I dont know how I feel about the weather at IU now. In the evenings, its usually a single digit and sometimes in the negatives  :(
 
EDIT: About contacting the DGS, I think maybe it would be best to contact your POI instead, since you already have an established relationship with them. I dont think you should contact them now if they havent accepted you. I mean, theres no real point in researching a city that you "might" live in, but asking questions about the department is definitely a MUST
Edited by LeventeL
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Anyone have any word about UNC? I saw a few acceptances on the board but it doesn't look like they've sent out any rejections yet. That's the only one left that I haven't heard anything from.

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Greetings fellow historians. I have watched this space compulsively for months now, but am posting for the first time. I just wanted to bring what is hopefully good news to some. I have been accepted but will be turning down the following programs for American History PhD: University of Minnesota, University of Indiana, University of Michigan, and University of Maryland. I've decided to attend UPenn in the fall. I hope the waitlists open up for you all!

 

Congratulations on a very successful application season! :D That being said, BOOOO! for not sharing your experiences with your fellow applicants. :angry:  :lol: To even things up, please consider contributing to this thread

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Who updated Sigaba.exe to run with cheerful.dat  :P

 

You did. Since I read your comment about being fair, I've been thinking about ways of doing a better job of writing posts that reflect my reason for being here. And I've had a lot of coffee today.

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I've been trying to do something nice for myself every time I get a rejection. Ya know, to soften the blow and all. After I was rejected from Boston College, I finished a whole puzzle about Revolutionary War sites (http://www.amazon.com/White-Mountain-Puzzles-American-Revolution/dp/B0009STH6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424995973&sr=8-1&keywords=revolutionary+war+puzzle)

 

I just saw my rejection from UVA. Heartbreaker. I am very interested in Grace Hale's studies on whiteness and race in the American South... oh well... So, now I'm considering treating myself to a presidential campaign button, like this Teddy Roosevelt First Voters Club from 1904: http://www.ebay.com/itm/111475353163?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

This may ease the pain... but oh, to study in the halls where TJ once walked!

 

Any other political item collectors around here?

 

Hope everyone's week ends with a wonderful acceptance!!

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AAAAH. I know I haven't posted too much (I applied for MA in public history or history/museum studies) and I just got into American University! I wasn't sure what my chances were so it was definitely a nice surprise to see that email!

CONGRATS!!!!!
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I had a rejection earlier this week, and while watching The Theory of Everything, feeling depressed about maybe not getting in anywhere... I checked my email and got accepted to the university of Guelph with scholarship and funding through three t.a. positions! I am so incredibly happy and thankful! Perfect moment for me to receive my first acceptance. :)

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Anyone have any word about UNC? I saw a few acceptances on the board but it doesn't look like they've sent out any rejections yet. That's the only one left that I haven't heard anything from.

 

They do everything in a couple of waves. Don't expect to here anything this week, Snow day Tuesday, Snow day today, likely snow day tomorrow.

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People waiting to hear from Toronto: if this has any influence on how they offer funding and TAships going forward, this may be a factor in the delay: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/02/24/cupe-warns-teaching-assis_n_6746926.html

 

...how did I forget about factoring this in? (It was my undergrad school and I've kept up to date.)

 

Welp. Time to sit tight

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