Fall 2017 applicants

[Antebellum]

11 minutes ago, cyclingonthemoon said:

Unfortunately what I heard is that American history is a field that schools plan to take in less, because the job market is too crowded. Judging from your username you are an Americanist? It is a tough time really.

Yep! 19th century Civil War era too which is pretty much the most overpopulated section of American history. I've known all along that getting into a PhD program would be an uphill battle--even more so than the Battle of Chickamauga!

Wow I need to get out more...

Anyway yeah when cuts are being made in acceptance in all areas, it's tough for everyone. Fingers crossed for everyone else who is in the same boat!

[Neist]

2 hours ago, psstein said:

Yeah, when I started the process, I said I'd be pretty happy if I only got into Wisconsin and Minnesota. I've gotten into both. Still waiting to hear from Princeton, Hopkins, Indiana, and Harvard. Going to Princeton would be a dream come true, albeit one that probably won't happen.

Rejected from Columbia, Yale, and (presumably) Chicago, none of which were particularly good fits. My PoI at Columbia focused most on early modern laboratories, whereas my research is early modern Jesuit science as well as science and religion.

 

I'm not sure if it still is, but funding at Princeton HoS used to be fairly fantastic. I believe that they didn't require any TA/GA/RA duties until year three, which means you were funded to pretty much do nothing but attending classes for the first two years. Two years ago, when I was doing my research on my programs, I recall them being by far the most generous with funding.

I got pretty lucky with Oklahoma. It's really good program, especially if you study early modern, but funding is tight. They usually only offer 1-2 funded positions per year. 

[nhhistorynut]

So I had a phone call with my POI last week, but I just got this email from the graduate director:

"Dear ------,

We're still sorting out our PhD applications, and the grad committee was hoping that I might be able to meet with you or skype with you in the near future.

 

Your research trip was quite exciting compared to most of our grad school experiences.  I hope that's your last encounter with bribe-seeking policemen!

 

Yours,

-----"

 

From my investigative research on this forum, UNH doesn't generally request interviews with the grad director. Is this a good thing?! This is my top choice because I kind of fangirl over my POI because I am obsessed with his books, so I kinda feel like I might puke lol.

 

Edited February 9, 2017 by nhhistorynut

[minion.banana]

I got my first rejection and acceptance the same day! Rejected by Brown and admitted to the University of Michigan. I haven't heard from Wisconsin or Yale, so I assume those are rejects. Still waiting on NYU, Harvard, and Georgetown (interview offer from Georgetown so I guess they're still not making decisions) . 

[HouseOfMartok]

For anyone waiting to hear a response Harvard or NYU, I was offered admission at both so there will at least be one open slot for someone else. I won't likely decide anything until mid-March after I visit each department. 

[AnUglyBoringNerd]

1 hour ago, minion.banana said:

I got my first rejection and acceptance the same day! Rejected by Brown and admitted to the University of Michigan. I haven't heard from Wisconsin or Yale, so I assume those are rejects. Still waiting on NYU, Harvard, and Georgetown (interview offer from Georgetown so I guess they're still not making decisions) . 

Congrats!!! Michigan sounds great! And...I've got a question..I'm also applying for Harvard History Dept. East Asia focus. But I think since Harvard sent out informal acceptance emails last week and I didn't get one, I can safely assume that I am (unofficially) rejected? Or is there any possibility that we can still wait (and have a bit hope)? O_O 

So far I only had an interview with UPenn, not knowing the acceptance rate after the interview..errr...I'm preparing myself for a second cycle... ><

[OHSP]

26 minutes ago, AnUglyBoringNerd said:

So far I only had an interview with UPenn, not knowing the acceptance rate after the interview..errr...I'm preparing myself for a second cycle... ><

I also had an interview with UPenn and my POI mentioned that they were only interviewing a small group, that they wanted to make sure they were offering the spots to people who were a good fit, and that offers will be made early-mid Feb. Traditionally Penn makes offers slightly later. Hopefully good news is coming! 

Edited February 9, 2017 by OHSP

[Sigaba]

13 hours ago, wjd said:

News from Columbia's graduate admin:

[,,,]

 

Sharee"

 

 

13 hours ago, NCAtlanticist said:

Thats pretty shitty of Columbia. 

The admins are the ones who field calls from individuals looking to hire graduate students, who pass along important, actionable information about the department, and forward messages to professors who are ignoring their email queue.

If you don't find it in yourself to dial down your attitude and increase your situational awareness, the staff will figure you out and extend to you none of these courtesies. 

[cinnamontea]

5 hours ago, HouseOfMartok said:

For anyone waiting to hear a response Harvard or NYU, I was offered admission at both so there will at least be one open slot for someone else. I won't likely decide anything until mid-March after I visit each department. 

Hey, congratulations! I was wondering if you got into NYU for a joint program or for history alone? and what your regional specialisation is? I'm trying to figure out if NYU has sent all its results :/

[minion.banana]

6 hours ago, AnUglyBoringNerd said:

Congrats!!! Michigan sounds great! And...I've got a question..I'm also applying for Harvard History Dept. East Asia focus. But I think since Harvard sent out informal acceptance emails last week and I didn't get one, I can safely assume that I am (unofficially) rejected? Or is there any possibility that we can still wait (and have a bit hope)? O_O 

So far I only had an interview with UPenn, not knowing the acceptance rate after the interview..errr...I'm preparing myself for a second cycle... ><

Thanks! I'm still holding out hope since Heal (I assume you applied to Heal and not plain history?) is through EALC, not through the History department. But for me it's not the best fit, so I'm not holding my breath This is my second time applying, and to be honest 99% of my friends in PhD programs in the humanities got in on their second application cycle. So if you don't get in anywhere this year (though fingers crossed you do!) don't give up!

 

Sad about NYU though since it was my top choice T_T Congrats to those who got in there!

[AnUglyBoringNerd]

4 minutes ago, minion.banana said:

Thanks! I'm still holding out hope since Heal (I assume you applied to Heal and not plain history?) is through EALC, not through the History department. But for me it's not the best fit, so I'm not holding my breath This is my second time applying, and to be honest 99% of my friends in PhD programs in the humanities got in on their second application cycle. So if you don't get in anywhere this year (though fingers crossed you do!) don't give up!

 

Sad about NYU though since it was my top choice T_T Congrats to those who got in there!

Oops sorry. I thought you meant "plain history" (i like this term btw ). I actually struggled about whether i should apply for Heal or plain history and decided that I'd go for the latter. Honestly, I just wanted to try the less "complicated" one out of the two because POI works at both dept. and I have no idea which one is more competitive. Also, I am changing major so I ended up only applying to Harvard and UPenn. (I was not thinking straight because of the identity crisis I was going through, apparently...)

 I'd say I am still quite ignorant of the differences between doing history in the history dept. or doing history in the heal dept. aside from different emphasis on language. If i do need to reapply this year, I guess I gotta figure out which one to target...*sigh*

And!! Thank you for the encouragement! i know it is not over yet but I tend to prepare for the worst before it comes haha.

[cyclingonthemoon]

2 hours ago, AnUglyBoringNerd said:

Oops sorry. I thought you meant "plain history" (i like this term btw ). I actually struggled about whether i should apply for Heal or plain history and decided that I'd go for the latter. Honestly, I just wanted to try the less "complicated" one out of the two because POI works at both dept. and I have no idea which one is more competitive. Also, I am changing major so I ended up only applying to Harvard and UPenn. (I was not thinking straight because of the identity crisis I was going through, apparently...)

 I'd say I am still quite ignorant of the differences between doing history in the history dept. or doing history in the heal dept. aside from different emphasis on language. If i do need to reapply this year, I guess I gotta figure out which one to target...*sigh*

And!! Thank you for the encouragement! i know it is not over yet but I tend to prepare for the worst before it comes haha.

East Asia in plain history here too! Are you going for the campus visit? Btw, can i ask which country and time period you focus at?

[AnUglyBoringNerd]

46 minutes ago, cyclingonthemoon said:

East Asia in plain history here too! Are you going for the campus visit? Btw, can i ask which country and time period you focus at?

Japan. Focus is post war Japan especially the American Occupation. (I'm an international applicant btw) However, I haven't got an offer (or campus visit invitation, or update of any kind) from Harvard....based on my understanding I must have been rejected already. T-T But since it's Harvard, I've decided not to be too hard on myself. Last week I had this crazy idea that I must be an entire moron because Harvard doesn't want me haha. (<--First cycle applicant mindset.)

Congrats again to everyone who got accepted by Harvard! I won't say it is my "dream school", but I'd certainly go with dream POI + library + archive system so should I fail to get in UPenn this year I'd keep applying~  

Edited February 9, 2017 by AnUglyBoringNerd

[laleph]

40 minutes ago, AnUglyBoringNerd said:

Japan. Focus is post war Japan especially the American Occupation. (I'm an international applicant btw) However, I haven't got an offer (or campus visit invitation, or update of any kind) from Harvard....based on my understanding I must have been rejected already. T-T But since it's Harvard, I've decided not to be too hard on myself. Last week I had this crazy idea that I must be an entire moron because Harvard doesn't want me haha. (<--First cycle applicant mindset.)

Congrats again to everyone who got accepted by Harvard! I won't say it is my "dream school", but I'd certainly go with dream POI + library + archive system so should I fail to get in UPenn this year I'd keep applying~  

You could also be waitlisted! I haven't heard an (official) peep from Harvard, but my POI just informed me that I was waitlisted. Still a glimmer of hope to be had.

[AnUglyBoringNerd]

3 minutes ago, laleph said:

You could also be waitlisted! I haven't heard an (official) peep from Harvard, but my POI just informed me that I was waitlisted. Still a glimmer of hope to be had.

If I am waitlisted I would consider it a huge honor and success (yep, "low" bar).  unfortunately my situation is that I haven't heard anything (at this moment, it would be informal email from POI or department) at all. Thank you for the kind words though! I really appreciate it!

[wjd]

8 hours ago, Sigaba said:

 

The admins are the ones who field calls from individuals looking to hire graduate students, who pass along important, actionable information about the department, and forward messages to professors who are ignoring their email queue.

If you don't find it in yourself to dial down your attitude and increase your situational awareness, the staff will figure you out and extend to you none of these courtesies. 

I'm not sure if your criticism is directed at me, but I understand the admin's role in the department, and I never expected more than a two line response -- if any!

[NCAtlanticist]

@Sigaba I love your comment:  "If you don't find it in yourself to dial down your attitude and increase your situational awareness, the staff will figure you out and extend to you none of these courtesies." By saying that the admin's comment at Columbia was "shitty" has nothing to do with "situational awareness," it has everything to do with not being an ass. Also, you assume that the person who sent the first email had an "attitude." Judgemental much? The admin could have just said "letters of admissions are coming out in x days" or not responded. I would appreciate if you could make the trek down your ivory tower and drop the air of moral superiority.

[cyclingonthemoon]

1 hour ago, AnUglyBoringNerd said:

Japan. Focus is post war Japan especially the American Occupation. (I'm an international applicant btw) However, I haven't got an offer (or campus visit invitation, or update of any kind) from Harvard....based on my understanding I must have been rejected already. T-T But since it's Harvard, I've decided not to be too hard on myself. Last week I had this crazy idea that I must be an entire moron because Harvard doesn't want me haha. (<--First cycle applicant mindset.)

Congrats again to everyone who got accepted by Harvard! I won't say it is my "dream school", but I'd certainly go with dream POI + library + archive system so should I fail to get in UPenn this year I'd keep applying~  

As a 2nd-round applicant, I'm still struck by the idea that "I'm not accepted by xxx I must be a moron"from time to time. Got a bit luckier this year. My take away is that faculty fit is more important than overall credentials. Accepted to Harvard while rejected by Northwestern. Not surprised by that. 

Meanwhile, best luck to you! Hope you get into your dream school!

[HouseOfMartok]

5 hours ago, cinnamontea said:

Hey, congratulations! I was wondering if you got into NYU for a joint program or for history alone? and what your regional specialisation is? I'm trying to figure out if NYU has sent all its results :/

Thanks! I got into NYU for history alone, African Diaspora field. I had an MA. My specialization is the politics, culture, and history of the African Diaspora in (post)colonial Jamaica and the Caribbean, and my critical questions tend to focus on political violence (war, rebellion, riot, protests, etc.) and the tensions between black anti-racist politics/intellectual thought and anti-colonial politics in the region. I sought to work with Ada Ferrer when I applied. 

[laleph]

1 hour ago, AnUglyBoringNerd said:

If I am waitlisted I would consider it a huge honor and success (yep, "low" bar).  unfortunately my situation is that I haven't heard anything (at this moment, it would be informal email from POI or department) at all. Thank you for the kind words though! I really appreciate it!

We all need kind words these days! I should also mention that my POI didn't reach out to me on his own. I contacted him about an unrelated matter and his response was along the lines of: "oh by the way, you've been waitlisted." Chin up!

[dr. t]

35 minutes ago, NCAtlanticist said:

@Sigaba I love your comment:  "If you don't find it in yourself to dial down your attitude and increase your situational awareness, the staff will figure you out and extend to you none of these courtesies." By saying that the admin's comment at Columbia was "shitty" has nothing to do with "situational awareness," it has everything to do with not being an ass. Also, you assume that the person who sent the first email had an "attitude." Judgemental much? The admin could have just said "letters of admissions are coming out in x days" or not responded. I would appreciate if you could make the trek down your ivory tower and drop the air of moral superiority.

@Sigaba was giving you advice, and that advice was well meant. That's why those of us who have already gone through this process stick around. Ignore it to your own disadvantage.

Also, disparaging the ivory tower while applying to PhD programs is... special.

[archi]

5 hours ago, minion.banana said:

But for me it's not the best fit, so I'm not holding my breath This is my second time applying, and to be honest 99% of my friends in PhD programs in the humanities got in on their second application cycle. So if you don't get in anywhere this year (though fingers crossed you do!) don't give up!

I've been increasingly curious about this, how many people end up doing two rounds of applications in history. I guess its hard to get more than anecdotal evidence but I've been surprised how frequently it comes up- most of my friends are in the science/math/econ realm where I get the sense its much less common- so when I mostly struck out last year I felt real dumb. I had been assuming the "it has more to do with the year than you" was mostly to soften the blow but I'm a second rounder too and its been going much better this year, so maybe there is some truth there. Now if only it didn't involve spending several hundred dollars twice... 

[Rainy Day Woman]

Anyone else waitlisted for one of their top programs but still invited to the visiting weekend? Can't not take the opportunity but trying to reign in my growing hope of actual acceptance so I don't get crushed.

Also congrats admits so far and hearts to those still waiting. We're getting there.

[russianblue]

Has anyone else been put on a mailing list for the institutions they applied to? I keep getting emails from the American University with titles like buzzwords like "Graduate Student Enrollment" or "Welcome" (granted, these aren't the full titles). I keep seeing them and getting my hopes up for some kind of answer, only to immediately be let down! I have already heard back from one school, but the radio silence from everywhere else is killing me. All of my colleagues have already heard back from at least two to three of their programs and I've seen some admissions/rejections from all of the programs I've applied to up on the survey. Granted, I take it that no news from Columbia is bad news at this point, but I'm still holding out a little hope for the others. 

[Audrey90]

Hello! Long time lurker here

Congratulations to all those admitted so far! 

I received this response from UCLA. Safe to assume I didn't get in? 

 

Also, has anyone heard back from Stanford?