Fall 2010 - Anthro Admissions Results

[samjones]

I also was invited to interview; in fact it was conducted earlier today. Whole thing seemed passing strange for exactly the reasons you've outlined. I think I managed to overwhelm them with my tendency to ramble though.

I was told though that they are currently on their long list and that they have 3/4 places. Now given that each interview takes 15-20 and they said that the choice of time was 920-1020 on Monday roughly the same time again on Tuesday or Tuesday afternoon it would seem unlikely that they are interviewing significantly more than two dozen applicants. Of course I do not know how big the admissions group is (could be they have more than one set of interviewers).

Anyway good luck if you haven't already done this.

SO IT WAS YOU WHO TOOK MY FIRST CHOICE TIME SLOT (and a few others, i guess)!

lol. just kidding.

anyway, i haven't done the interview yet. i'm super nervous. i have a few questions for you:

1. did the committee introduce themselves (yeah, if you're willing, you can tell me some names. go ahead!!)?

2. how many folks were on the phone/skype conversation with you?

3. did you do skype or just regular phone?

4. and what do you mean "passing strange for exactly the reasons" I outlined?? that it seems like their first doing it or something else?

5. did they give you any ballpark estimation of when they think they'll make admissions decisions this year?

Good luck to you, too!! I bet you did wonderful and I bet you just sounded really passionate and informed about your work when you were "rambling." =)

[papayadance]

Wow, congrats to all who have had admits or interviews already. Wahoo!!

I just got an email from MIT (HASTS) for an interview an upcoming weekend..... I'm insanely nervous! It's one of my tops and a kooky program and uhghgihghdf.

From those of you who have already had interviews -- any tips????? I've scoured this forum for general interview prep, but I mean specific anthro stuff and the not-so-important stuff like what to bring + wear.

Ahh!!

[Gigsed]

SO IT WAS YOU WHO TOOK MY FIRST CHOICE TIME SLOT (and a few others, i guess)!

lol. just kidding.

anyway, i haven't done the interview yet. i'm super nervous. i have a few questions for you:

1. did the committee introduce themselves (yeah, if you're willing, you can tell me some names. go ahead!!)?

2. how many folks were on the phone/skype conversation with you?

3. did you do skype or just regular phone?

4. and what do you mean "passing strange for exactly the reasons" I outlined?? that it seems like their first doing it or something else?

5. did they give you any ballpark estimation of when they think they'll make admissions decisions this year?

Good luck to you, too!! I bet you did wonderful and I bet you just sounded really passionate and informed about your work when you were "rambling." =)

In short:-

1/Yes as Rocio Magna and Daniel Goldstein

2/ Two people

3/Regular phone, they seemed to not be able to ring me on skype; which is weird cause I just had a conflab with someone on it the other day.

4/I mean that they seemed to be rather new to the whole process but I'm from Northern Ireland and so my observation might just be down to cultural differences.

5/Not really, Goldstein said it was a long process and then invited me to email either of them any time.

Hope that helps. Seriously the whole thing is very formulaic you have nothing to worry about.

Once again good luck

[samjones]

Wow, congrats to all who have had admits or interviews already. Wahoo!!

I just got an email from MIT (HASTS) for an interview an upcoming weekend..... I'm insanely nervous! It's one of my tops and a kooky program and uhghgihghdf.

From those of you who have already had interviews -- any tips????? I've scoured this forum for general interview prep, but I mean specific anthro stuff and the not-so-important stuff like what to bring + wear.

Ahh!!

i'd love more advice myself BUT i can tell you that i plan on having (for a phone interview, by the way):

1. a list of the faculty that i think i could benefit from/could work with

2. a separate list of all the faculty in the department because i won't know who i'm interviewing with until they introduce themselves on the phone

3. my cv

4. my writing sample

5. some questions about the work the faculty are involved

6. some questions about recent dissertation topics

7. some questions about recent graduate student placements

again, this is for a phone interview and so it won't matter that i have a bunch of papers spread out in front of me. lol. for an in person interview... i might still bring that much but would probably just have that in a folder and would try to keep it stacked up neatly.

as for specific questions... i haven't gotten ones that can be applied to just any program besides maybe asking "what made you decide to choose me for an interview?" "how did/do you expect me to contribute to the program/department?" i don't even know if those are appropriate questions. so feedback is welcome. and i mean, VERY WELCOME.

congrats to you, too!

[samjones]

In short:-

1/Yes as Rocio Magna and Daniel Goldstein

2/ Two people

3/Regular phone, they seemed to not be able to ring me on skype; which is weird cause I just had a conflab with someone on it the other day.

4/I mean that they seemed to be rather new to the whole process but I'm from Northern Ireland and so my observation might just be down to cultural differences.

5/Not really, Goldstein said it was a long process and then invited me to email either of them any time.

Hope that helps. Seriously the whole thing is very formulaic you have nothing to worry about.

Once again good luck

that all does help. thank you so much for being forthcoming! in return, i'll let you know if i'm interviewed by the same folks and any other new info that i get!

[Gigsed]

that all does help. thank you so much for being forthcoming! in return, i'll let you know if i'm interviewed by the same folks and any other new info that i get!

No worries blud. Happy to be of service.

[vanishingpoint]

Congratulations on landing the HASTS interview, papayadance! I decided not to apply to the program, because it just seemed so insanely competitive; even their website made me feel inadequate. But they obviously like what you have to say, so go in there and show them what's what.

Wow, congrats to all who have had admits or interviews already. Wahoo!!

I just got an email from MIT (HASTS) for an interview an upcoming weekend..... I'm insanely nervous! It's one of my tops and a kooky program and uhghgihghdf.

From those of you who have already had interviews -- any tips????? I've scoured this forum for general interview prep, but I mean specific anthro stuff and the not-so-important stuff like what to bring + wear.

Ahh!!

[Anthropologistonthefarm]

Hey friends, I noticed a post from Berkeley in the results section. Can the poster give any info? Congrats to them if its legit, but I am a little curious as to why funding info will follow. They guarantee funding for 5 years...Would this be for a fellowship?

[anthroboy2010]

Hey friends, I noticed a post from Berkeley in the results section. Can the poster give any info? Congrats to them if its legit, but I am a little curious as to why funding info will follow. They guarantee funding for 5 years...Would this be for a fellowship?

hmmm, interesting. i'm not the berkeley person, but i did not know they guarantee funding for 5 years. I specifically did not apply to berkeley anthropology for fear of lack of funding at the UC's.

I did find this on their website though:

Incoming students

On admission, the department nominates selected students for competitive university fellowships, including the Berkeley Fellowship, Regents Fellowship, Chancellor's Opportunity Fellowship, and Cota Robles Fellowship. Nominations are based on information provided in the standard Berkeley application for admission. These fellowships provide two years of fees and stipend, and non-resident tuition in the first year, and a commitment of two more years of department funding. The department also nominates students for other fellowships, such as the FLAS, based on the information in the application.

[hogmommy]

I don't have any sort of official news, just hearsay, but I am taking a class from the director of the state archaeological survey (in coordination with the university) who has heard that the dept. is excited to finally have a applicant eligible (because of GRE score) for a HUGE university-wide fellowship (tuition waiver plus $38k/year renewable for 4 years) and because of my score (1420 combined) assumes it is me! Beyond excited. Even though I might not get the fellowship, I feel that acceptance is all but guaranteed.

[Anthropologistonthefarm]

I don't have any sort of official news, just hearsay, but I am taking a class from the director of the state archaeological survey (in coordination with the university) who has heard that the dept. is excited to finally have a applicant eligible (because of GRE score) for a HUGE university-wide fellowship (tuition waiver plus $38k/year renewable for 4 years) and because of my score (1420 combined) assumes it is me! Beyond excited. Even though I might not get the fellowship, I feel that acceptance is all but guaranteed.

(preemptive) CONGRATS

[applyingwaitingstressing]

i'm also curious bc this person says their program date is S10 (not an option @ berkeley) and this is also the person who said they got a phone call from their potential advisor, but then someone else in this thread said the grad coordinator axed that possibility... so... curious indeed... (i'm getting a little hopped up on conspiracy theories)

Hey friends, I noticed a post from Berkeley in the results section. Can the poster give any info? Congrats to them if its legit, but I am a little curious as to why funding info will follow. They guarantee funding for 5 years...Would this be for a fellowship?

[aboxofcarrots]

hmm that's interesting. because i remember clearly you saying elsewhere that you only applied to ONE university. so to get such an AMAZING funding package is beyond awesome!!!!!!

I don't have any sort of official news, just hearsay, but I am taking a class from the director of the state archaeological survey (in coordination with the university) who has heard that the dept. is excited to finally have a applicant eligible (because of GRE score) for a HUGE university-wide fellowship (tuition waiver plus $38k/year renewable for 4 years) and because of my score (1420 combined) assumes it is me! Beyond excited. Even though I might not get the fellowship, I feel that acceptance is all but guaranteed.

Edited February 2, 2010 by aboxofcarrots

[Anthropologistonthefarm]

i'm also curious bc this person says their program date is S10 (not an option @ berkeley) and this is also the person who said they got a phone call from their potential advisor, but then someone else in this thread said the grad coordinator axed that possibility... so... curious indeed... (i'm getting a little hopped up on conspiracy theories)

Wellll, are we sure that its the same person?

Also, I think the person could just be confused as to their program date, I've noticed a few people on the forum mixing that part up.

I think we might as well just take a deep breath (hard to do huh!).

[hogmommy]

hmm that's interesting. because i remember clearly you saying elsewhere that you only applied to ONE university. so to get such an AMAZING funding package is beyond awesome!!!!!!

Yes, I did only apply to one university. My husband's career requires us to stay in the area and I have been a stay-at-home mommy for 6+ years. I am shocked as I did not know such funding existed! Thank god for Walmart.

[aboxofcarrots]

so happy for you all the way from Singapore

Yes, I did only apply to one university. My husband's career requires us to stay in the area and I have been a stay-at-home mommy for 6+ years. I am shocked as I did not know such funding existed! Thank god for Walmart.

[papayadance]

@hogmommy -- congrats!!! sounds like you deserve it... good luck!*

@vanishingpoint -- thanks... i'll try to project that confidence when i'm there hahahah eek

*hope that luck is like pixie dust....spread it around, lol

[samjones]

No worries blud. Happy to be of service.

hey. i wanted to let you know that i had my interivew earlier today and i also did a little rambling about. it's hard to tell if they are expecting you talk more than the siple answer you try to give (maybe because of the delay caused by conference calling?? idk.).

it turned out that prof. goldstein and prof. schien were assigned to my interview. it was a pretty short convo and left me feeling even more nervous. i'm glad it's over though! whew. now i just have to wait. it's such a great department/program!

they also said they would hope to make decisions by the end of the month. therfore, i hope this next month goes by as fast as i feel january went.

[Gigsed]

hey. i wanted to let you know that i had my interivew earlier today and i also did a little rambling about. it's hard to tell if they are expecting you talk more than the siple answer you try to give (maybe because of the delay caused by conference calling?? idk.).

it turned out that prof. goldstein and prof. schien were assigned to my interview. it was a pretty short convo and left me feeling even more nervous. i'm glad it's over though! whew. now i just have to wait. it's such a great department/program!

they also said they would hope to make decisions by the end of the month. therfore, i hope this next month goes by as fast as i feel january went.

Hey thanks for the update.

Yeah, I have to say I really like Rutgers as a program and the attraction is increased cause New Brunswick is one of my fieldsites.

By the way I am dead jealous of you getting an interview with Prof. Schein as she is who I was actually angling to work with (there aren't that many anthropologists working on transnational and diasporic Asian American communities in suitable departments).

Just out of interest was your questioning dominated by Goldstein? (Well to the extent that anyone can dominate half a dozen questions!)

[applicator]

i'm also curious bc this person says their program date is S10 (not an option @ berkeley) and this is also the person who said they got a phone call from their potential advisor, but then someone else in this thread said the grad coordinator axed that possibility... so... curious indeed... (i'm getting a little hopped up on conspiracy theories)

Hi Berkeley people... have any of you heard anything from/about UCB yet? I know the first week of February tends to be when their acceptances go out, but I don't want to call and bother them (I'll let someone else do that!). As for the guy who posted his results, I kinda doubt he's lying-- he probably just knows a professor pretty well and that's how he got the "inside" info and the seemingly-early acceptance (maybe he's an undergrad there and the professor is his friend). Anyway, just seein' what's up... and good luck to you all!!!

[samjones]

Hey thanks for the update.

Yeah, I have to say I really like Rutgers as a program and the attraction is increased cause New Brunswick is one of my fieldsites.

By the way I am dead jealous of you getting an interview with Prof. Schein as she is who I was actually angling to work with (there aren't that many anthropologists working on transnational and diasporic Asian American communities in suitable departments).

Just out of interest was your questioning dominated by Goldstein? (Well to the extent that anyone can dominate half a dozen questions!)

Prof. Goldstein did dominate the interviewing but that was alright for me because he is the person I would most likely work with (or at least work with the most) because his research is most relevant to my interests. but yeah, since he was on both of our calls, maybe one can conclude that he is the "lead" ad com member. does it usually work like that?

yeah, i was expecting prof. magana to be the second interviewer so i was surprised when prof. schein introduced herself. i'm jealous that you got prof. magana because she would have been a little more relevant for me and i was not very familiar with prof. schein at all. i felt so bad but they didn't test me on it or anything and i was able to show that i am familiar with prof. goldstein.

my interview was super short, by the way. and i mean, less than 15 minutes! it was a really quick conversation.

i agree; rutgers has a great program and i would be so happy to be there.

what kind of field work are doing in new brunswick?

[Homo studentsis]

Hi Berkeley people... have any of you heard anything from/about UCB yet? I know the first week of February tends to be when their acceptances go out, but I don't want to call and bother them (I'll let someone else do that!). As for the guy who posted his results, I kinda doubt he's lying-- he probably just knows a professor pretty well and that's how he got the "inside" info and the seemingly-early acceptance (maybe he's an undergrad there and the professor is his friend). Anyway, just seein' what's up... and good luck to you all!!!

I just got an email from Berkeley and hour ago inviting me to come in for an interview. However, I'm biological anthropology and my potential adviser is in the Integrative Biology department, NOT Anthropology. So if you applied to the Anthro program don't worry that you haven't heard anything yet.

[applyingwaitingstressing]

ya i doubt he is too... all this waiting for theslowestprogramsEVER is starting to get to me

apparently Duke people should get an email today or tomorrow according to the grad coordinator there (not sure if that's just for the lucky ones that get interviews or not though)

here's what i've got in terms of berkeley, from the grad coordinator: the lists are not final. some people may have heard informally from profs, but others (also accepted) have not. and they still haven't figured out all the finalists. when they do either the grad coordinator or head advisor will be sending out emails

hope this helps!

Hi Berkeley people... have any of you heard anything from/about UCB yet? I know the first week of February tends to be when their acceptances go out, but I don't want to call and bother them (I'll let someone else do that!). As for the guy who posted his results, I kinda doubt he's lying-- he probably just knows a professor pretty well and that's how he got the "inside" info and the seemingly-early acceptance (maybe he's an undergrad there and the professor is his friend). Anyway, just seein' what's up... and good luck to you all!!!

[applicator]

ya i doubt he is too... all this waiting for theslowestprogramsEVER is starting to get to me

apparently Duke people should get an email today or tomorrow according to the grad coordinator there (not sure if that's just for the lucky ones that get interviews or not though)

here's what i've got in terms of berkeley, from the grad coordinator: the lists are not final. some people may have heard informally from profs, but others (also accepted) have not. and they still haven't figured out all the finalists. when they do either the grad coordinator or head advisor will be sending out emails

hope this helps!

Wow thank you!! I'm really glad for this info-- it's a tremendous relief. I'd pretty much written off UCB (very sadly) when I saw that guy's acceptance posted, not having heard back myself. I'm really glad to have even a couple more days of *thinking* that I might possibly get in before suffering the almost-statistically-certain disappointment. This site is fantastic; I'm glad to have you all suffering along with me, and the helpful information is truly valuable for all of us (and to all of the "lurkers" I'm sure are reading this too).

[applicator]

ya i doubt he is too... all this waiting for theslowestprogramsEVER is starting to get to me

apparently Duke people should get an email today or tomorrow according to the grad coordinator there (not sure if that's just for the lucky ones that get interviews or not though)

here's what i've got in terms of berkeley, from the grad coordinator: the lists are not final. some people may have heard informally from profs, but others (also accepted) have not. and they still haven't figured out all the finalists. when they do either the grad coordinator or head advisor will be sending out emails

hope this helps!

By the way, did they happen to mention when accepted students might start to hear back?