Fall 2018 Applicants

[ltr317]

3 hours ago, Manuscriptess said:

FIRST ACCEPTANCE! U CHICAGO FOR EARLY MODERN!!!

Awesome!  Congrats. 

[TheHessianHistorian]

1 hour ago, khigh said:

Every time I see OSU, I think Oklahoma State, so I'm glad there is a differentiation. 

Whenever I hear people say "WSU," I think of Wright State University where I earned my first Bachelor's degree. Yet, much of the time when someone says "I'm planning on going to WSU" or "I got my degree from WSU," they mean anything from Washington State University to Wichita State University to Weber State University.

Folks just ought to steer clear of abbreviating their university name when there's any ambiguity.

[khigh]

16 minutes ago, TheHessianHistorian said:

Whenever I hear people say "WSU," I think of Wright State University where I earned my first Bachelor's degree. Yet, much of the time when someone says "I'm planning on going to WSU" or "I got my degree from WSU," they mean anything from Washington State University to Wichita State University to Weber State University.

Folks just ought to steer clear of abbreviating their university name when there's any ambiguity.

I went to CU. Not in Colorado! U of M always gets me, too. Here, it’s The U. I think most people call it UMN. 

[rex-sidereus]

@TMP Could you please tell the story behind the THE? I know nothing about football, and couldn't find much by googling it. And now the intrigue is killing me. 

[RazzDazzle]

5 hours ago, ba1dp said:

Hello everyone, 

I found someone who got an interview from Northwestern said that 

POI said the department will make the decision in next week

But my POI told me that the committee will first meet in the mid-Feb.

Could anyone explain why...and which one should I take seriously??

My guess would be that we'll hear sometime this week. I do have a question for you though (and all other NU applicants). At NU, are interviews just POI specific? I haven't gotten an interview, and I'm curious if that means I'm SOL. 

[TMP]

1 hour ago, rex-sidereus said:

@TMP Could you please tell the story behind the THE? I know nothing about football, and couldn't find much by googling it. And now the intrigue is killing me. 

If you want to be completely factual, it's in the FAQ https://library.osu.edu/find/collections/the-ohio-state-university-archives/digitalcontent/faqs#1

But legend on campus is that Urban Meyer the coach makes a 'effing deal out of it because Ohio University also has a football team.  Between Meyer and the state legislatures (mentioned in the FAQ), it's just a way to differentiate the "real" OSU from Oregon State, Oklahoma State, and Ohio University in national standings, academics or football.  And it's the truth, we are so much better than those schools!  

[TMP]

3 hours ago, TheHessianHistorian said:

Whenever I hear people say "WSU," I think of Wright State University where I earned my first Bachelor's degree. Yet, much of the time when someone says "I'm planning on going to WSU" or "I got my degree from WSU," they mean anything from Washington State University to Wichita State University to Weber State University.

Folks just ought to steer clear of abbreviating their university name when there's any ambiguity.

Actually, a very good friend of mine graduated from Oregon State University and came to Ohio State for her PhD.... she was perfectly happy just to keep saying "I go to OSU"!

[Guest1101]

39 minutes ago, RazzDazzle said:

My guess would be that we'll hear sometime this week. I do have a question for you though (and all other NU applicants). At NU, are interviews just POI specific? I haven't gotten an interview, and I'm curious if that means I'm SOL. 

I think it is POI specific.

I won't say I have a formal interview. We just chatted for about half an hour on a Sunday night, and he only asked two questions, one about my WS, the other is a language test.

So don't worry about your application.

 

[fortsibut]

6 minutes ago, TMP said:

If you want to be completely factual, it's in the FAQ https://library.osu.edu/find/collections/the-ohio-state-university-archives/digitalcontent/faqs#1

But legend on campus is that Urban Meyer the coach makes a 'effing deal out of it because Ohio University also has a football team.  Between Meyer and the state legislatures (mentioned in the FAQ), it's just a way to differentiate the "real" OSU from Oregon State, Oklahoma State, and Ohio University in national standings, academics or football.  And it's the truth, we are so much better than those schools!  

Could be, but I remember hearing the emphasis on THE a long time before Meyer showed up.  

[archi]

16 hours ago, ba1dp said:

Hello everyone, 

I found someone who got an interview from Northwestern said that 

POI said the department will make the decision in next week

But my POI told me that the committee will first meet in the mid-Feb.

Hi, I'm a current NU student and I'm pretty sure the faculty discussed admissions by field yesterday (Tuesday) so they're already meeting, decisions next week sounds entirely possible. Interviews are not the norm. 

Also, do with this what you will but the current 1st year cohort is a little Americanist heavy (6 American, 3 Africa, 2 Europe, 2 medieval, 1 middle east) so interviewing may have to do with balancing things out for next year. (I've been told they aim for a third, third, third split between America, Africa, and "everywhere else") But also, who knows?   

[estyz]

Just received an email from University of Washington (Seattle). The DGS said they had 136 applicants and might admit eight applicants. This is my first result, feeling lucky enough. The UChicago acceptance made me really nervous yesterday. Good luck to everyone! 

[Account6567]

I have a call with a professor coming up, who, while listed as an East Asian specialist as one of his teaching focuses, his actual research deals with Korea. In my application for his school I intentionally simply stated my research interests as East Asia (along with the specific time period and angle of course), but for the schools which wanted a specific dissertation proposal I used a topic focusing on China. Would it fit well enough if I stated the China topic if he asks me if I have more specific plans, or should I make sure to come up with something relating better with his actual research interests to make sure I'm not seen as an imperfect fit? Thanks in advance for any help, I'm already excited/nervous over the fact that I actually got an interview of sorts in the first place!

Edited January 31, 2018 by Account6567

[ashiepoo72]

6 minutes ago, Account6567 said:

I have a call with a professor coming up, who, while listed as an East Asian specialist as one of his teaching focuses, his actual research deals with Korea. In my application for his school I intentionally simply stated my research interests as East Asia (along with the specific time period and angle of course), but for the schools which wanted a specific dissertation proposal I used a topic focusing on China. Would it fit well enough if I stated the China topic if he asks me if I have more specific plans, or should I make sure to come up with something relating better with his actual research interests to make sure I'm not seen as an imperfect fit? Thanks in advance for any help, I'm already excited/nervous over the fact that I actually got an interview of sorts in the first place!

Are you interested in Korean history or Chinese history? I would hesitate to tell the professor what you think he wants just so you don't appear to be a bad fit. Instead, I would tell him what you're really interested in then emphasize the ways his expertise can support your project (methodologically, temporally, comparatively, etc). Ex: I want to study X, and your article/book/emphasis on Y method/theory/approach informed how I think about this project in terms of Z.

[Account6567]

6 minutes ago, ashiepoo72 said:

Are you interested in Korean history or Chinese history? I would hesitate to tell the professor what you think he wants just so you don't appear to be a bad fit. Instead, I would tell him what you're really interested in then emphasize the ways his expertise can support your project (methodologically, temporally, comparatively, etc). Ex: I want to study X, and your article/book/emphasis on Y method/theory/approach informed how I think about this project in terms of Z.

The specific dissertation topic I mentioned elsewhere dealt with Chinese history, and that particular topic is the one I'd likely choose if it fit with my advisor, but I've worked with Korean history in the past and certainly have an interest in that as well. So, I don't feel like I'd be deceiving if I stated a different topic I really could see myself doing if I work with him. That said, I'm kind of concerned that if I go with a preliminary idea I'm going to get grilled on it (given its his area of interest) and it's just going to look like I haven't really thought it out. The angle of using his type of approach while still stating the other idea makes a lot of sense though, thanks for suggesting it!

[ashiepoo72]

4 minutes ago, Account6567 said:

The specific dissertation topic I mentioned elsewhere dealt with Chinese history, and that particular topic is the one I'd likely choose if it fit with my advisor, but I've worked with Korean history in the past and certainly have an interest in that as well. So, I don't feel like I'd be deceiving if I stated a different topic I really could see myself doing if I work with him. That said, I'm kind of concerned that if I go with a preliminary idea I'm going to get grilled on it (given its his area of interest) and it's just going to look like I haven't really thought it out. The angle of using his type of approach while still stating the other idea makes a lot of sense though, thanks for suggesting it!

Well why not say you've done more work on Chinese history but have interest in Korean history, then tell him what work you've done in that direction and how you think his expertise can help you? 

You don't need to choose a project to fit with your adviser. They just need to be sufficiently convinced that they can guide your dissertation with the help of other profs in your department, so mentioning who else in the department you might be interested in having on your committee and why is probably a good idea. If you show confidence and interest in a project that you've selected, but also a willingness to move in new directions during grad school, that's good.

[fortsibut]

5 hours ago, clarchibald said:

Also, do with this what you will but the current 1st year cohort is a little Americanist heavy (6 American, 3 Africa, 2 Europe, 2 medieval, 1 middle east) so interviewing may have to do with balancing things out for next year. (I've been told they aim for a third, third, third split between America, Africa, and "everywhere else") But also, who knows?   

Damn, really wish that I'd been able to get my stuff done in time to app to Northwestern.  As an Africanist they're pretty high on my list, and it looks like this was the year to get in if they're looking to shore up that category of students.  =(

[Qtf311]

I just wanted some opinions from others.  If you have a good relationship with a POI at one school and get admitted but later you get admitted to a “better” school but dont feel the same level of support from the POI at the school, what would you do? Attend the better school and take a chance or go with the former program ?

I am also curious what a good funding offer might look like?  What would they offer as stipends and covering other expenses like conference travel?  Just curious what other people’s experiences have been. 

[fortsibut]

25 minutes ago, Qtf311 said:

I just wanted some opinions from others.  If you have a good relationship with a POI at one school and get admitted but later you get admitted to a “better” school but dont feel the same level of support from the POI at the school, what would you do? Attend the better school and take a chance or go with the former program ?

I am also curious what a good funding offer might look like?  What would they offer as stipends and covering other expenses like conference travel?  Just curious what other people’s experiences have been. 

Haven't had to make that decision yet so others will want to jump in as well, but I'd assume that as long as the gap between the schools isn't too wide (t10 vs. much lower ranked, for example) I'd probably opt for the lower ranked school because I prioritize fit.  Obviously there are a lot of factors in play here.  Do you want to remain in academia after graduation?  Is the lower ranked department highly regarded enough to get you in the door for interviews after you graduate?  Is the POI pretty highly respected?  It's frustrating that the job market is so bad that we have to consider going for schools that might not be as ideal a fit in order to ensure that we're in the conversation for jobs after the fact, but unfortunately that's the status quo in academia today.

I thought about this question myself awhile back, actually.  Howard University has a few Africanists with whom I think it'd be interesting to work, but I'm not sure how realistic it'd be to expect to get a tenure track slot with a PhD from the university.

Edited January 31, 2018 by fortsibut

[rex-sidereus]

First acceptance. University of Virginia for Byzantine archeology. To work with a prof I adore. Great funding. 

I'm so happy I'm breathless. 

[Guest1101]

6 hours ago, clarchibald said:

Hi, I'm a current NU student and I'm pretty sure the faculty discussed admissions by field yesterday (Tuesday) so they're already meeting, decisions next week sounds entirely possible. Interviews are not the norm. 

Also, do with this what you will but the current 1st year cohort is a little Americanist heavy (6 American, 3 Africa, 2 Europe, 2 medieval, 1 middle east) so interviewing may have to do with balancing things out for next year. (I've been told they aim for a third, third, third split between America, Africa, and "everywhere else") But also, who knows?   

1

Thank you so much! I also heard that professors will meet bu field first, then they will bring the list to the department meeting. Hope the result will come out soon.

[Assotto]

1 hour ago, Qtf311 said:

I just wanted some opinions from others.  If you have a good relationship with a POI at one school and get admitted but later you get admitted to a “better” school but dont feel the same level of support from the POI at the school, what would you do? Attend the better school and take a chance or go with the former program ?

I am also curious what a good funding offer might look like?  What would they offer as stipends and covering other expenses like conference travel?  Just curious what other people’s experiences have been. 

A good funding package has full funding. This includes a livable academic year stipend for 5 years minimum, paid tuition, and premium health insurance coverage. A really good funding package would also include a summer stipend and accessible conference and travel funds from your department. 

[hats]

2 hours ago, Qtf311 said:

 If you have a good relationship with a POI at one school and get admitted but later you get admitted to a “better” school but dont feel the same level of support from the POI at the school, what would you do? Attend the better school and take a chance or go with the former program ?

What's the ranking split? As others said, you should probably not turn down Yale in favor of a university that doesn't place students in the kinds of jobs you want.

If the difference is relatively minor, what kind of difference in "level of support" are you feeling? I know some students who put a really high priority on "nice," like, does this advisor buy chocolate for their students every Halloween. Personal warm-fuzziness above the minimum level of politeness is orthogonal to talent as an advisor, though. Do you think the person from whom you feel less support is a good advisor in general? What do their other students say about working with them—are they easy to work with, do they treat their students well, do they challenge their students appropriately, do they advocate for them on the job market? If the person does all those things and seems noticeably less invested in you than in other students...does this professor take a long time to warm up to people? If they usually warm up quickly and you're noticing a distinct lack of enthusiasm, that's a red flag. Even if everyone else gives them a wonderful review and assures you that all of their behavior is normal for them, their style may still be bothering you right now. It is possible that you two will just never have compatible styles, even if both of you are perfectly nice people. First impressions are so inaccurate, so often, however, that I advise you not to go with your gut instinct immediately. Interrogate the instinct, and if it's really persistent, I would consider listening. But also, sometimes major faculty really don't work out for people...in my program, I have seen both incompatible styles where nobody is at fault, and situations where one of the parties was maybe kind of being a jerk. For either department, you can't just work with one POI. If your main POI at each department decided to move to Hawaii to start a surf shack on the beach—or turns out to be a surprise jerk—who is your second choice as main advisor? How 'deep' is the roster of faculty whom you'd consider to ask to join your committee? Academia is still based, to a very weird degree, on the apprenticeship model...but even so, you're not working with just the one person. Can you Skype both advisors? Are you going to visit weekends? In sum: Get a lot more data before you make your final decisions. You have time on your side for a little bit here, so I advise you to use it. And who knows—maybe you'll get admitted at a third school that blows the other two out of the water in prestige and support ;)—stranger things have happened!

[BuckinghamRabbit]

Having seen a few people admitted into University of Chicago's program (one in this thread and two others on the Grad Cafe admissions results page), I am wondering if anybody knows whether or not this means that everybody who has not been contacted is either waitlisted or denied. I suppose it is possible that they send out admission letters over the course of a few days or weeks. Thoughts?

[Qtf311]

@Assotto @fortsibutand @hats thanks for the feedback.  I am not making any decisions for atleast another month but sometimes it helps to hear how others perspectives.

[estyz]

18 minutes ago, BuckinghamRabbit said:

Having seen a few people admitted into University of Chicago's program (one in this thread and two others on the Grad Cafe admissions results page), I am wondering if anybody knows whether or not this means that everybody who has not been contacted is either waitlisted or denied. I suppose it is possible that they send out admission letters over the course of a few days or weeks. Thoughts?

Actually, I was wondering whether the two East Asian History acceptance was from the History or EALC department. Anxiously waiting for new reports. I am not sure but I guess UChicago history does not have waitlists.