I’ve been putting off posting about this for some time. I don’t really have a reason, other than perhaps because my procrastination in posting falls in line with my procrastination in completing applications. Nevertheless, except for one outstanding transcript issue (edit-no more, apparently it’s fixed!), everything is submitted, paid, or in the mail for the following six schools:
- Fordham University
- Duquesne University
- Villanova University
- Vanderbilt University
- Boston College
- Purdue University
All of the applications aim high – PhD in philosophy. A few of them have options for consideration of the MA if not admitted into the PhD. I’m not sure how much I should/want to comment on the schools, given that I have pending applications at all of them, but it should suffice to say that they are all fine schools. Each school has one or two or several people working out of the continental tradition, which was obviously a big focus in choosing schools to apply to. Purdue is probably the school that ‘leans’ analytical the most, but I really like the department and the course offerings. They have a joint Philosophy & Literature program, which is very appealing to me, but you need a Masters-level degree in a related field to apply.
Speaking of MA degrees, I’m currently in the process of figuring out what other schools I will apply to. At this stage, a lot is hinging on what I can afford: it costs at least seventy dollars to pick a new school after application fees and GRE scores are sent. I’m definitely going to apply to Loyola Marymount University, as I’ve already started an application and sent them my scores (they’ve been a target school during the entire process). I’m also certain about applying to the MtS program at Duke Divinity School. Beyond these schools, I’m looking at American University, University of Dallas, and assorted others. I really need to stop looking, because I can’t afford to do much more. I’ll probably end up applying to LMU, Duke, and American and then call it quits.
I don’t really have a favorite school, and I’m not saying this just to say it. Each program has different strengths, but I’d jump at the opportunity to go to any of them. I’m trying to avoid falling into overly optimistic or pessimistic thoughts about the whole thing, and it’s been a strange ride so far. I have actually swung to both extremes, and was especially pessimistic while I was in the process of coordinating them (this happened to occur during finals week, which may or may not have had anything to do with the pessimism). My thinking is that I did the best I could do on the applications, worked hard on the statement of purpose(s) and the writing sample, so now I just have to play the waiting game. I’m thankful for the advice, well-wishes, and most of all patience of all those various collaborators I’ve talked to about the process (you all know who you are).
I don’t think it’s too pessimistic to assume that I might get a few offers to do an MA somewhere, and then have to arrange finances and figure out how to do it. If I get immediately accepted into a PhD program, I’ll be a little surprised and extremely excited. I think I’m prepared to start, don’t get me wrong, but there’s a lot of good people out there who are applying for what amounts to a small number of positions. I’m sure I’ll post updates as they come about this, but that is where things stand right now. To be clear, everything besides Duke is a philosophy program.
Just to add a quick update, I’ve decided on the final MA-level places:
– Loyola Marymount University
– Southern Illinois University Carbondale
– Duke Divinity School (MtS)
The only thing that is left is perpetual terror until mid-March! May the reclusism begin!
Claremont
Best of luck. This is a brutal (and seemingly cruel and random) stretch of the academic journey.