2019 Doctorate Application Progress thread

[Jeremy34]

Does anyone know if they are going to turn down an offer at Manchester? I am on reserve list (don’t know where)

I've messaged you!

I'm also on the Manchester reserve list - also no idea where.
Any ideas how long these reserve lists are, or how much or when they move?

[pip123]

Has anyone heard anything from Royal Holloway?

Hey Also waiting to hear from Royal Holloway.. fingers crossed!

[hjd118]

Has anyone heard anything from Royal Holloway?

Hey Also waiting to hear from Royal Holloway.. fingers crossed!

Has anybody had a phone call from RH?

[ahebw2]

Has anyone heard anything from Royal Holloway?

Hey Also waiting to hear from Royal Holloway.. fingers crossed!

Has anybody had a phone call from RH?

No I haven’t heard anything - very confused!

[FelicityMorgan]

I think they said they will only call successful applicants- don't know about reserve list whether they will call or just email about that.

I haven't had a call so assuming it's a no given the time. It's not the most containing ways to find out to be honest.

Good luck everyone and well done to those who did get phonecalls today!

[Haemosu]

Hey all,

It's been a long and gruelling process, but persistence has finally paid off!

Glasgow
UCL -> UCL
Birmingham -> Birmingham (withdrawn)
Edinburgh -> EDINBURGH!!!

4th time applying. Last year didn't even get a single interview. So many times I have found myself disillusioned, doubting my ability, often literally on the verge of a career change. Also, being a male speaking English as a second language might not exactly 'fit' what's widely considered to be the perfect candidate profile, and for me has long been a source of worry.
But it can be done!

I still can't believe it's happening.

Best of luck to all those who are still waiting for their results, and especially to all who will be trying again in Autumn - never give up, it IS possible!

[Jeremy34]

4th time applying. Last year didn't even get a single interview. So many times I have found myself disillusioned, doubting my ability, often literally on the verge of a career change. Also, being a male speaking English as a second language might not exactly 'fit' what's widely considered to be the perfect candidate profile, and for me has long been a source of worry.
But it can be done!

Congratulations!
Did you do anything between years of applying that could have improved your chances?
It's really striking when people share their attempts over the years, and one year some get onto reserve lists and the next they don't even get an interview.

[Tugce1993]

Fourth time applying - first ever interview! So excited and CANNOT believe it!

Essex
KCL
Royal Holloway
Hertfordshire

ESSEX

[benbrand]

I was debating as to whether I would even post as it's difficult, but I think it's important to acknowledge the rejections! I'm feeling like this whole process is like a game of snakes and ladders! Now I'm approaching 30 I'm wondering where to go now.

Edinburgh
UEA
IOP
Birmingham

Congrats to all the blues, It's so encouraging to see peoples success stories.

[FelicityMorgan]

Thought I'd join in and show some reds.

Oxford
UEL
UCL >> UCL
RHUL >> RHUL

Feeling lucky as this is my first application but also approaching 30 and worried about not getting another shot at this!

[Esuma]

I was debating as to whether I would even post as it's difficult, but I think it's important to acknowledge the rejections! I'm feeling like this whole process is like a game of snakes and ladders! Now I'm approaching 30 I'm wondering where to go now.

Edinburgh
UEA
IOP
Birmingham

Congrats to all the blues, It's so encouraging to see peoples success stories.

Hi Benbrand - I’m also approaching 30 and having a bit of a personal freak out this year after my rejection. I think it’s important to post the rejections and be honest about these lows as, particularly this year, it seems nearly everyone posting has got offers and that’s a whole lot of selection bias going on!

[RoseBud]

FelicityMorgan, BenBrand and Esuma - I freaked out about my career when I hit 30 too. In fact, all of my friends freaked out about something at 30; all of a sudden you feel like you should have checked a whole bunch of life “boxes”. But honestly, nothing changes when you turn 30, it’s just a number. If you love it, stick with it.
I got two offers this year - I’m 32.

[FelicityMorgan]

Thanks Rosebud! I find that really reassuring! Definitely having an existential moment approaching 30, feeling a bit "old" compared to lots of others that are being offered places on training. Your post reminds me that comparison is unhelpful and like you say, if you love it just keep going and enjoy the journey and the work we get to do along the way! Thanks

[FelicityMorgan]

Also I think it's important that we acknowledge that the application process is a rollercoaster of emotions-feelings of self doubt, self efficacy, self criticism, accomplishment, pride, excitement, fear...and that can be in one afternoon. It's a pursuit that is very meaningful and rewarding but is also taxing and consuming at times. So with that in mind, well done to us all, reds and blues, for going through the process this year- it's quite a ride!

[benbrand]

Many thanks for the kind words, all.

I don't want to derail the thread, but will post Spatch's "An open letter to rejectees of 2014". It's certainly a comforting sentiment which I take solace in.

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=17058&hilit=open+letter